Deputy Chief of the Australian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Harvey Reynolds, and Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF) Chief of Force Preparation, Colonel Craig Solomon, have officially opened the upgraded access road to the Air Transport Wing (ATW) in Port Moresby.
The upgrade of the Jackson Access Road was delivered through the Defense Cooperation Program (DCP), Australia’s longstanding defense partnership with PNG. The project was completed by a local Papua New Guinean construction contractor.
The original unsealed road severely restricted vehicle movement, making access to the ATW difficult and dangerous.
The upgrade included the replacement of the unsealed road with a more resilient sealed asphalt road to enhance community safety and security.
A footpath alongside the access road has been installed will provide much safer access for those travelling to the area on foot, including to the medical centres while the road lighting and signage have also been included to further improve safety and security.
A major element of the upgrade was addressing the longstanding drainage issues on the road, which previously caused flash flooding, rapid road deterioration, and diminished usability.
The upgrade included the installation of refurbished drainage systems.
“We are thankful to the ADF for coming through the DCP to refurbish the access road. This is just a small part of the partnership program we (PNGDF) have with the ADF,” said Chief of Force Preparation, Colonel Craig Solomon.
“Through the dedication of the ATW, the PNGDF Air Element is an incredible capability, and the ADF is proud to be a part of its journey,” said Deputy Chief of Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Harvey Reynolds.
Australia and Papua New Guinea share a close and longstanding defense partnership built on cooperation and trust. The upgrade to the access road will support the PNGDF in delivering on PNG Government priorities.