Case Study: Motukea to LeaLea Road Maintenance
Project Overview
The Motukea to LeaLea Road Maintenance Project is an ExxonMobil tax credit funded initiative awarded to Turra, with the Department of Works and Highways (DOWH) serving as the Employer’s Representative.
Spanning 23km from Motukea Port to LeaLea Village, the project includes routine and major maintenance works to improve road infrastructure, ensure safer travel, and support local business participation.
Turra has engaged Global Construction Limited, a highly experienced contractor in road construction and maintenance, to execute the works. In line with our commitment to local economic development, Turra is actively engaging landowner businesses, including Laba Holdings Ltd, employing local personnel, and utilizing local resources where possible.
Project Objectives
Turra’s Goals
Ensure the successful delivery of all project requirements while maximizing local workforce participation.
Complete the project on time, within budget, and exceeding quality expectations set by DOWH.
Address community safety concerns and implement traffic safety measures in residential areas.
Build a long-term relationship with DOWH, positioning Turra as a preferred contractor for future roadworks.
DOWH’s Goals
Deliver a high-quality, cost-effective road maintenance project.
Maximize local workforce and business engagement.
Improve long-term road infrastructure and safety.
Scope of Work
The road maintenance and rehabilitation efforts include:
Four cycles of vegetation control across 14 hectares per cycle
35,000m³ of excavation for pavement repairs
45,000m³ of road pavement material supplied and placed
150,000m² of bitumen sealing for road surface durability
2,500m of lined drainage construction
6,000m of road edge beam installation
400m of new RCP culverts with headwalls for improved drainage
500m of new guardrails for enhanced roadside safety
46km of pavement line marking
Execution & Strategy
Partnered with an experienced roadworks subcontractor (Global Construction Ltd)
Held weekly progress meetings to monitor and optimize workflow
Maintained strict quality control measures
Collaborated closely with DOWH to facilitate smooth project execution
Engaged Village Liaison Officers to maintain communication with local communities
Key Achievements
Ahead of schedule and within budget
Over 300,000 man-hours completed with zero major community, safety, or environmental incidents
40+ local workers employed, including 34 hired by subcontractors and 6 full-time staff under Turra
Upgraded and rehabilitated Laba Holdings' plant, equipment, and facilities
Outcome & Impact
Road improvements have benefited local businesses and communities through:
Safer and more efficient travel along the 23km stretch
Increased employment and business opportunities for local landowners
Enhanced local infrastructure through Laba Holdings' upgraded facilities
With strong community engagement and a commitment to quality, Turra continues to set new standards for roadworks in PNG.
