By SEPKOLIN WALNE
ENGA Provincial Governor Sir Peter Ipatas has urged the government to upgrade and seal the roads from Togoba to the Pogera mine site in Enga province during the Parliament session.
Sir Peter stated that while the country is focusing on economic activities in agriculture, mining, and gas, those sectors cannot achieve their expected revenues without proper roads.
He emphasised that the Pogera mine has been there for more than 30 years.
“Sadly, the roads in Enga Province are not up to the standard they should be, considering the Pogera mine’s contribution to the country,” he said.
“Works, Minister, can you direct your secretary and your team to make sure to upgrade the road from Togoba to Wabag and to Pogera that needs sealing?”
Ipatas raised concerns that once the mine’s gold reserves are exhausted, the province might have little physical evidence of its wealth if infrastructure is not upgraded now.
He said for many years that I don’t ask for much because the national government established hospitals and universities, which the people of Enga are very thankful for, but more importantly, roads are needed.
In response, Works Minister Peter Tsiamalili commended the governor and Police Minister Sir John Pundari for their advocacy and efforts in maintaining law and order issues in Enga province.
He requested a letter from Sir Peter to start an official enabling of the road requested so that it can be an official.
“During our last meeting with the departments, we have come up with an idea of surrounding the resources area by establishing two road access points,” Mr Tsiamalili said.