By Mortimer Yangharry
The Wapenamanda – Lower Lai Road Project which initially began last year is undergoing the required necessary civil and associated works before it is sealed in due time.
Since the commencement of this strategic road project last year, roadworks has already reached the last Awas council ward of the Wapenamanda Local Level Government bordering the neighboring Kompiam District and Baiyer in the Western Highlands Province.
Installation of culverts/bridges, construction of side drains plus associated civil works and graveling upgrade works are currently being carried out by the South Pacific Construction company with close supervision from the National Department of Works as the team is working hard starting from Mambisanda near Wapenamanda and will reach Awas council ward which is approximately 40 kilometers of roadworks.
It is the vision of the Wapenamanda District Development Authority (WDDA) to have this vital road extended, upgraded, gravelled and eventually sealed.
Chairman of the WDDA who is also the Vice Minister for Works and Highways Hon.Miki Kaeok maintained that funding for this vital road project will be sourced from the National Government’s CONNECT PNG ROAD PROGRAM as this road link will eventually join Baiyer in the Western Highlands Province and further into Madang Province.
Vice Minister Kaeok applauded the Marape-Rosso government for the government’s signature road program that is reaching the unreachable since time immemorial.
The local MP who is also a member of the ruling Pangu Pati is confident of continuous government funding that will ensure this vital road link is upgraded, gravelled and sealed accordingly as required of a standard, national road.
The Lower Lai constituency is home to more than 25,000 voters who will use this road link to enable easy transportation of coffee bags as this area is known for its highest yields of coffee throughout the year.
The area is also known for its abundant supply of fresh fruits, nuts and vegetables and one of the most fertile valley in Enga Province.
*Photos attached show roadworks taking place in the Wapenamanda-Lower Lai Road Project in Enga Province.
