Land dispute hampers Tokua four-lane highway construction

The multi-million Kina  Tokua to Kokopo four-lane road project is getting off to a slower start than expected following land disputes along various sections of the project area.

The member for Kokopo, Ereman ToBaining Junior, who is also the Chairman of the Public Works Committee in the country, says the widening of the road has prompted concerns from various stakeholders, including both traditional landowners and big companies.

He says the widening of the Tokua to Kokopo Road is a vital infrastructure project for the province. The four-lane road is expected to reduce travel time between Tokua Airport and Kokopo, facilitating trade, tourism, and overall economic activity in the province. However, there are concerns raised by landowners and businesses, which he thinks are legitimate, and the project's initial construction plan needs to be revisited.

The 17-kilometre Tokua to Kokopo four-lane road project was launched by Prime Minister James Marape during a Cabinet visit to the province in July last year. The project will cost about K250 million, with a K26 million upfront payment already made to the contractor Covec PNG, to carry out the initial phase of the project. Like anywhere else in Papua New Guinea, development has its challenges.

Since the launch of the project, various landowners and companies have raised concerns claiming there were not enough feasibility studies carried out before the project started, concerns relating to the impact of the road expansion on their land, properties and traditional rights.

The chairman of the Public Works Committee says there are ongoing discussions and negotiations with stakeholders that may affect the road's initial design. But for now, he says the government is committed to resolving the land disputes and ensuring the project is delivered successfully, but that hinges on the outcome of mutual agreements that respect both the needs of the stakeholders involved and the project's overall objectives.