Road upgrades to open access for Jimi district
The Jimi District Development Authority [DDA] has launched new road projects to improve connectivity in one of Papua New Guinea’s most isolated regions, where poor infrastructure has long hindered access to essential services.
For decades, the district’s rugged geography [steep mountains, rough terrain and fast-flowing rivers] has made road construction costly and difficult. Impassable routes have forced many residents to migrate to the Waghi Valley and other parts of the country in search of education, health care and basic government services.
The only public motor vehicles [PMVs] serving Jimi for more than half a century have been Toyota Land Cruiser 4WDs, which locals say they often have to push through mud and steep tracks. Journeys to the nearest town, Banz, can take half a day.
Executive Officer Martin Kongiye told NBC News that under the leadership of local MP and Civil Aviation Minister, Hon. Wake Goi, the Jimi DDA has made road rehabilitation its top priority.
Recently, contracts were awarded to Astestic PNG for several major upgrades, including; Mala in Dei District [WHP] to Tsenga [Pressure Road] – 33 km, Jimi Mountain to Las Kuipun – 6.3 km and Jimi Mountain to Kontanagai Bridge – 7.7 km
Phase one of the program, the Jimi–Waghi Border to Karap Junction, is already complete, with preparations underway to seal the stretch to Laswari. Phase two covers Karap to Mt Jimi, while phase three will extend to Kontanagai. Additional phases will link Karap to Kol and Kol to Ambullua through a newly cut road.
Kongiye said four excavators have also been deployed to connect Manz to Megenepol and Kol to Kui Bang, eventually reaching Ambullua.
“These are major projects the Jimi DDA is prioritizing to ensure health, education, law and justice, and other essential services can flow more effectively,” Kongiye said.
He added that the road link will also boost economic opportunities by opening market access for local produce, including coffee, peanuts, cocoa and other cash crops.