Papua New Guinea : Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project

Sovereign Project | 43200-024

The Project will improve Papua New Guinea's (PNG) two-lane national road network by replacing narrow temporary modular steel (or Bailey) and other deteriorated bridges with permanent two-lane structures. The reusable Bailey bridges will be reassembled on rural roads to improve access. The Project is the first phase of the proposed bridge replacement program and covers five of the 16 priority national roads. It is envisaged that the Project scope will be expanded in future to finance subsequent phases of the bridge replacement program using Additional Financing Policy. The Project will develop capacity of the Department of Works (DOW) bridge asset management system (BAMS) and improve road safety awareness in rural areas of PNG where accident rate is high. The project preparatory work was undertaken through an Asian Development Bank (ADB) financed TA to PNG.

Project Details

  • Project Officer
    Khpalwan, Bashirullah
    Pacific Department
    Request for information
  • Country/Economy
    Papua New Guinea
  • Modality
  • Sector
    • Transport
Project Name Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project
Project Number 43200-024
Country / Economy Papua New Guinea
Project Status Closed
Project Type / Modality of Assistance Loan
Technical Assistance
Source of Funding / Amount
Loan 2783-PNG: Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Project
Ordinary capital resources US$ 40.00 million
Loan 2784-PNG: Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Project
Asian Development Fund US$ 50.00 million
TA 7874-PNG: Major Bridges Study
Technical Assistance Special Fund US$ 800,000.00
Loan: Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project
European Investment Bank US$ 50.00 million
European Investment Bank US$ 8.40 million
Strategic Agendas Environmentally sustainable growth
Inclusive economic growth
Drivers of Change Gender Equity and Mainstreaming
Governance and capacity development
Sector / Subsector

Transport / Road transport (non-urban)

Gender Effective gender mainstreaming
Description The Project will improve Papua New Guinea's (PNG) two-lane national road network by replacing narrow temporary modular steel (or Bailey) and other deteriorated bridges with permanent two-lane structures. The reusable Bailey bridges will be reassembled on rural roads to improve access. The Project is the first phase of the proposed bridge replacement program and covers five of the 16 priority national roads. It is envisaged that the Project scope will be expanded in future to finance subsequent phases of the bridge replacement program using Additional Financing Policy. The Project will develop capacity of the Department of Works (DOW) bridge asset management system (BAMS) and improve road safety awareness in rural areas of PNG where accident rate is high. The project preparatory work was undertaken through an Asian Development Bank (ADB) financed TA to PNG.
Project Rationale and Linkage to Country/Regional Strategy

The 6.5 million population of PNG spread over a land area of about 462,000 square kilometers (km) is connected by a network of 8,500 km of national roads and over 20,000 km of provincial and district roads. The bulk of the population (85%) lives in rural areas. The road network on the mainland is not fully integrated due to rugged mountains, major rivers and rainforests requiring air and marine transport to access unconnected areas. Similarly, the islands are connected by air and shipping lines. However, most of the population depends heavily on road transport for their livelihood, economic and social activities.

Owing to the rugged terrain and geographic and climatic conditions, PNG has a relatively large number of bridges for the size of the road network. It is estimated that there are over 700 bridges on the national road network. A large proportion of these are single-lane Bailey bridges that were used due to low-cost and faster deployment during early stages of development of the national road network. Due to limited load carrying capacity, increasing traffic volume and deterioration over time, the Bailey bridges have become a safety risk and weak link in the PNG two-lane national road system. Although the Government, with support of development partners, is actively improving and upgrading the roads, there has not been much investment for improvement of bridges. In view of the large number of bridges involved, a longterm program is needed to gradually replace the Bailey and other deteriorated bridges starting with the 16 priority national roads.

The Project offers a comprehensive bridge replacement program. A sector approach is adopted to provide flexibility in implementation. Detailed selection criteria have been developed to assign priority to bridges that are to be replaced. Based on available financing and ease of contract packaging, bridges will be selected from the prioritized list. The Project is the first phase of implementation of the program and includes five priority national roads identified by DOW. It is envisaged that the scope of the Project will be up-scaled in future to include all 16 priority roads by financing subsequent phases through ADB's Additional Financing Policy.

The Bailey bridges that are removed from the national roads and are in useable condition will be reassembled on selected rural roads that lack bridges for crossing streams and rivers. This will improve accessibility of the rural population to markets, livelihood opportunities, education and health facilities. The improved connectivity of rural roads with the national roads will enhance the effectiveness of the overall road network bringing higher economic returns from increased traffic.

