RADIO NEW ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL

THE Papua New Guinea opposition has slammed the government for awarding a major road construction contract to a company it says is owned by cabinet ministers.

Global Construction has the contract for the upgrade of Taurama Road in Port Moresby and the opposition says this is corruption at the highest level. The project is set to cost US$33 million dollars.

Opposition leader Don Polye says this company has been awarded most of the road projects in the city.

The project was launched by Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko (pictured) and Mr Polye asked why he was involved.

Mr Polye also asked why two key venues around the city, Sir John Guise Stadium and Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, are still under construction when Mr Tkatchenko and the prime minister promised they would be completed in time for the Pacific Games which finished five months ago.