Tabubil-Kiunga road upgrade starting next month

THE first phase of the upgrading and sealing of the road from Tabubil to Kiunga is expected to begin next month with a K50 million Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme (ITCS) funding.
This follows the signing of an agreement yesterday between the Ok Tedi Mining Ltd (OTML) and China Railway Construction Engineering Group Co Ltd.
OTML’s deputy chief executive officer and general manager for community and operations support Kedi IIimbit said the 135km road was vital for people in the project-impact area.
Phases two and three would follow once further funding becomes available.
Western Governor Toboi Awi Yoto thanked the Government for increasing the tax credit scheme limit from 0.75 per cent up to 2 per cent, allowing the OTML room to initiate projects in the province.
North Fly MP James Donald said the road project was long overdue for the province and North Fly.
Since 1997, OTML had spent more than K300million on ITCS projects in Western and Telefomin, in West Sepik.
They included projects on health, education, law and justice, transport infrastructure and utilities.
Other major projects being considered include the upgrading and sealing of the Daru town roads and airport extension, a new district court house in Kiunga, refurbishment of Aiambak Secondary High School, road to Vanimo and Hela, road from Atemkit to Kavorabip and one from Alice Pit to the border.