Road safety is a major issue in PNG. The high fatality rate of 45 road deaths per 10,000 vehicles in PNG is one of the worst in the Western Pacific region. About 37% of the deaths are to pedestrians. Rural areas have a much higher number of crashes and fatalities and serious injuries. The National Road Safety Council (NRSC) was established in 2007 to advise and coordinate road safety activities. Despite limited resources, NRSC has been actively pursuing road safety initiatives, particularly awareness campaigns, in and around the capital city of Port Moresby which has the largest urban population. Similar initiatives are needed in the rural areas where 85% of the population resides and the accident rate is high.

The DOW's road asset management system and BAMS were established in 2003 and 2005, respectively, for systematic management of the PNG road network. DOW relies on the provincial staff to collect and update the database on a regular basis. However, due to shortage of staff and financial resources, data collection has been irregular and fragmented. Over time, the database has become outdated and is of little use for planning and operations. To make effective use of BAMS, there is a need to improve the database.

The PNG's Strategic Vision 2050, the Development Strategic Plan (DSP; 2011-2030) and the Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP; 2011-2015) emphasize lack of transport infrastructure as a constraint for PNG's economic and social development. The trade and economic development targets in DSP and MTDP requires considerable growth in the coverage and quality of the national road network. The 10 economic corridors for integrated development in DSP coincide with the 16 priority national roads. Improvements on these roads will have a direct impact on economic development. Effective service delivery and income opportunities for the 85% rural population are key priorities. Improved accessibility of rural road networks will open up markets, increase agricultural profitability, facilitate market chain linkage with downstream processing and export markets and expand health services.

The bridge replacement program is included in the existing National Transport Development Plan (2006-2010) but could not be implemented due to resource constraints. A long-term National Transport Strategy (NTS 2011-2030) is under preparation to support the DSP and will become effective on completion. NTS supports the bridge replacement program by emphasizing the desirable/minimum level of service for the national roads where narrow Bailey bridges are considered below standard and a safety and security risk. The Government is keen to proceed with the replacement of temporary Bailey and other deteriorated bridges on the national roads with permanent structures. This is reflected in the ADB's Country Partnership Strategy (2011-2015) and the Country Operations Business Plan (2011-2012).

Impact

The rural population in selected provinces has improved access to markets and social services.

Project Outcome
Description of Outcome

The road network in rural areas of Central Province and West New Britian Provinces are better connected, more efficient and safer.

Progress Toward Outcome

Consulting services (CS) for design and construction supervision approved in Jan 2013 for 12 months. CS for Design completed and same consultant currently supervising works as Engineer on behalf of the EA.

Package 1-Construction of 6 bridges along Magi & Hiritano highways, Central- bids opened on 28 March 2014. ADB approved award recommendation to successful contractor - China Harbour Engineering Company on 29 Aug 2014. ADB issued no objection to EA on 01 Sep 2014. EA signed contract on 11 Dec 2014. Construction has reached 100% completion and bridges opened for traffic since February 2017.

Package 2 -Contruction of 12 bridges along New Britatin highway, WNB- bids opened on 17 April 2014. ADB approved award recommendation to successful contractor - Wild Cat Limited on 28 Oct 2014. ADB issued no objection to EA on 01 Sep 2014. EA signed contract on 11 Dec 2014. Construction was at 60% physical completion at end of 2017, when EA terminated due to poor contractor performance. ADB approved and DOW invited bidders using ADB LIB in Nov 2017. DOW received bids on 21 Dec 2017 and ADB issued no objection to EA's BER in March 2018. EA on 7 June 2018, signed contract with successful contractor.The contractor commenced actual works on the 13 August 2018 and to date, has mobilized its key staff and equipment, investigated all bridges and assessed current conditions, and started piling and concreting works on four bridges.

NRSC completed road saftey awareness programs to project affected communities, schools, markets, etc.

European Investment Bank (EIB) financing and implementing Ramu and Sepik highway total of 9 bridges. EA revised BER pending EIB responses for contract awards.

Implementation Progress
Description of Project Outputs

1. Single-lane bailey bridges are replaced with permanent two-lane bridges on 3 priority national highways by 2020.

2. Reusable bailey bridges installed on selected rural access roads.

3. DOW capacity to implement the Bridge Asset Management System improved.

4. Road safety awareness in rural areas implemented.

5.Project implementation unit (PIU) administers implementation.

