By JOE GURINA
LOCAL landowners of Koiari in Central province have agreed to the Sky Rail project initiated by National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop.
The project is first of its kind to be executed in the country that will come with massive economic benefits for the local landowners.
In a recent meeting deliberated at Sogeri, landowner representatives from impacted areas have declared their approval towards the project.
The Sky Rail project advocator and former CEO of Kokoda Track Authority, James Enage told the local landowners that the project will be a catalyst for economic development for the locals whilst Central province and NCD will also gain economic fulfilment from the project.
Enage said there are five foreign investors ready to take up the project, hence the meeting conducted was to get the local landowners views and concerns before submitting a final pronouncement to the office of the governor of NCD.
Enage said governor Parkop has taken the initiative to set up a mega project to attract tourism and give opportunities to the landowners to tap into economic opportunities from the project.
He said NCDC has pumped in K1million in the initial project’s feasibility study and design whilst waiting for the landowners views and concerns are appreciated in order for the investors to commence the project.
The Sky Rail project is valued at K500 million.
Enage said the initial plan of the project will be set up at the Adventure Park outside Port Moresby and will connect the fringes of Hombrom Bluff, into Owers Corners, Variarata National Park and into the ranges of Sirinumu Dam.
He said there are economical potential from the project and urged the locals to seriously consider the project for the future generations to benefit from.
The landowners have come to an understanding to relay the message to their respective communities on the project and come back with a final respond on Feb 24.
