Photo: The Maramuni Road at Maramuni Station
James Marape claims that his government's trademark 'Connect PNG' program links rural Papua New Guinea like never before.
He remarks when unveiling the K15 million 57-kilometre Maramuni Road, which connects Maramuni to Wabag, and launching the Enga-Sepik Highway, which would connect Maramuni to Karawari in East Sepik.
The Wabag District Development Authority (DDA) and the Enga Provincial Government built the Maramuni Road across some of the country's most steep and hardest terrain at a low cost.
The area is famed for its gold and agriculture and its great unrealized tourism potential; unfortunately, there was no road, so people had to hike to Wabag, which took several days.
PM Marape went to Maramuni as soon as he arrived in Port Moresby from Jakarta, Indonesia. He led a government and business group and spent the night before returning to Port Moresby on Saturday.
The Prime Minister pledged K10 million in additional funds for the Maramuni Road, as well as K8 million to begin construction on the portion from Maramuni to Karawari.
The Maramuni Health Centre was also inaugurated by PM Marape.
His entourage included Enga Governor Hon. Hon. Sir Peter Ipatas, Minister of Works and Highways Hon. Michael Nali, Member of Parliament for Angoram Salio Waipo, represents the people of East Sepik, and Hon. Salio Waipo, Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Hon. Isi Henry Leonard, Minister of Labour and Industrial Relations and Member of Parliament for Lagaip-Porgera Hon. Tomait Kapili, Fisheries Minister and Wabag MP, and Hon. Tomait Kapili, Tomait Kapili, Tomait Kapili, Dr. Lino Tom, who served as the event's host.
Representatives from various government departments and agencies were also present, including Works and Highways Secretary David Wereh.
PM Marape praised Sir Peter and diligent Dr. Tom for his insight and vision for Maramuni's "lost" people.
“We are trying to connect all rural areas right throughout the country,” he said.
“In this year’s Budget, we have allocations for 163 roads.”
PM Marape stated Maramuni was one of the "missing connections," which included Tabubil-Telefomin, which connects Western and West Sepik, Karamui-Kundiawa in Chimbu, Finschhafen-Lae in Morobe, and others.
“We are trying to connect all these missing links,” he said.
PM Marape said that his predecessor, Peter O'Neill, had focused solely on Port Moresby, neglecting rural communities such as Maramuni.
“Over the last three years, we have spent K15 million on the Maramuni Road – which is not a lot of money,” he said.
“To break down mountains along the Maramuni Road would require K50 to K60 million.
“I want to thank the leader of Enga, especially Governor Ipatas, and Dr. Lino, for making it possible.”
PM Marape also praised the construction crew for being honest and hardworking in their efforts to build the road while avoiding the use of unneeded costly contractors.
“I want to thank Dr Lino, Governor Ipatas, the team on the ground, including local boys who handled the machines, for putting smiles on both young and old faces at Maramuni,” he said.
“This place has gold, coffee, and so many other resources.
“However, we have forgotten them until now for so long.”
Reference: PM James Marape News Page (2 April 2022). “PM Marape opens Maramuni Road, launches Enga-Sepik Highway
