Project Case Study
Supporting the implementation of an infrastructure and transport programme in Papua New Guinea
Overseeing and managing the development of the transport sector
Papua New Guinea is characterised by inaccessible, mountainous terrain. Many villages and areas can only be accessed by light aircraft or on foot, and even the main cities of Port Moresby and Lae are not connected by road, making travel difficult and dangerous. This has a detrimental impact on the country’s economic growth.
The Papua New Guinea (PNG)-Australia Transport Sector Support Program began in 2007 as a long-term commitment to support the Government of PNG in achieving a well-maintained transport infrastructure network. The project aims to contribute to a safe, reliable transport system that enables economic and social development in PNG, and includes maritime, aviation and land transport elements. Oversight is coordinated through the Government of PNG.
The project works to ensure priority land transport assets are maintained, critical transport safety and security systems operate effectively and there is effective agency and sector engagement, performance and accountability.
Adam Smith International was contracted in 2013 by the Australian Government to provide a qualified and capable Programme Director. The position reports to and advises the Infrastructure Section within the Australian High Commission Port Moresby and acts as a counterpart to the Secretary of Transport. The Programme Director provides strategic oversight of the implementation of the programme in accordance with its aims, and provides policy, programme performance advice and support to the transport sector’s coordinating mechanism and members in an effort to develop PNG’s infrastructure links for the country’s economic benefit.
