By CHRISTOPHER YANDAWAI
MEMBER for Telefomin and Minister for Works and Highways, Hon. Solan Mirisim says his people are now looking forward to let go the excessive air access that they have been consistently using over the last 49 years.
The local MP confidently expressed this during the grand opening of the Wesano Iwoksim Haus and Telefomin hybrid BSP branch at Telefomin station last week.
TIL, a local contractor engaged by the Telefomin District Development Authority (TDDA), delivered this building within three (3) years through the use of air transport.
Highlighting the commitment and perseverance put in by contractor, Minister Mirisim said building houses using excessive air transport will soon be the thing of past.
He said it is not easy to build such high-class building because all the building materials were flown in by the helicopter and not by the road.
“This building will be the last with few more houses to be built, using air access,” Mirisim said.
“When the Tabubil-Telefomin road reaches Telefomin station, we will cease from using this excessive air transport,” he said.
Mirisim thanked the contractor (TIL) for putting all its effort to ensure the building gets delivered to the people of Telefomin on time.
“If the building was not delivered, we would not be here celebrating like this, so thank you contractor.”
While commenting on the opening ceremony, Minister Mirisim expressed that: “Today marks a significant day in the development history of Telefomin district, because this day signifies a major step forward for the district to see many other changes.”
He said Telefomin waited for 49 years to see development and the opening of BSP hybrid branch signifies the new beginning of the district going forward.
Mirisim thanked OK Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) for its continuous support to ensure Telefomin see much needed changes in the development history of the district.
“If it was not OTML, we would not be here to celebrate the opening of the Wesano Iwoksim Haus and Telefomin hybrid BSP branch.
“OKTEDI is everything; OKTEDI is life in itself and has changed the Telefomin peoples’ life where we are part and parcel of OKTEDI.”
Mirisim urged his people to take ownership and embrace the changes that are happening in the development history of Telefomin.
He said Telefomin district will never be the same again because 49 years of misery is enough!