IPATAS CALLS FOR URGENT UPGRADE OF PORGERA ACCESS ROAD

CAPTION: Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas

BY NIGEL MADO

ENGA Governor Sir Peter Ipatas has called on the national government to urgently upgrade key road links connecting Enga Province to the Porgera Gold Mine, warning that deteriorating infrastructure is threatening economic activity in the resource-rich region.

Speaking during Question Time in Parliament, Sir Peter raised concerns about the condition of the road corridor between Togoba, Wabag and Porgera, saying the road has not received adequate upgrades despite more than three decades of mining operations in the province.

Sir Peter said reliable road infrastructure was essential not only for mining but also for other sectors of the economy including agriculture and trade.

The Governor pointed out that the Porgera project had contributed significantly to the national economy over many years, yet surrounding infrastructure remained underdeveloped.

He urged the national government to ensure the road linking Togoba to Wabag and further to Porgera is properly upgraded rather than receiving only minor improvements.

Sir Peter said road infrastructure would become even more critical once mining activities eventually decline in the future, as communities would depend on other economic activities.

Responding to the Governor, Works Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr. acknowledged the importance of the road network serving Porgera and other resource areas.

Mr Tsiamalili said the government recognizes the need to ensure reliable access to major resource projects.
He encouraged the Enga Governor to submit a formal request so the department could begin the process of officially assessing and enabling the road upgrade project.

The minister also noted that reliable infrastructure around resource projects is important to ensure long-term economic stability and continuity of operations.