Status of Implementation Progress (Outputs, Activities, and Issues)

Ongoing. 6 bridges completed and opened to traffic. 12 bridges under construction.

DOW engaged NRSC through SSS. NRSC commenced road safety awareness in August 2016.

Ongoing. Package 1 bridges completed.

Ongoing. Package 1 - 6 bridges 100% completed and opened for traffic since Feb 2017. Package 2 - 12 bridges. ADB approved contract award in March 2018 and EA signed contract in June 2018.

6 bridges completed and 12 under construction.

Not yet due

Not yet due

Not yet due

Ongoing. Assessment to be done after revised target year of 2019.

Geographical Location Asas, Babaga, Bembei, Bereina, Bumbu, Duduela, Gigipuna, Gomo, Gusap, Karema, Kiava, Kipa, Koke Bagu Plantation, Laloki, Langela, Lavege, Mirapu, Mundjiharanji Villages, Nangumaru, Old Kiava, Sale, Sivitatana, Suondo, Ubai
Safeguard Categories
Environment B
Involuntary Resettlement B
Indigenous Peoples B
Summary of Environmental and Social Aspects
Environmental Aspects Environmental impacts will be minimal.
Involuntary Resettlement For national roads, involuntary resettlement may be needed in case of realignment. For rural roads, initial consultation indicates voluntary provision of land if additional land is needed for installation of bailey bridges.
Indigenous Peoples Over 800 linguistic groups in PNG have distinct cultural and social practices, but they do not consider themselves ethnic minorities. There will be no adverse impact on the indigenous people.
Stakeholder Communication, Participation, and Consultation
During Project Design The DOW as the executing agency (EA) maintained communications and review missions together with the national government key stakeholders and agencies, including the PSC. The ADB consulted the key government departments, agencies, and various stakeholders and donor agencies during processing and preparations of the project prior to ADB approval and loan effectiveness.
During Project Implementation The DOW continues to implement, coordinate and monitor during project implementation at the highest level with the project steering committee, ADB, provincial authorities, politicians, private sector, contractors, services providers and users, local level governments and beneficiaries.
Business Opportunities
Consulting Services Department of Works will be the executing agency for the TA. The TA will require a total of 14 person-months input of international consultants and 18 person-months of national consultants. The consultants will be engaged through a firm using quality- and cost-based selection (90:10). ADB's Guidelines on the Use of Consultants (2010, as amended from time to time) will be followed.
Responsible ADB Officer Khpalwan, Bashirullah
Responsible ADB Department Pacific Department
Responsible ADB Division Papua New Guinea Resident Mission (PNRM)
Executing Agencies
Department of Works and Highways
Timetable
Concept Clearance 03 Sep 2010
Fact Finding 20 Jun 2011 to 01 Jul 2011
MRM 05 Aug 2011
Approval 28 Sep 2011
Last Review Mission -
Last PDS Update 26 Sep 2018

Loan 2783-PNG

Milestones
Approval Signing Date Effectivity Date Closing
Original Revised Actual
28 Sep 2011 24 Nov 2011 21 Mar 2012 30 Jun 2017 30 Jun 2020 28 Jun 2021
Financing Plan Loan Utilization
Total (Amount in US$ million) Date ADB Others Net Percentage
Project Cost 50.00 Cumulative Contract Awards
ADB 40.00 13 Mar 2024 39.98 0.00 100%
Counterpart 10.00 Cumulative Disbursements
Cofinancing 0.00 13 Mar 2024 39.98 0.00 100%

Loan 2784-PNG

Milestones
Approval Signing Date Effectivity Date Closing
Original Revised Actual
28 Sep 2011 24 Nov 2011 21 Mar 2012 30 Jun 2017 30 Jun 2020 28 Jun 2021
Financing Plan Loan Utilization
Total (Amount in US$ million) Date ADB Others Net Percentage
Project Cost 50.00 Cumulative Contract Awards
ADB 50.00 13 Mar 2024 38.51 0.00 100%
Counterpart 0.00 Cumulative Disbursements
Cofinancing 0.00 13 Mar 2024 38.51 0.00 100%

