Locals to have road access

MAPRIK development authority chief executive Joshua Himina says the desire to have access to doors has always been a silent cry from isolated rural communities.
Himina said this was the start of rehabilitation of 23km of road from Yamil to Chologon and on to Mindiomin, Naglipaim and Ami.
It was an emotional day for the people in this part of the country as they turned up in numbers, their gratitude shown through their singsings.
A ground-breaking ceremony marked the opening of the first 7km which cost K300,000.
Himina noted that the total costing of the road was estimated to be around K1.5 million in first cut alone and another K3 million to K4 million for gravelling the entire road.
He said the road would boost cocoa production and economic growth, adding that there were more than 30 cocoa fermentaries in the area, producing between 50 and 80 bags of dry beans in a fortnight.
While this is just the beginning of the roadwork, progress will depend on the availability of funds but Himina is confident it will be completed.
Local MP John Simon acknowledged that people in this part of Maprik were among the most resilient and hardworking.
“Road links open up accessibility not only for basic services but also for economic growth,” he said.
Simon, who is Agriculture and Livestock Minister, said Maprik was one of the highest producer of some cash crops such as vanilla and cocoa and it was important that road links were created and sustained.