Include a Momase Highway, says Parkop

By MARK HAIHUIE
A MOMASE Highway should be included in plans to establish road links with Indonesia, National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop (pictured) says.
“We have to do that highway so that it connects Lae to Madang, Wewak and Vanimo, then to Jayapura,” he said.
“That is a massive social and economic corridor that is available to us and is waiting to be realised.
“Once connected to Jayapura you can get to most parts of the Asian region quite easily.
“For the economic benefit of the people of that region and our country, we have to open up that highway. That means harnessing the two rivers Sepik and Ramu through bridges.
The potential from the opening of that highway is so enormous that we cannot ignore it.”
He said PNG Air was already planning flights from Mt Hagen to Jayapura to take advantage of the economic potential. There is talk of shipping links as well.
“The road link would also have a political benefit of allowing those in West Papua access to our country and greater freedom of movement,” Parkop said.
Indonesia’s Ambassador to PNG Ronald Manik had earlier told The National of the potential for the development from the road links.
“It will be very good idea if one day we have the connectivity to link both countries not only by linking up Jayapura and Vanimo, but also going further to Mamose region and beyond,” Manik said.