Important agriculture driven road from Passam to Maprik overlooked as local MP raises alarming concern over lack of attention

Maprik MP Liberty Kapris brought to the attention of the national government the overlooked Passam to Maprik road, which has not been upgraded despite the K80 million road contract awarded in December last year.

The road plays a crucial role in East Sepik, especially in the agriculture sector, where the province is currently the leading cocoa and vanilla producer in PNG.

The lack of attention on the road has prompted leaders of East Sepik to seek justification for the prolonged construction.

“It has now been three and a half months, and no funds have been released to the contractor to mobilise and commence work, not even K10 million to K20 million,” Kapris told parliament when raising his concerns.

“I am beginning to worry whether this very important economic road will even get the upgrade this year when so much funding is going to areas and districts under the Connect PNG program and to fund uneconomical roads.”

Mr Kapris said East Sepik was the leading cocoa and vanilla producer in PNG, but the Passam-Maprik road has not been prioritized for redevelopment.

The Maprik MP said when cocoa overtook coffee last year, the revenue had reached K1.2 billion.

He questioned Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey as to when the warrant for the project would be released for the road upgrade and construction to start.

Stuckey when responding said the warrants will be released as soon as the funds are available.

“We at Treasury and the Department of Finance are working very hard to try and get those out as quickly as possible. But of course, subject to cash flow,” he said.