Major road projects moving along, despite corridor issues

Caption:  (L) Taurama road opened up, while 6 Mile Saraga road portion still yet to.

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, March 13, 2016 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

MAJOR road projects in Port Moresby have been moving along despite delays with road corridor issues still persistent.

Two of those projects being the Taurama road (linking to the Magi Highway) and the Magi Highway (6 Mile to Bautama) projects.

NCD Governor Powes Parkop, in an update was pleased with the progress of the Six Mile to Bautama project, however, added that delays along the 6 Mile road corridor that is inhabited by settlers of Saraga, was still an issue for the 4 lane project.

“I am please and Hebou (Construction) is doing great progress, but the rod corridor heading back to 6 Mile involves people who have been settling there for a long time,” Parkop said.

“People will be affected that is why we have not come to it but eventually we will come to it. We have to work with the customary landowners there, the Saraga brothers, to resettle some of those people who are on the road corridor.”

“Once those plans are in place then resettlement will take place and the road corridor works will take place.”

The governor assured residents and people from the Central Province that the project will still be completed on the timeframe set.

“It will happen but we have to manage these issues that affect the lives of people. A lot of people have been displaced by the road works that have been happening in the city.”

“It’s not easy for us to manage those type of issues with the infrastructure that is needed for our economy and growing city at the same time cater for our people.”

“We are working with the customary landowners and I am hopeful that an outcome will be achieved soon. I want commend the Saraga brother who have helped us with the relocation of the people from 2Mile with the upgrading of the Hubert Murray Highway portion from Badili up to 2Mile which caters for over 500 families.”

Governor Parkop also commended the resident along the Taurama road their cooperation despite a delay in construction have voluntarily removed structures within the 40 meter requirement zone to construct the four lanes.

“I want to commend the residents over there between Vadavada and Taurama valley. Some have been a bit reluctant and dragging their feet but eventually they have come to see sense and cleared the road corridor for themselves.”

“I know they are facing immediate loss in terms of pulling out their structures and relocating their business and houses but in the long run the road is good for everyone.”

“It’s there to serve the entire residents of Vadavada and Taurama valley and the military barracks, and everybody else in the city.”

He added that the choices made by the municipal authority are not easy but are done with the future in mind.

“In the future Taurama valley and all the land down to the beach up to Vadavada and to 6 Mile Saraga area in 10 years’ time or less than that will be very highly populated areas with a lot of residential commercial, industrial so they need that type of four lane road so they need to make that kind of hard choice.”

“People are asking me maybe we should have a two lane road going through there but I think it will be irresponsible for me as the incumbent governor to submit to that easier option that would cater for our people today but not for the future.”