Kagua-Erave road gets major facelift

 By JAMES APA GUMUNO

AFTER 15 years, the people of Kagua-Erave district in Southern Highlands see heavy machines now working on the road.

The 40km section of the road from Kagua station to Erave sub-district is now receiving a major facelift.

Since the Gobe oil field in Erave started contributing to the national economy in the 1990s, the roads in the district have not been given priority by provincial authorities.

Governor William Powi recognised the suffering of the people and funded the road maintenance at the cost of K2 million this year.

The provincial supply and tenders board awarded the contract to TNG construction, a local company based in the district.

TNG managing director Topa Mata said yesterday that the work started last Tuesday starting at Kagua station straight after the ground breaking ceremony.

He said they worked both day and night and had completed 15km section of the road.

“My boys are now working at Sumbura village and expected to reach Erave sub-district in about four weeks time,” Mata said.

Mata, who is from Erave, said because of the deteriorating condition of the road, the PMV fare from Erave to Mt Hagen had soared by 100%.

“In the past, my people used to pay K50 on PMV to get into Mt Hagen but now they are paying K100 and also pay an additional fee charged on bags and other cargoes transported,” he said.