NEW ROAD TO BENEFIT OVER 4,000 PEOPLE IN NIPA-KUTUBU

CAPTION: Road construction to link communities in Topua and Askom in Nipa Kutubu District

BY JOE REMA

MORE than 4,000 people in Plateau Local Level Government (LLG) area of Nipa-Kutubu District, Southern Highlands Province, will benefit from the construction of a new road currently underway.

The road project, which will link the communities of Topua and Askom, is expected to improve access to basic services and economic opportunities once completed.

Managing Director of Ip Tarep Construction, Jonathan Weri, said the road will span approximately five kilometres, with 1.4 kilometres already completed.

Mr Weri acknowledged the support of former Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited Managing Director, Wapu Sonk, contributing K30,000 to kick-start the project.

Despite limited funding, the local contractor is progressing work using available resources, including two excavators, two UD trucks and a four-door Land Cruiser.

The Nipa-Kutubu District has hosted oil and gas operations for more than 30 years, contributing significantly to national revenue. However, local communities have often raised concerns about a lack of infrastructure development in the area.

The new road is expected to address some of these challenges by improving connectivity and supporting local development.