Prime Minister James Marape and Hela Provincial Member, Philip Undialu have officially opened Angore to Tari road at Linapin Village, Tari, Hela Province.
The K42.2 million-measured 22-kilometer infrastructure project-funded by ExxonMobil under the Tax Credit Scheme program, is set to connect approximately 15,000 people across nine councilor wards. Related news: https://www.thepngsun.com/ncdc-landowners-make-peace-to-allow-k178-million-road-project/
Warring clans living along the road corridor laid down arms to embrace the road development which will enable delivery of other services to the areas.
This road marks a new beginning for the people of the Hayapuka Local Level Government (LLG) in the Tari-Pori District, following 27 years of sustained war conflict, despite Tari Town being located nearby. Related content: https://www.nbc.com.pg/post/30122/marape-commissions-angore-tari-road-link-in-hela-province
The successful construction was delivered by Urunawini Limited, a locally owned company established by the landowners of the Angore PDL8.
PM Marape highlighted the road’s deeper significance, calling the achievement a testimony to the life-changing transformation of communities historically known for warlords, killers, and warriors, once the most dangerous place in the province.
The road project was accomplished under the leadership of public figure Mr. Malex Au, in collaboration with the Prime Minister and other local MPs.
In his keynote speech, Prime Minister Marape praised the contractor, Urunawini Limited Managing Director Mr. Malex Au, for the timely delivery of a quality infrastructure road during their first construction project.
Mr. Marape stated that the performance demonstrates excellent management under Mr. Au’s leadership.
“It is the benchmark for contractors in Hela Province and throughout the country,” the Prime Minister commended.
”Urunawini Limited, you deserve more contracts this time because the quality infrastructure road meets the required standards,” Marape stated.
The Prime Minister emphasized good governance in awarding projects, asserting, “Politics must be kept separate from the allocation of government services and funding.”
He challenged contractors to meet the standards required to be awarded government contracts and appealed to the Hela Provincial Governor and Members of Parliament not to award contracts to companies that failed to meet the required standards
Marape also issued a strong challenge to his local people, urging them to cease the trouble, fighting, and killing now that this significant achievement has reached us.
He encouraged, “Turn this road into a business hub where you can establish Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), such as operating trade stores and farming businesses.”
Hela Governor Philip Undialu also shown his appreciation by thanking Mr. Au, MD and Founder of the Urunawini Limited, for meeting the required standards.
Governor Undialu urged his people to change their mindset now that development has started.
”We must think about the future of our children. One day, our children will become the Governor of Hela, or even the Prime Minister of this country,” Governor Undialu stated.
Both leaders announced future plans for the area, including the rehabilitation work on the Balo Teachers College to Komo road and the sealing of the newly opened road.
Governor Undialu specifically announced, “I will be working with Prime Minister James Marape and ExxonMobil to seal this road to ensure balanced development across the province.”
The ceremony, which routed through Linapini, Piribu, Angore, and Hambuali, was witnessed by Honorable Taboi Awi Yoto, Western Governor, Heads of Departments, representatives of ExxonMobil, other sponsors councilors and presidents, and local community members.
Mr. Malex Au, the founder and Managing Director of Urunawini Limited, acknowledged the presence of Prime Minister Marape and Governor Undialu, attributing the successful opening ceremony to their consistent support.
He also acknowledged all the sponsors, including Kumul Petroleum Holdings, the Hela Provincial Government, the Tari-Pori DDA, MRDC, and ExxonMobil
MD Mr. Au then delivered a message of condolence for the late Works and Highways Minister.
“On behalf of the people of Tari-Pori and Hela Province, we regret to pass on our condolences to the family of the late Works and Highways Minister, the Honorable Solan Mirisim.”
He spoke emotionally about the late Minister’s involvement: “It was a moment of heartbreak, and I know others feel the same, as this dream has come true.”
He added, “This road agreement was signed under his leadership, and we implemented this project. He should have been one of the key speakers, but unfortunately, he passed away. As people of Hela, we are deeply sorry about your death.”
MD Mr. Au emphasized that in 2023, the project was approved under ExxonMobil’s Tax Credit Scheme with the endorsement of the National Government, the Hela Provincial Government and assistance from KPHL and MRDC.
Local landowner company Urunawini Limited was engaged to have constructed the road.
Founder and MD Mr. Au told our reporter: “Despite cutting 22 kilometers through undefiled forest and rugged mountain terrain posed major challenges, the team completed the project on time and within budget.”
Furthermore, the road includes new bridges, drainage systems, multiple culverts, and a 20-metre-wide corridor built to the national highway standardsase course installation, Mr. Au stated.
Founder Mr. Au says that the Hides gas field began commercial production in 1991 for the Hides Gas to Electricity (GTE) project. Despite this, several PDL areas have remained without road access and other essential services, which they are rightful landowners to benefit.
Founder and MD, Mr. Au says, “First-hand construction speaks the volumes of this newly established company owned by the landowners. We are too confident outside in contributing towards the development and progress of this country, PNG.
MD Mr. Au concluded the program by presenting gifts to the delegates and everyone else who contributed to the construction of the road.