Marape commissions Angore-Tari Road link in Hela Province
Hundreds of people today gathered at Linapini village in Tari Pori District, Hela Province, to witness the opening of the Angore to Tari Road via Linapini and Hambuali by Prime Minister James Marape.
The event began on a solemn note, with attendees observing a minute of silence to honor the late Minister for National Works and Highways, Solan Mirisim.
The people of Hela Province paid tribute to the late Minister, applauding his dedication to advancing the road project and other vital rural infrastructure initiatives across the nation under the Connect PNG Program.
Mr Marape was accompanied by a delegation including Hela Governor Philip Undialu, Western Province Governor Taboi Awi Yoto, and other dignitaries. In his address, the prime minister highlighted the historical neglect of the road, stating that while the area sits within the PNG LNG Project footprint and the Hides Gas Project had been active since the 1990s, this critical section remained an "off cut" from the main road network until now.
“To the people of Linapini, Hambuali, Undupi, Piripu, and the surrounding communities, thank you for your patience,” he stated.
The Prime Minister assured the communities that the new road will be sealed soon and issued a caution against premature development near the road corridor: “I do not want people to put up structures quickly near the road,” he warned.
He congratulated contractor Urunawini Limited, owned by the Angore landowners, and praised its excellent work and the quality output it delivered despite being a newly established company.
“First contract must not be your last contract. If you do work properly, you will get the next contract, and your quality work output will determine this. I congratulate the contractor for its outstanding work,” he said.
Hela Governor Philip Undialu emphasized that the opening of the road marks a new chapter for economic activity. He stressed that the people must now pivot toward agricultural activities, announcing that the distribution of coffee seedlings will commence.
Governor Undialu reflected on the past hardships endured by the people due to the lack of road access. With the road now complete, he urged communities to actively engage in Small and Medium Enterprise [SME] activities to take full advantage of the improved connectivity.