Juffa rejects Kokoda Track closure threats

 By MOUA OMOA

NORTHERN Governor Gary Juffa has rejected threats by Ijivitari MP David Arore to close the Kokoda Track next month.

Juffa assured trekkers and tourists to Northern that there would be no closure of the 96km track which runs through the Owen Stanley Range, or any other roads.

“This threat is regrettable and I have written to the MP inviting him to come and discuss his concerns. I have attempted to contact him but he is unavailable.

“While I understand the concerns of the leader, who is speaking out of concern for many of the people who are suffering because of poor roads and bridges, we ourselves, are partly to be blamed,” Juffa said.

He said closing the track would not affect the visiting Australians but would affect ordinary Papua New Guineans.

He said any threats to close roads was taken seriously and their closure would not be tolerated by his office because it was a criminal offence.

Meanwhile, the governor confirmed that work on the four main bridges at Kumusi, Embara, Girua and Eroro should begin within the next six to eight weeks.

“Australia, through its AusAID programme, will be funding the building of the four main bridges.

“Delays were caused by slow bureaucratic processes but this has since been cleared and I am thankful to the Deputy Prime Minister Leo Dion and Works Minister Francis Awesa for their efforts to expedite these projects after I wrote to them,” Juffa said.

A project management unit has also been established in the province to oversee all construction of infrastructure to ensure quality work and standards were maintained.