Poor Roads Cut Off Supply Chain
Deteriorating infrastructure continues to be the main issue affecting the company’s transportation of goods to people.
Papua New Guinea’s leading poultry producer, Zenag is concerned that poor transport infrastructure is pushing companies to the edge with increased freight costs which may then be passed onto the consumers.
Company managing director Leahy Stanley in response to this paper’s queries raised the alarm that poor road conditions are inflicting an extra cost burden on suppliers thus, the supply chain is being pushed to the edge of being completely cut off.“Poor transport infrastructure increases freight costs and therefore the prices paid by consumers,” he said.
“With the wet season about to begin, we’re very concerned about dilapidated sections of the highway washing out. This would completely cut-off supply chains.” Making reference to the Bulolo Highway which Zenag uses as its main supply route transporting poultry products like chicken meat and egg from its base in Mumeng, Mr Stanley pointed out that there are sections of the Bulolo Highway that are impossible to pass without sustaining some damage to products.
“We check all products when they arrive in Lae. The process is inefficient and time-consuming, but it ensures our customers receive quality products. “Like all commuters on the Bulolo Highway, we do as best we can,” he said. ‘The biggest risk for our market is a total washout of the highway. When supply chains are severed everyone suffers.”Zenag has been supplying chicken and egg products to Papua New Guinea for over 75 years.