K6mil paves way for Kerema ‘dream road’

By JASON GIMA WURI
THE proposed Malalaua-Kaintiba-Aseki Highway road is the “missing link” and “dream road” for Papua New Guinea, Kerema MP Pitom Bombom says.
He made the remarks during the launching of the Malalaua-Kaintiba-Aseki Trans-Island Highway feasibility studies project at the Putei Catholic Mission Station, Taure-Lakekamu LLG, Gulf, last weekend.
“This section of the proposed National Trans-Island Highway project is commonly referred to as the “Missing Link” or the “dream road” by the successive governments of the past 36 years,” he said.
“Once completed it will connect the two halves of the country, integrate the national economy, provide many spin-off business opportunities and provide easier access for delivery of goods and services to remote locations of the country.
“The Kamea people have no road access to sell these fresh food produce. Many of these fresh foods go to waste because there is no road access to urban markets.
 “After 36 years, the O’Neill-led government has heard the cries of the Kamea people by allocating K6 million for feasibility studies and eventual construction of the Malalaua-Kaintiba-Aseki road for the benefit of the rural Kamea people, Kerema district and PNG.
“The Kamea people have openly showed excitement.
This project is the first of its kind for a government to show its commitment,” he said.
Bombom, who is Vice-Minister for Commerce, Trade and Industry, said 40,000 people lived in the Kaintiba and Kotidanga LLG areas.
“The Kamea population makes up about two-thirds of the Taure-Lakekamu LLG on the coastal area,” he said.
Bombom, who had lobbied strongly in Cabinet for the K6 million allocation, acknowledged the people behind the successful implementation and the people who worked tirelessly to realise the successful implementation of the Malalaua-Kaintiba-Aseki road project.
“I want to thank Joe Wakiva, the principal consultant with JW Consultancy and Management Services, who was responsible for project documentation to secure the K6 million and Daniel Itu, the consultant with Danitu Consultancy Services and former member for Kerema who provided advice and paperwork for Wakiva and I regarding the Malalaua-Kaintiba-Aseki Highway project,” Bombom said.