Prime Minister, James Marape and local Kikori MP, Soroi Marepo Eoe launched more than K315 million in infrastructure projects and officially opened the new Ihu Market last Friday.
The launch was described as a major investment boost for developments in Kikori District, Gulf province.
The development package includes the K176 million Ihu–Muro Road Project, the K126 million Vailala River Bridge, K10 million in Keuru Bridge to Vailala River road soil stabilization works, the K1.4 million Multi-Purpose Community Centre, the K700,000 Ihu Market and the K1.92 million Baimuru Market project.
The launch at Ihu Station was attended by Prime Minister Marape, Mr. Eoe, Finance Minister Thomas Opa, Acting Gulf Governor Morris Taudevin, Gulf Provincial Administrator Clement Napo Tare, contractors, development partners, community leaders and residents.
Minister Eoe described the occasion as one of the most significant milestones in Kikori District’s history, saying the projects reflected a vision of putting people at the center of development while positioning the district for long-term economic growth.
He said the investments would improve transport links, strengthen government services, create jobs and lift living standards across the district.
Mr. Eoe said the new markets at Ihu and Baimuru would provide better opportunities for women, farmers, fishermen, artisans and small business operators to earn an income in safer and more organized trading environments.
He also described the Papua LNG Project as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the economy of Kikori District, Gulf Province and the country.
Mr. Eoe said he had been working closely with landowners, community leaders, government agencies and project stakeholders to ensure the project progressed in a fair, transparent and inclusive manner.
He acknowledged concerns surrounding the Social Mapping and Landowner Identification process but welcomed the growing unity among landowner groups, saying the focus remained on delivering lasting benefits through improved infrastructure, education, healthcare, electricity, local businesses and employment.
Mr. Eoe thanked Prime Minister Marape for supporting the district’s development agenda and acknowledged the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China, the Kikori District Development Authority, Gulf Provincial Administration, engineers, contractors, consultants, customary landowners and local communities for their contributions.
Prime Minister Marape said the projects represented more than the delivery of infrastructure, describing them as evidence of the Government’s commitment to building Papua New Guinea from the district level.
He said the integrated development package would improve transport, strengthen public services, expand economic opportunities and lay the foundation for future growth.
The Prime Minister said the opening of the Ihu Market and construction of the Baimuru Market would support local farmers and fishermen, stimulate business activity and improve household incomes.
He said the Papua LNG Project should leave a legacy that extends beyond royalties and compensation by delivering modern infrastructure, quality services, skilled local people and a stronger private sector.
PM Marape commended Minister Eoe for driving development across Kikori District and acknowledged the continued support of the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China in delivering major infrastructure projects.
He urged the people of Kikori to protect the new infrastructure, support local businesses, maintain peace and invest in education so the projects would deliver lasting benefits for future generations.