LOCALS CELEBRATE NEW 40KM ROAD LINKING MOKS AND KORAIPE VILLAGES IN IMBONGGU

BY JOSEPH REMA

A rousing traditional welcome greeted Imbonggu MP and Minister for Justice and Attorney-General Hon. Pila Niningi as he officially opened a newly constructed 40-kilometre road linking Moks Village to Koraipe Village in Southern Highlands Province on Friday.

Hundreds of people from the Tangiki, Pekai, Aluwe and Koke tribes, dressed in traditional attire, gathered to celebrate what local leaders described as another milestone in infrastructure development across the Imbonggu electorate.

Kendal Ward Three councillor James Paipo praised Mr Niningi and Imbonggu District Development Authority chief executive officer Paul Kereme for delivering major government services and infrastructure projects.

“The people can now see real changes taking place in Walume. Government agencies such as MVIL, IRC, Air Niugini, the Lands Office and the National Court are being established, while roads, schools and the Pokorapul Level 5 Hospital are transforming the district,” Mr Paipo said.

He urged leaders and residents from the six council wards to continue supporting Mr Niningi to ensure development projects continue.

Former Ialibu Town Lord Mayor Jacob Iki also thanked the Minister for extending services to communities living along the border of the Imbonggu and Ialibu-Pangia electorates.
“For many years our people were overlooked because each electorate believed we belonged to the other. Today we are grateful that Mr Niningi has come to our villages and delivered services that our people have waited for,” Mr Iki said.

During the inspection of the new road, community leaders requested a bridge across a river section to allow safe vehicle access.
Mr Niningi assured the people that culverts would be supplied to enable construction of the crossing.

“This road is only the beginning. We will provide the culverts so a proper crossing can be built, allowing vehicles to travel safely throughout the year,” Mr Niningi said.

In appreciation of Mr. Niningi’s support, the Kendal community presented Mr Niningi with two live pigs, each valued at K10,000, during a traditional ceremony.

The ceremony ended in a high a note.