Combat engineers connect communities with new bridge in Papua New Guinea

When Townsville combat engineers in PNG spotted a bridge in disrepair, they took matters into their own hands. Read how their quick action has transformed the lives of thousands.

Soldiers from 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment refurbish facilities as part of Exercise Puk Puk at Moem Barracks, Papua New Guinea. PHOTO: LCPL Riley Blennerhassett

A bridge in disrepair was the only thing left connecting thousands of people in Wewak, Papua New Guinea, with the main town, but after Townsville sappers noticed the safety risk it posed to the community, they decided to take matters into their own hands.

The replacement of what has now been labelled the ‘Puk Puk Bridge’ has provided safer and increased access to employment, school, health services and supplies.

The Deputy Commander of the 3rd Brigade, Lieutenant Colonel Boniface Aruma, who spent numerous years during his army career in Wewak, said that this bridge repair was an important representation of the Australian Army’s role in improving and helping society.

“That bridge connects almost nine to 10,000 people living on the peninsula because everything, all the goods and services, are on the other side of the bridge,” he said.

Lieutenant Colonel Aruma said that the President of the East Sepik Chamber of Commerce, Berry Lemot, had reached out and expressed his gratitude for the repairs.

“He expressed his heartfelt thankyou to exercise Puk Puk for recovering the bridge that will serve thousands of people,” he said.

“What (Exercise) Puk Puk has done is so powerful.”

Australian Army soldiers from 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment refurbish facilities as part of Exercise Puk Puk at Moem Barracks, Papua New Guinea. PHOTO: LCPL Riley Blennerhassett

Lieutenant Colonel Aruma said that the importance of infrastructure, such as a bridge, can be dismissed in countries where services are more plentiful.

“In Australia, you can access services in three or four different ways, and you can take it for granted, but here there is only one way you can access it,’ he said.

“Everyone on this side of the peninsula doesn’t have boats … that bridge is their lifeline, and they will remember this for generations to come. That’s what Puk Puk has done.”

3CER Lance Corporal Bailey Glover said that it was a fulfilling feeling to complete the bridge.

“If that bridge wasn’t there or wasn’t fixed, it would just be dangerous for kids crossing, but then the other way is that you’ve got to get across the sand, and they’ll get bogged too,” he said.

“It’s good to see them getting across now; you always hear them coming up to you and saying thank you for the bridge … which is very rewarding.”

Originally published as Combat engineers connect communities with new bridge in Papua New Guinea