Taurama road corridor dialogue to take place

Caption:  A section of the Taurama road.

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, December 13, 2015 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

WITH construction set to start in January next year on the much maligned Taurama Road- talks will take place between residents and business houses along the road corridor that are within the required road space.

National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop revealed dialogue plans following concerns raised by those along the corridor due to the construction of the four lane main road by Global Construction.

“There is a concern also by residents at Taurama road and I want to make it clear that the actual construction at Taurama will start in January. So between now and January dialogue can take place,” Parkop said.

“Whoever has grievance on Taurama valley can meet with our team. We have a specific consultant who will be dialoguing with all the residents along Taurama road.”

“But the bottom line is that we need a minimum of 40 meters. We have to have 40 meters. It is a four land road and 40 meters is required.”

He said despite their concerns the corridor is small, which is required to be opened up- adding that the entire area was declared a physical planning area in 2009 and was subject to proper planning.

“The fact is that in 2009 Taurama valley was declared a physical planning area and almost all the business houses and residents that have constructed their houses and whatever property there, most of them have no physical planning approval,” he added.

“There are mainly illegal structures. Before they start talking about their rights, the law, and so on, they better ask themselves whether they followed the law in terms of putting up their infrastructure, shops, and other business premises along the Taurama road.”

“Everybody knows that we are going to reconstruct that road- they chose to put their property right near the road.”

Parkop reiterated that with consultations taking place- compensation might be considered with the bottom-line of 40 meters minimum for the contractor for much needed utility services.

“I think in Engineering terms the preferred width for four lanes is 50 meters, because you have to make provisions for the amenities and utilities like water power and sewerage. They go along the road corridor.”

“When the road goes through the sewage and water and electricity runs alongside the road corridor.”

“We are making some exceptions in Taurama because of the built up area to reduce it to 40 meters so that is a big sacrifice of 10 meters, so all the business houses and people there should see the benefit of the road to enhance their businesses and enhance their life to make it more convenient for them and they should support us instead of making petty complaints,” the governor ended.