Negeri–Begesin road upgrade in Usino-Bundi nears completion
The Negeri–Begesin Road Upgrade Project in Usino Local Level Government of Usino-Bundi district, Madang province, has made significant progress, reaching Kirikiri mountain after covering approximately 10.3kilometers of roadworks.
The project, undertaken under the leadership and development vision of local MP, Vincent Kumura, is now approximately 2kilometers away from reaching Begesin station.
The progress marks an important milestone in efforts to improve road connectivity and accessibility for rural communities in the district, particularly those who depend on road links to access essential services and economic opportunities.
The road upgrade is bringing the project closer to its intended destination and represents a significant step towards improving connectivity for the people of Negeri, Begesin, and surrounding communities.
Improved road access is essential for rural development, as it can help facilitate the movement of people and goods, support local economic activities, and improve access to education, healthcare, and other essential services.
The Negeri–Begesin Road Upgrade forms part of the broader infrastructure development priorities being pursued under Kumura's leadership through the Usino-Bundi-Gama District Development Authority (UBGDDA).
"For rural communities, road connectivity is more than infrastructure. It is a vital link to services, opportunities, and improved livelihoods. The continued progress towards Begesin Station reflects the importance of extending road access to communities that have long depended on road connectivity.
"As the project advances towards its final 2kilometres, the focus remains on improving accessibility and strengthening connections between rural communities and key service centres," Kumura said.
He added that the progress at Kirikiri mountain demonstrates ongoing efforts to bring infrastructure development closer to the people and support the district's wider rural development aspirations.
Road infrastructure development remains one of the key areas of service delivery being prioritised by Kumura and his DDA particularly in remote communities where road connectivity is essential to accessing health, education, markets and other basic services.
The DDA has been undertaking patrol grading and opening pilot tracks across the Usino, Bundi, and Gama LLGs, with the objective of progressively improving connectivity between rural communities and existing service centres.
The Negeri–Begesin road is expected to provide improved access for local communities, particularly smallholder farmers who depend on road transportation to move their garden produce to markets.
The local communities welcome the improved road access.
Wilson Mapurip, Ward 22 councillor for Negeri, thanked Kumura, the UBGDDA team, and the Marape-Rosso Government for supporting the road project.
Councillor Mapurip said the project is important for the 3,000 plus people in his ward, as well as communities from another six surrounding wards that are beginning to benefit from the improved road access.
He said better connectivity would allow people to transport their agricultural produce to markets more easily while improving access to other essential services.
The road will also service several schools and the Begesin Lutheran Health Centre, which is struggling with infrastructure maintenance and manpower due to inaccessibility for over a decade.
The contractor, meanwhile; is committed to quality work.
Robert Muga, Public Relations Officer of Kaukul Construction, the comp and working on this project, said the company remains committed to delivering quality road works through its partnership with the UBDDA and local communities.
The contractor is working alongside local people as the road upgrade progresses towards Begesin Station.
For communities located far from major service centres, reliable roads are a critical link to health facilities, schools, markets, and economic opportunities.
The district administration and UBDDA are working with local communities, development partners, and the Marape-Rosso Government to deliver tangible infrastructure and essential services across the three LLGs.
The road works also align with the broader objectives of the Connect PNG programme, which seeks to improve road connectivity and integrate rural communities into the national transport network.
Kumura and his UBDDA have also reaffirmed their commitment to working with communities and development partners to progressively address infrastructure challenges and improve accessibility for the people of Usino, Bundi, and Gama.
Improved road connectivity is not only about transportation; it is about giving rural communities greater access to markets, basic services, and opportunities whilst supporting sustainable development and the aspirations of Vision 2050.