#pngsun #highlands: Former Lagaip MP Aimos Joseph Akem has called on Prime Minister James Marape to urgently upgrade and reopen the Magarima–Kandep–Lagaip road.
The road, being cut off due to lack of maintenance, he says will give Hela people safer access and reduce intimidation along the Southern Highlands route especially the Nipa section of the road corridor.
Mr. Akem said Engans and Helas share close ties and the government must prioritize construction of what he described as the Hela Opene Highway.
In a statement, he stressed that only two bridges at Wasa and Lakis and major roadworks were needed to make the route fully accessible.
“The road project was launched in 2019 at Magarima Station, and there is no reason it should not start immediately,” he said.
“It is a short distance, and once upgraded, it will link Hela directly to Hagen without obstruction.”
He added that sealing the Laiagam–Kandep road and upgrading the Kandep–Magarima section would provide a long-term solution, allowing Hela people to travel without fear.
Mr. Akem urged the Prime Minister, as a “son of Hela,” to act now, saying, “If you don’t build it now, then who else will, and when?”