Australian High Commission
Papua New Guinea

140617 - MR - Companies invited to invited to upgrade Manus transport

17 June 2014

Companies invited to upgrade Manus transport infrastructure

Australia and Papua New Guinea are a step closer to undertaking three priority road and bridge upgrade projects to boost economic development in Manus.

An open international tender has been issued for the projects that will rehabilitate the Loniu and Nuwok bridges, improve the resilience to flooding of the Lorengau – Momote road and upgrade roads and drains around the Lorengau market square.

“The repairs to these roads and bridges will better connect people and businesses to markets and services in Lorengau,” Australia’s High Commissioner to PNG, Ms Deborah Stokes, said.

“It is part of Australia’s additional assistance to boost economic development and services on Manus that includes upgrading the Lorengau main market.

“The Regional Processing Centre is providing economic opportunities including 903 jobs for Manusians as at 31 May, purchasing goods and services worth more than K2 million per week and sub-contract and supply opportunities in construction.”

The transport infrastructure project is fully funded by the Government of Australia and has been planned in close cooperation with the Department of Works.

The tender is open for PNG and international companies and will be a competitive and transparent process. The project includes provision for local employment generation through the use of Manus subcontractors, community organisations such as women’s and church groups, and local employees.

“Interested companies are encouraged to review the tender information and consider this business opportunity. It is important that a company is selected that can deliver the works on time, within budget and to a high standard,” Ms Stokes said.

The international tender will close on 29 July and a contract is expected to be awarded in September. Construction work is estimated to begin in November. A separate open international tender for construction supervision has been issued and closes on 8 July.

A pre-bid conference for potential bidders will be held on 24 June 2014. Interested firms can find more information and learn how to participate via the website of the Papua New Guinea – Australia Transport Sector Support Program: www.pngtssp.com.