Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has assured the people of remote Kotidanga bordering Gulf and Morobe that his government remains committed to delivering vital road links, education, and services to some of Papua New Guinea’s most remote communities.
Speaking to a large gathering at Kotidanga, a rugged frontier that now connects the Gulf and Morobe provinces, during the opening of the Trans National Corridor Missing Link Between Gulf and Morobe, PM Marape said the new road marked a historic step towards linking long-isolated areas to the rest of the country.
“Although this is not yet a highway, one day it will be,” the Prime Minister said. “Step by step, kilometre by kilometre, we are opening up roads so that our people are no longer cut off. This road will one day unite the Papuan side with the Highlands, running as a true national highway.”
PM Marape acknowledged that past leaders, including founding Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare, Sir Julius Chan, Pais Wingti, Sir Rabbie Namaliu, Bill Skate, Sir Mekere Morauta and Peter O’Neill had all aspired to connect remote parts of PNG, but the cost of road construction had always been a major obstacle.
“Each kilometre of road costs between seven to eight million kina. That is why previous governments struggled. As the economy grows, more money will come for roads like this,” he explained.
Addressing local demands for compensation, the Prime Minister urged communities to focus instead on opportunities that the new road would create.
“Do not lose hope. When the road is here, plant more coffee. When you sell, you will make more money than compensation could ever give. Every kilometre we open will save you in transport costs and bring development closer,” he said.
The Prime Minister also used the occasion to reaffirm his government’s commitment to education and frontline services in rural and remote areas.
“This road is for you – our teachers, our rural health workers, and our missionaries who serve tirelessly in remote communities. As we mark 50 years of independence, my government commits that no teacher, health worker, or policeman in remote places like Kotidanga will be forgotten,” PM Marape declared.
He announced that the government would provide hardship allowances for teachers and public servants working in difficult, hard-to-reach areas. In addition, K1 million would be allocated to the Kerema District Development Authority to build school infrastructure, including dormitories, so children could remain at school safely.
“My children, remain in school. Education is your future. Stay in school. That is the greatest gift you can give yourselves and your country,” he urged.
With Papua New Guinea marking its 50th year of independence, the Prime Minister said the Kotidanga road symbolised the government’s determination to fulfil promises long made to forgotten corners of the nation.
He assured the people that by September or later this year, he hoped to return to Kotidanga and drive the completed stretch of road himself.
“We will not leave the last places behind. Step by step, we are moving forward together,” he concluded.