MoU signed to enhance Kokoda Trail sanitation

Tuesday, 4 February 2025, 4:40 pm

TPA CEO Eric Mossman shakes hands with Daniel Wells, Kokoda-Bougainville programs councilor of the Australian High Commission after the signing, other representatives stand to witness. (NBC News: Solomon Sumb)

After years of challenges, the Kokoda Trail is set for vital sanitation upgrades, bringing relief to trekkers and tourists."

A Memorandum of Understanding [MoU] was signed today [Tuesday] between the Tourism Promotion Authority [TPA] and the Australian Government-funded Kokoda Initiative Partnership [KIP] at Owers Corner to build 190 toilets, with two toilets per campsite [95 campsites] along the trail.

Basins will be installed in each of the toilet facilities, and this includes bathrooms for tourists to have a shower

David Wells, Councilor of the Kokoda-Bougainville Program at the Australian High Commission, emphasized that the biggest challenge faced by the 3,000 Australian tourists who walk the trail annually is the lack of proper campsite and toilet facilities.

“This Australian investment in PNG’s most iconic tourism asset will meet tourist demands, improve the livelihoods of Kokoda track communities, and enhance the overall visitor experience.

"The project will cost K650,000 and is set to begin this month." said Mr. Wells

TPA CEO Eric Mossman Uvovo said the Kokoda Track is PNG’s flagship tourism product.

“The partnership aims to improve sanitation for tourists while also supporting campsite operators,” Mr. Uvovo said.

The project is expected to start next week and be complete before the Australian, New Zealand Army Corp [ANZAC] Day.