On the 1st of August 2023, the Chief Ombudsman contacted the City Manager Frank Ravu regarding concerns with the bypass road leading from the Konedobu St Roundabout to the Koura Roundabout. This intervention was triggered by a recent natural disaster. On July 7, 2023, a magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck the eastern part of Papua New Guinea. The tremor caused structural damage to the road, primarily due to the inadequate compaction of its bottom layers, resulting in a noticeable depression on its surface.
This intervention by the OC was not in response to a specific complaint but rather an own initiative to address an infrastructure issue in the city caused by the natural disaster.
Upon receiving the Chief’s communication, the City Manager promptly dispatched an engineering team to assess the situation and conduct a soil test to ensure the safety of commuters; gravel was laid as a temporary solution. While NCDC organized to engage a contractor for the complete repair of the road.
A Road Construction Company was awarded the contract for 1 month to repair the road. Within two weeks, they successfully completed one lane, and they are currently focused on completing the second lane. The dimensions of the road repair cover a length of 60 meters, a width of 6 meters, and a depth of 3 meters, ensuring the restoration of a safe and strong roadway.
The Commission acknowledges and commends the City Manager Frank Ravu and his team for their swift response and proactive efforts in addressing this critical road infrastructure issue. The timely intervention has ensured the safety and convenience of the commuters in the affected area. The prompt response and successful road repair reflect the OC’s commitment to public safety and efficient governance.