The construction and development of the Tawai Track in Eastern Highlands Province has been delayed due to no funding.
The project is a community initiative of Vincent Kumura, the Digicel PNG Foundation Men of Honour and the Managing Director of the Snow Pass Eco-Lodge (SPEL) in Bundi.
His team will need about K50, 000 to develop a state-of-the-art tracking facility that meets the entire safety standard.
This 15km track offers an alternative for tourists who would like to track to Madang Province from EHP.
The track passes through some of the most breathtaking lookouts and views of the Ramu Valley, Mt. Wilhelm, Madang, Ramu Sugar, Goroka townships and many other notable sites.
There are multiple bird watching sites for the famous high altitude Bird of Paradise species and tree marsupials.
Kumura said clearance of the track is fully completed and they are now waiting for funding to cater for the manpower to complete the track.
The team will need the funding to build cane bridges, rest stop benches, first aid centre and facilities at the scenic lookout at the Tawai summit at 3,600m.
There is also an ongoing process of transplanting rare orchid species alongside the track.
Kumura appealed to the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, the Tourism Promotion Authority, embassies and corporate organisations to support this initiative.
SPEL will develop the tracking management policy guidelines regarding environmental conservation, waste management, maintenance, fines, track fees and charges, security, mappings, transit cabins and first aid posts.