TA 7874-PNG

Milestones
Approval Signing Date Effectivity Date Closing
Original Revised Actual
28 Sep 2011 20 Dec 2011 20 Dec 2011 30 Jun 2013 31 Dec 2014 20 May 2015
Financing Plan/TA Utilization Cumulative Disbursements
ADB Cofinancing Counterpart Total Date Amount
Gov Beneficiaries Project Sponsor Others
800,000.00 0.00 100,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 900,000.00 13 Mar 2024 682,185.40
Status of Covenants
Category Sector Safeguards Social Financial Economic Others
Rating Unsatisfactory Satisfactory Unsatisfactory Satisfactory - Unsatisfactory

Project Data Sheets (PDS) contain summary information on the project or program. Because the PDS is a work in progress, some information may not be included in its initial version but will be added as it becomes available. Information about proposed projects is tentative and indicative.

The Access to Information Policy (AIP) recognizes that transparency and accountability are essential to development effectiveness. It establishes the disclosure requirements for documents and information ADB produces or requires to be produced.

The Accountability Mechanism provides a forum where people adversely affected by ADB-assisted projects can voice and seek solutions to their problems and report alleged noncompliance of ADB's operational policies and procedures.

In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of, or reference to, a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

Title Document Type Document Date
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project Reports and Recommendations of the President Sep 2011
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Procurement Plan Procurement Plans Sep 2011
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project Summary Poverty Reduction and Social Strategies Sep 2011
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project Project/Program Administration Manual Sep 2011
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project Gender Action Plans Sep 2011
Loan Agreement for Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project between Independent State of Papua New Guinea and Asian Development Bank dated 24 November 2011 Loan Agreement (Ordinary Resources) Nov 2011
Loan Agreement (Special Operations) for Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project between Independent State of Papua New Guinea and Asian Development Bank dated 24 November 2011 Loan Agreement (Special Operations) Nov 2011
Amendment to Loan Agreement for Loan 2783-PNG: Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project Loan Agreement (Ordinary Resources) Jan 2013
Major Bridges Study: Technical Assistance Completion Report TA Completion Reports Jul 2015
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Project Procurement-Related Review Report Proactive Integrity Reviews (PIR) Aug 2017
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Follow-up Review Report Proactive Integrity Reviews (PIR) Dec 2019
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Completion Report Project/Program Completion Reports Mar 2022

Safeguard Documents See also: Safeguards
Safeguard documents provided at the time of project/facility approval may also be found in the list of linked documents provided with the Report and Recommendation of the President.

