BY ESWIN PLESIO
THE long-awaited plan to seal the iconic Kokoda Highway moved a step closer today with the official launch of the Kokoda Highway Scoping Study at the Department of Works and Highways headquarters in Port Moresby.
The study marks the beginning of detailed planning for one of Papua New Guinea’s most significant road infrastructure projects. It will assess the technical, environmental, social and economic requirements needed to guide the future sealing of the highway.
The launch brought together Oro Governor Gary Juffa, Sohe MP Henry Amuli, officials from the Department of Works and Highways, representatives of the Australian High Commission, the Road Transport Safety Support Project
(RTSSP), provincial leaders and community representatives.
Executive Director for Highways Management and Connect PNG, Steven Pup, said the project was a key national infrastructure initiative and stressed the importance of keeping communities informed throughout the planning process.
Governor Juffa described the launch as a proud milestone for the people of Oro Province after years of anticipation.
“I am proud that we’ve finally arrived at this particular point where we are now about to put pen to paper to effect the reality of the sealing of the Kokoda Highway,” he said.
He said the highway symbolised the long-standing partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia and thanked both governments for their continued support.
Governor Juffa said sealing the road would create new opportunities for tourism, agriculture, small businesses and improve access to essential services for communities throughout Oro Province.