GOVERNOR for Central Province Hon. Rufina Peter became the first Central Governor in history to walk three quarters of the Kokoda trail within Central Province, after the successful completion of her team’s eight (8) day trekking which ended on Monday 22nd July.
Hiking along elevated foothills, surpassing creeks, and trekking along rugged terrains that lie lateral to meandering planes amidst the tropical rainforest of Central Province, was a purpose driven initiative taken by the Madam Governor and her team.
It was reported that remote vicinities along Central Province’s Kokoda Track portion of (96km) were neglected of basic government services for eight decades since the world wars. According to locals from Koiari, it is confirmed that almost 75 percent of the Kokoda Trail lies within Central Province.
This historic Kokoda Track holds fond memories of World War I and World War II from 1918 – 1945. It serves as a visible testament of Papua New Guinea’s journey to nationhood and sovereignty after allied forces killed members of the Japanese militants, including Papua New Guineans on ambush along the Kokoda trails.
The eight-day trekking started at Myola in Central province and ended at the Owers Corner in Mt. Koiari, and was seen to have coincided with the National Remembrance Day which came on Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024.
The team comprises 13, including an engineer representing the Central Provincial Government Works and Engineering Division, who accompanied madam governor throughout the whole trekking adventure.
A cultural reception was staged upon arrival with traditional dancers from Koiari and Goilala, teaming up at the Owers Corner to applaud the Madam Governor and her team for a successful completion of this prestigious walk.
The Governor mentioned in a statement that the trekking was basically a service delivery inspection on remote localities situated along the Kokoda Track.
“I’d like the province to know that this successful exercise has enhanced my focus to clearly point out basic services that are needed by remote places in Central province who were neglected for decades,” Governor Peter said.
Madam Governor said it was an honor to have walked these historic paths so the administration under her leadership can address vital issues on development agendas which were overlooked by previous regimes.
“Previously, I only heard names of these remote places along the trails with the local people living there, but after walking the trails, I can feel these places in my heart, and I can feel the pain they have been enduring,” she said.
Governor Rufina Peter stated that these rural vicinities are heavily involved in agriculture and basic farming of cash crops. However, they need improved accessibility to better markets in Port Moresby as transportation has been a major challenge they endured for decades.
She suggested that the most proactive approach to bring about an effective solution to this issue is by focusing on improving transportation mediums in these rural areas.
“I will address the transportation issues by looking into upgrading all rural airstrips in the locality so that there are frequent local flights to provide ease of access in transportation for the local people,” Governor Peter said.
She also made mention that the works representative who was on board the trekking has done evaluation, necessary assessments and in-depth examinations that will be used to provide possible solutions for every complication that the people had endured, one at a time.
While emphasizing on the tourism potential of Central Province, the Central Governor also took note of the Kokoda Track Authority’s requests that were verbally submitted to her.
She commended KTA for their dedicated efforts in keeping the trail attractive for years, which has drawn the attention of tourists from around the world who always visit the time annually.
“I’d like to commend the Kokoda Track Authority for basic upgrades on those trails, as well as sustenance of old facilities at the Owers Corner.”
Acting Provincial Administrator Mr Edward Kila in his brief remarks emotionally commended Madam Governor for successfully completing the trekking and applauded her team for the support all throughout the journey.
The Governor said Central Province has huge potential in tourism and agriculture, as they have been supplying the markets in Nation’s Capital with vegetables, and other organic crops in huge bulk.
She further assured the locals of Koiari that a possible solution to establish a strong market within Port Moresby will be brought forth, and that the provincial government will continue to support and grow tourism in Central Province.