Title Document Type Document Date
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Project: Ramu Highway Environmental Assessment and Measures Apr 2011
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Magi Highway (as of Board approval) Environmental Assessment and Measures Apr 2011
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Project: Hiritano Highway Environmental Assessment and Measures Apr 2011
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Sepik Highway (as of Board approval) Environmental Assessment and Measures Apr 2011
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Project: New Britain Highway Environmental Assessment and Measures Apr 2011
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: New Britain Highway (as of Board approval) Environmental Assessment and Measures Apr 2011
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Project: Sepik Highway Initial Environmental Examination Apr 2011
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Hiritano Highway (as of Board approval) Environmental Assessment and Measures Apr 2011
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Project: Magi Highway Environmental Assessment and Measures Apr 2011
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Ramu Highway (as of Board approval) Environmental Assessment and Measures Apr 2011
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Ramu Highway Resettlement Plans Jun 2011
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Magi Highway (as of Board approval) Resettlement Plans Jun 2011
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Resettlement Framework (as of Board approval) Resettlement Frameworks Jun 2011
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Hiritano Highway Resettlement Plans Jun 2011
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Sepik Highway (as of Board approval) Resettlement Plans Jun 2011
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Environmental Assessment and Review Framework (as of Board approval) Environmental Assessment and Review Framework Jun 2011
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: New Britain Highway Resettlement Plans Jun 2011
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: New Britain Highway (as of Board approval) Resettlement Plans Jun 2011
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Sepik Highway Resettlement Plans Jun 2011
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Hiritano Highway (as of Board approval) Resettlement Plans Jun 2011
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project Resettlement Frameworks Jun 2011
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Magi Highway Resettlement Plans Jun 2011
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Ramu Highway (as of Board approval) Resettlement Plans Jun 2011
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Project Environmental Assessment and Review Framework Jul 2011
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Magi Highway Updated Resettlement Plan Resettlement Plans Aug 2014
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Hiritano Highway Updated Resettlement Plan Resettlement Plans Aug 2014
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project - Magi Highway: Resettlement Action Plan Resettlement Plans Dec 2014
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project - Hiritano Highway: Resettlement Action Plan Resettlement Plans Dec 2014
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project - New Britain Highway: Resettlement Action Plan Resettlement Plans Dec 2014
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: New Britain Highway Updated Resettlement Plan Resettlement Plans Jan 2015
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Environmental Monitoring Report (January-June 2015 and July-December 2015) Environmental Monitoring Reports Oct 2016
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Social Monitoring Report (January-December 2015) Social Monitoring Reports Oct 2016
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Environmental Monitoring Report (January-June 2016) Environmental Monitoring Reports Oct 2016
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Social Monitoring Report (January-June 2016) Social Monitoring Reports Oct 2016
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Environmental Monitoring Report No. 3 (July-December 2016) Environmental Monitoring Reports Mar 2017
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Social Monitoring Report No. 3 (July-December 2016) Social Monitoring Reports Mar 2017
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Social Monitoring Report (January - June 2017) Social Monitoring Reports Jul 2017
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Environmental Monitoring Report (January - June 2017) Environmental Monitoring Reports Jul 2017
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Environmental Monitoring Report (July-December 2017) Environmental Monitoring Reports Mar 2018
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Social Monitoring Report (July-December 2017) Social Monitoring Reports Mar 2018
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Social Monitoring Report (January-June 2018) Social Monitoring Reports Aug 2018
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Environmental Monitoring Report (January-June 2018) Environmental Monitoring Reports Sep 2018
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Social Monitoring Report (July-December 2018) Social Monitoring Reports Mar 2019
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Social Monitoring Report (January-June 2019) Social Monitoring Reports Oct 2019
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Environmental Monitoring Report (July-December 2019) Environmental Monitoring Reports Mar 2020
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Environmental Monitoring Report (January-June 2019) Environmental Monitoring Reports Mar 2020
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Package 1 and 2 Social Monitoring Report (July-December 2019) Social Monitoring Reports Jun 2020
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Environmental Monitoring Report (July-December 2018) Environmental Monitoring Reports Jul 2020
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Package 2B Environmental Monitoring Report (January-June 2020) Environmental Monitoring Reports Oct 2020
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Package 2B Social Monitoring Report (January-June 2020) Social Monitoring Reports Oct 2020

Evaluation Documents See also: Independent Evaluation

Title Document Type Document Date
Papua New Guinea: Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project Validations of Project Completion Reports Nov 2022

Related Publications

None currently available.


The Access to Information Policy (AIP) establishes the disclosure requirements for documents and information ADB produces or requires to be produced in its operations to facilitate stakeholder participation in ADB's decision-making. For more information, refer to the Safeguard Policy Statement, Operations Manual F1, and Operations Manual L3.

Requests for information may also be directed to the InfoUnit.

Tenders

No tenders for this project were found.

Contracts Awarded

Contract Title Approval Number Contract Date Contractor | Address Executing Agency Total Contract Amount (US$) Contract Amount Financed by ADB (US$)
BEING FOLLOW ON CONTRACT FOR WNB HIGHWAY BRIDGES ( PACKAGE 2). Loan 2783 22 Jun 2018 CHINA JIANGSU INTERNATIONAL ETCG LIMITED | NANJING SHI, JIANSU SHENG CHINA, 210008 CHINA,PEOPLE'SREP.OF Department of Works 14,328,422.00 4,257,262.00
BEING FOLLOW ON CONTRACT FOR WNB BRIDGES (PACKAGE 2). Loan 2784 22 Jun 2018 CHINA JIANGSU INTERNATIONAL ETCG LIMITED | NANJING SHI, JIANGSU SHENG CHINA, 20008 CHINA,PEOPLE'SREP.OF Department of Works 14,328,422.00 6,340,775.00
PROVIDE SERVICES FOR BRIDGE ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEM-PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION UNIT (BAMS PIU). Loan 2784 08 Nov 2017 PARTHA PRATIM NANDY | FLAT NO.108 S.V SPRINGFIELDS, 6TH MAIN PALYA, NEW THIPPASANDRA POST, BANGALORE INDIA Department of Works 338,210.00 338,210.00

Procurement Plan

Title Document Type Document Date
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project: Procurement Plan Procurement Plans Sep 2011