Highway owners share K17.6m

 LANDOWNERS in Chimbu and Jiwaka residing along the Highlands Highway will share K17.6 million as part of the Government’s highway redevelopment programme.

Programme chairman John Kamb and delegates accompanied by Chuave MP Wereh Mori confirmed the payment after talks with Prime Minister Peter O’Neill last Friday in Port Moresby.

Kamb said O’Neill told them that they would receive the K17.603 million promised to them through the programme.

He said they had been waiting for payment for a very longtime and some of the beneficiaries had since passed away.

Kamb said they planned a big celebration in Chimbu when the money was received and shared among the landowners.

“Many landowners have died while some are still waiting for the payment. 

“This time O’Neil has confirmed that payment will be made available and this is a breakthrough for them,” Kamb said.

Kamb said he was disappointed that Chimbu Governor Noah Kool failed to attend the discussion.

He said they had notified him in writing of the meeting in the Prime Minister’s office.

Kamb said Mori had to lead the delegation to the Prime Minister because Kool failed to turn up.