Over K30m projects launched in Dei district

Dei MP Desmond Paul Kipa (right) with Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa (in Cowboy hat) and DDA members and leaders at Penga Station-Kotna during the launch of Dei Development Projects. (NBC News: Vanessa Ripa)

The Dei District Development Authority [DDA] has launched major road, bridge, health and education projects worth more than K30 million recently.

With only eight months left, the district is moving quickly to improve roads, health services, schools and connectivity for the people.

The two major road sealing projects launched are the Bulg–Kuk Road, valued at K6 million, and the Moka–Keta Road, valued at K9 million.

The Bulg–Kuk Road leads to the famous Kuk World Heritage Site, making it an important tourism and economic route for the district.

Two bridges along the same roads will also be rebuilt at K1 million each, bringing the total road package to K18 million.

“The contract is awarded to reputable companies, so the work carried out must be lasting," MP Kipa stressed.

MP Kipa says road access remains the backbone of development in Dei District.

He says while the main roads will be sealed, several feeder roads will also be upgraded at the same time.

These includes Kotna–Rulna, Muglamp–Paglum, Kokonas Gate–Kraldong, Mala–Minjim, Tiki Konapka–Dupaim and Bulg–Maim roads.

The new Muka Bridge under construction by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC). NBC News: Vanessa Ripa)

Also launched was the rebuilding of Hun Bridge, valued at nearly K3 million, after its recent collapse.

The contract for Hun Bridge has been awarded to China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), the same company now building the new two-lane concrete Muka Bridge.

In the health sector, MP Kipa announced the long-awaited Kinjibi Health Centre, a K6.5 million project funded through ADB, with construction expected to start in July.

He also announced the approval of a new ambulance, funded by the National Gaming Control Board (NGCB).

Education was also a key focus, with the launch of a tertiary student school fee subsidy program, where each Dei student in tertiary institutions will receive K1,000 support.

Solar power systems will also be installed in all six high schools - Mukapeng, Tiki, Kenembo, Hagen North, Nunga and Kondopina and at Kitip Secondary School.

MP Kipa says these projects are part of the K66.3 million approved by Treasury, with more than K30 million already committed by the DDA.

The projects were officially launched at Penga Station in Kotna, witnessed by Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa, district leaders and community representatives.