By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
THE Kokoda Track Authority (KTA) is considering to re-open some unused parts of the 96km Kokoda Track between Oro and Central province.
This is an effort to ensure the people living along the track also benefit from both the tourism business and mining industry.
KTA executive officer Warren Bartlett said yesterday there were a lot of tracks made during WWII so they just have to reopen them to continue attracting international tourists.
“The mine will not affect the original track as of now because it runs to the west while the mine is to the east,” Mr Bartlett said.
“But if the mining continues to the west, then it could be a problem.”
He said some parts of the tracks now in use were not original.
“Some villages that are now situated along the track came about just after the war to benefit from trekkers,” Mr Bartless said.
However, he said a total of K25 million was being generated for the economy every year from trekkers.
About 5,000 trekkers are using the track but it could go up to 6,600 by next year.
The money benefits the villagers, airlines companies, hotels, lodges and guest houses in Port Moresby.”