K600M WARA KAGUL PROJECT TAKES OFF UNDER NININGI’S WATCH

BY JOSEPH QUAKES REMA

THE long-awaited K600 million Wara Kagul Hydro Power Project in Southern Highlands Province has moved from ceremony to construction, with heavy machinery arriving at the project site yesterday and physical work starting under the watch of Minister for Justice and Attorney-General Pila Niningi.

The machinery arrived at Ikulumbe Village a day after the groundbreaking ceremony, marking the beginning of construction of the major hydro-power project and associated road infrastructure.
Mr Niningi was on the ground to witness the commencement of work and ensure the project moved from plans and promises into actual construction.

The project, being developed in partnership with AG Investment (AGI), is expected to generate electricity and deliver major road infrastructure, including a new Kunukumbe Highway linking the project area with Tona, Peyambil and communities along the route.

Mr Niningi said the project represented the fulfilment of a dream he had pursued for decades.
“Thinking of getting this project has prompted me to contest five consecutive elections. I thought that if I won, I would get this project off the ground,” Mr Niningi said.

He said negotiations began in 2018, following his election victory in 2017, with AGI later sending its engineering team to inspect the proposed project site.
Mr Niningi said the project would be delivered by experienced hydro-power developers with a proven track record in Papua New Guinea.

“The investor is a world-class hydro builder who has constructed the Edevu Hydro on the Brown River in Central Province and other hydro projects around the country,” he said.

AGI managing director Allan Goh said the company was pleased to partner with the Imbonggu District Development Authority to deliver the project within three years.

“We are happy to partner with Imbonggu District Development Authority to deliver this project within three years,” Mr Goh said.
He said the associated road would be developed in two phases, with the first connecting the main road to the hydro project site and the second extending from the power plant to Tona and Peyambil.

Imbonggu DDA chief executive officer Paul Kereme said the authority would provide logistical and financial support within its capacity.

“First and foremost is the power project and secondly is the road,” Mr Kereme said.

The project is expected to stimulate economic activity and create opportunities for local communities and businesses once completed.