Bone-rattling rides and getting bogged down on the Gulf Province road is now a thing of the past, thanks to the collaboration between the Government, World Bank and Dekenai Construction Ltd.
The 57km road project, costing K90 million, starts from Malalaua and ends at Epo, which is less than 15km from Kerema Town.
Locals, dressed in their traditional attires, gathered at the site yesterday to celebrate the sealing of the final stretch of road.
“We started in 2014, March, and this is the final leg of the sealing,” Dekenai project manager, Jim Taparu, told Loop PNG.
“This road is designed for 20 years and we hope it lasts that long. We have to consider the formation of the land, which is swampy, as well as the weather.”
Taparu, who is also a local from Gulf, told Loop that this is the first major impact road project that has been executed successfully.
“Previously there were other projects here but they all failed.”
With the newly-sealed road, locals are looking forward to the growth of the province’s economy.
“There is a very big change in such a short time. Before, you will not see Coaster buses or an influx of people, like Highlanders, coming in looking for buai,” Taparu stated.
“Cash is flowing into the province.”
However, the project manager stressed the need for the upgrade of feeder roads.
“We need to link more roads to Kikori and the mountain because that’s where most of the people live.”
The project is scheduled to officially open next month.
