The Directorate General (DG) of DGH signs two road reconstruction works packages in Papua. The two contract packages with a total value of Rp577.35 billion were signed in Jakarta on Friday (12/10) witnessed by the Director of Road Development Network Rahman Arief, Director of Preservation of Hedi Rahadian and Director of Iwan Zarkasi Bridge.

The first package is the reconstruction of the 33 Km Seredala-Dekai road with a value of Rp250.88 billion, which is carried out by PT Brantas Abipraya. While the second package is the reconstruction of the Karubaga-Ilu-Mulia road section for the 24 Km work with a value of Rp326.47 billion carried out by PT Modern Widya Tehnical. Head of the XVIII National Road Implementation Agency (BBPJN) Osman Harianto Marbun said, both are part of Trans Papua which is also a logistical route.

"The Kaburaga-Ilu-Mulia section connects two districts namely Puncak Jaya with Jayawijaya, the road has indeed been open since 1998, a total length of 150 Km, of which more than half have not been paved," Osman said.

He continued, the section is a logistical road especially from Wamena to Puncak Jaya and Tolikara so it requires paved road conditions to smooth the flow of traffic. While the Dekai section that has opened 180 Km from Dekai-Oksibil. Through the 3-year program it is expected to be completely paved by the end of 2019.

"This year we are working 33 Km, although the plan is completed at the end of 2019, but we are trying to accelerate so that it can be completed in mid-2019," he continued.

The Director of Preservation, Hedi Rahadian, asked the contractor to complete the work on time and in an orderly manner. He also stressed the importance of traffic engineering during construction in the field. Even though the flow of vehicles on the Papua road is not as busy as in big cities, it remains an important aspect to maintain road safety.

On the same occasion Bridge Director Iwan Zarkasi mentioned the availability of manpower, material supply and adequate equipment to achieve the work target. The contractor was asked to also be able to understand the environmental conditions of employment, weather and the surrounding community. (Kompu BM)