Despite the fact that an estimated 10 to 15 per cent of the population, or 520,000 people, are living with a disability in PNG, people with disability are often excluded from community development activities. Road infrastructure is a recognised approach to poverty reduction in developing countries, through improving community access to essential services, social networks and economic opportunities.
Community participation in identifying needs and design is crucial for sustainable, effective and efficient road infrastructure development, which should connect people and places appropriately, and benefit the poorest groups. People with disability are among the poorest groups of society, but there is very little evidence about the most effective ways to involve them in road infrastructure planning.
This paper discusses the situation of people with disability in Papua New Guinea in relation to access to road infrastructure and road safety. It presents key findings from a participatory research project into this issue, and makes policy recommendations for donors and implementing agencies.
