A single lane trail in Port Kaituma, Region 1 that had many large potholes is undergoing a complete transformation into a $172M highway, as part of the government’s vision to connect Port Kaituma to Mabaruma, according to the Department of Public Information (DPI).
This project is spearheaded by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, with International Import and Supplies as the contractor. This project is employing a phased approach that will see the full rehabilitation and construction of the M2 road to Yarakita, DPI said.
According to Regional Engineer within the Public Infrastructure Ministry, who has responsibilities for Region 1, John Bart, much work has been invested into M2 road. “There were several spots they had to scope out and then refill with solid material, then rolled and compacted properly,” Bart said.
The engineer also told DPI that of the 15 km to be done under the project, 9 km of the road has already been cleared for the upgrades to proceed. In that 9 km zone, 5 km has been capped with laterite.
Since most of the preparatory work has been done, the project is now 80% complete. Bart said that unseasonal rains had been a challenge; reducing the pace of construction. However, works are expected to be finished by October 2019, well before its January 2020 deadline.
