The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the governments of Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) have commissioned the Alotau Wharf as part of the cofinanced Building Resilience to Climate Change.
The redesigned Alotau Wharf will demonstrate enhanced resilience to climate change and serve as a prime example of climate-proofing infrastructure. The previous Alotau Wharf was dismantled, and a new wharf was constructed alongside it. The new design features a concrete pontoon bridge and a causeway. The wharf has been elevated to mitigate potential damage from waves and debris underneath. Furthermore, it incorporates pilings engineered to withstand earthquakes.
The Alotau Wharf project will enhance connectivity between Alotau, the remote islands of Milne Bay, and other regions of Papua New Guinea (PNG). This improved connectivity will lead to increased access to employment opportunities, particularly for women engaged in agriculture and marketing. The funding for the new wharf amounted to US$10.5 million in additional financing grants, with US$7.6 million provided by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and US$2.9 million contributed by the Australian government.