The Department of Works of Papua New Guinea launched the first ever Socio-Economic Impact Study (SIS) of road projects in 2004. The Study is fundedby the World Bank and implemented jointly by Finnroad Ltd. and SMEC. There are excellent examples in provinces of roads improving access for women to markets promoting gender equity in increased household income. Household income for those villages adjacent to the completed road is consistentlypointing to higher incomes in a country with a low per capita income. Interestingly, the finished roads have directly led to village economic development with new agricultural products being grown and marketed such as vanilla and all spice. Environmental awareness has improved with communities being contracted for small-scale road maintenance contracts. The economic growth of income in very poor villages with the newly constructed roads isnot to be understated. There is a direct link between road improvements and poverty reduction. New roads have improved the economic circumstances and quality of life of rural communities. For the covering abstract see ITRD E139491.
Abstract