Minister for Inter-Government Relations, Kevin Isifu, announced today in Port Moresby the commencement of the Kokoda Track Authority Review.
The review comes under the Special Purposes Authority and administered by the Ministry and Department.
The Kokoda Track Authority was established under section 42 of the Local Level Government Administration Act 1997.
It aims to help implement projects and manage benefits derived from the Kokoda Trail to best serve the communities and villages along the track, both in Central and Northern provinces.
“Over the years we have received a lot of complaints from landowners and respective players to review the arrangement,” explained Minister Isifu.
He added terms of reference have already been formulated and reiterated the findings of the review will address outstanding issues of governance and benefit sharing.
The review team will be headed by qualified persons from the departments of Treasury, Planning, Inter-Government Relations and Prime Minister’s Department.
Minister Isifu added the review team has been directed to fast track the establishment of the findings and compile the recommendations.
A similar review called Kokoda Initiatives is also undertaken by the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority.
Results from both reviews will be submitted collectively.
“Upon the completion of the review, we will present the findings to NEC to endorse and we can move forward from there,” said Minister Isifu.
(Minister Kevin Isifu, left, with Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs Secretary, Dickson Guina)