Simbu government commits K6 million to key road project

The Simbu Provincial Government has presented a counter-funding of K6 million to the Department of Works and Highways for a major road project in the province.

The funding will be utilised under an Asian Development Bank Road Project.

This road project will cover Chuave and Kerowagi Districts.

Simbu Governor, Noah Kool, says, this road project is not an ordinary infrastructure but a lifeline for communities.

After years of consultation, there is some progress now to build and improve road connectivity in the two districts of Simbu Province.

Simbu Governor Noah Kool says it's a commitment by the provincial government to ensure road access is there for people to benefit.

"We have got a lot of rains, it's also a prone area and our roads are affected, people normally complain.

"We are trying our best to fix the roads." Governor Kool said.

Building and maintaining roads in Simbu has never been easy.

Works Secretary Gibson Holemba says this counter-funding is critical for work to begin.

With the necessary scoping and paperwork done, work is set to start in June.

Under the PACD program and the PPAP, there are two programs, Cocoa and Coffee Access Roads that have been funded under the World Bank loan program as well through agriculture.

Works Secretary Holemba said the two programs need to be given to his team so they can allign the commodity access and prioritise within their budgetary framework.

For the Chuave district, the project will connect three of its local level governments.

With huge agriculture potential in the area, Chuave MP James Nomane is optimistic this road project will open up economic activities for his people.

"We need roads, it's a catalyst for development and the bulk of the rural population need roads to access.

"And today it's quite significant because the dreams of our people in the rural district has become a reality." Nomane said.

Kerowaghi district will also benefit from this ADB counter-funded road project, with the district putting emphasis on road connectivity.