Governor Gary Juffa Informing the People of Oro Regarding the Roadworks Along the Kokoda Highway.
By Gary Juffa | 21 June 2021. Dear people of Oro, I take note of your complaints regarding the roadworks along the Kokoda Highway. Indeed I have taken time to inspect the highway with a couple of engineers who had a look and agree with you that many sections of the roadworks are very poorly executed. During my visits on several occasions I sighted no inspectors at all. The machines were operated by people who did not seem to know what they were doing. In one case I sighted an asian expatriate from a logging company operating a heavy machine! I asked the Works Manager David TUPP and he stated that his office had NO PART in the selection of the contractors and that it was an Australian Government funded effort. Since it is supposedly under the Transport Support Services Program (TSSP) which is an Australian Government funded program, I asked the Australian Government Head of Mission who exactly chose the contractors who are doing the terrible work along the highway (some seem to have no machines are re hiring Works machines!) he mentioned it was certainly NOT the Australian Government that selected the contractor. I have sent a note to Minister Michael Nali and Secretary David Wereh of works to clarify exactly who are the contractors and who selected them and using what criteria. I am yet to receive their responses. Meanwhile I am going to suggest to the Australian Government that since this is their funding that they be wholly involved in the procurement process and engage based on their criteria and standards. It is a sad confession that we apparently do not have standards and our procurement systems are untrustworthy. If you have any further information do contact me on gary.juffa@oro.gov.pg. I shall find out exactly what is going on and why: 1) companiers with no machines or capacity are engaged 2) there is no supervision of the roadworks to ensure qualiy work is done 3) why Australian taxpayers money is squandered in such an irresponsible and uncaring manner by who in the PNG Government Thank you Word and picture by Gary Juffa, the Governor of Oro Province. Read more news and stories here.
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