Prime Minister James Marape has assured the people of Kotidanga, one of the country’s most isolated regions bordering Gulf and Morobe provinces, that his government is committed to bringing roads, schools and essential services to their doorstep.
Speaking to a large gathering at the rugged frontier during the opening of the Trans National Corridor Missing Link, Marape said the new road marked a historic step in connecting communities long cut off from the rest of the nation.
“Although this is not yet a highway, one day it will be,” he said. “Step by step, kilometre by kilometre, we are opening up roads so that our people are no longer cut off. This road will one day unite the Papuan side with the Highlands, running as a true national highway.”
Marape noted that earlier leaders, including Sir Michael Somare, Sir Julius Chan, Paias Wingti, Sir Rabbie Namaliu, Bill Skate, Sir Mekere Morauta and Peter O’Neill, had all dreamt of linking remote areas but were constrained by cost.
“Each kilometre of road costs between seven to eight million kina. That is why previous governments struggled. As the economy grows, more money will come for roads like this,” he said.
The prime minister also appealed to local communities not to focus on compensation demands but to seize new opportunities the road would bring.
“Do not lose hope. When the road is here, plant more coffee. When you sell, you will make more money than compensation could ever give. Every kilometre we open will save you in transport costs and bring development closer,” he said.
He emphasised that the road was not only for farmers and traders but also for teachers, health workers and missionaries serving in remote corners of the country.
“This road is for you – our teachers, our rural health workers and our missionaries who serve tirelessly in remote communities. My government commits that no teacher, health worker or policeman in remote places like Kotidanga will be forgotten,” Marape said.
He announced that hardship allowances would be introduced for teachers and public servants serving in difficult and hard-to-reach areas. He also pledged K1 million for the Kerema District Development Authority to build school infrastructure, including dormitories, so children could remain in school safely.
“My children, remain in school. Education is your future. Stay in school. That is the greatest gift you can give yourselves and your country,” he urged.
Marape described the Kotidanga road as a symbol of the government’s determination to deliver on promises long made to neglected communities.
“We will not leave the last places behind. Step by step, we are moving forward together,” he said.
