Australian Technology Company GRT Opens New PNG Facilities

Papua New Guinea Thursday 17 September, 2015 – Post Courier page 19

Australian technology company GRT Global Road Technology has opened a Papua New Guinea facility, including a high-tech geotechnical laboratory and engineering services office, to handle increasing demand in the country.

The expansion will provide increased local jobs opportunities, as well as reduce the health impact on local residents from airborne dust from road and construction projects. GRT uses its patented polymers to provide a scientific solution to the treatment of roads with problematic soil types and marginal materials commonly found in Papua New Guinea. GRT sprays this solution on dirt roads and industrial areas to provide “instant roads” and suppress dust on worksites.

GRT Managing Director Troy Adams said the company’s technology meant it could provide roads which would survive the wet season with minimal impact compared to dirt roads, and could be built faster and cheaper than other technology such as bitumen.

“Everyone in PNG knows the significant damage weather can cause to dirt roads, but our polymers bind these surfaces together to create hard-wearing, durable roadways immune to the problematic potholes and wash-outs caused by heavy rains,” Mr Adams said. “We can help governments, infrastructure and mining companies to deliver safer, more cost-effective roads much faster than conventional building methods, which is not only good for our clients, but also safer for all road users in the wider community, especially when considering the major health issues PNG is experiencing in relation to airborne dust in local communities.

With PNG currently experiencing drought conditions, water for road works is limited causing an increase in airborne dust, which has been found to be the cause of serious medical issues within neighbouring communities and the workforce.

In a joint effort with multinational companies and local and national governments, GRT is working to alleviate these issues, with the use of this specialized product that reduces the need for water in construction and maintenance, while reducing airborne dust.

“Our technology allows us to construct a kilometre of road within 24 hours, cutting 75 per cent off standard construction times and significant savings in costs with the added benefit of a reduced environmental impact.

GRT started work this week on an industrial project outside of Port Moresby, refurbishing access roads for heavy vehicles at the Interoil Napa Napa refinery. “The project will take several days, compared to other technologies which would usually take months, and resulting in less dust and better driving conditions for our client’s workers and contractors,” Mr Adams said.

“The use of GRT products can greatly reduce the traffic movements on PNG roads by decreasing the maintenance vehicles needed to maintain the roads, therefore making roads safer.

“PNG is becoming increasingly conscious of road safety and we are proud to be extending our existing Road Safety Initiative to PNG, beginning with the distribution of safety items to local schools, including high visibility school bags and helmets, as well as baby and booster seats to reduce the number of traffic related child fatalities. “Community engagement is a core pillar of GRT’s business, and with this in mind, we are committed to the engagement, training and employment of locals during our expansion into PNG.

“We expect to open an office in Lae and will expand our laboratory and engineering division, with the opening of a Port Moresby-based geotechnical laboratory and consultancy office in the coming months.

See link: http://www.postcourier.com.pg/Stories/new-road-technology-to-help-suppress-dust/#.VfpEqLRNu-I

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