Prime Minister James Marape has announced a major K100 million to upgrade and reseal the Hiritano Highway.

The Highway links Gulf, Central and National Capital District (NCD).

He made the announcement in Kerema on April 12, 2021.

Before that, PM Marape launched the Ihu Special Economic Zone (ISEZ) and other projects in Kikori District.

Other projects include K5-million for Kerema Town roads and K100, 000 for upgrading the Kerema Rugby League Oval.

Additionally, K20, 000 is to support the local basketball competition.

Gulf Governor Chris Haiveta and local member Soroi Eoe accompanied PM Marape.

Central Governor Robert Agarobe, Transport Minister William Samb and Works Minister Michael Nali were among the delegation.

PM Marape said the Hiritano Highway was a major road that connected Gulf and Central with NCD.

He was speaking in Kerema where hundreds of people gathered.

“The National Government will support many of the upcoming resource projects. They are Papua LNG and Pasca, and others like the Ihu Special Economic Zone in the Gulf province,” he said. https://www.thenational.com.pg/k100mil-for-kikoris-ihu-project/

World Bank and the National Government are jointly funding the upgrade of Highway.

“We are getting the last stretch of the road linking Malalaua to Kerema. We will upgrade and re-construct other sections that have deteriorated in parts of Central Province,” he said.

Mr Marape said committed another K5 million for the Kerema Town roads.

The capital city provides many socioeconomic opportunities, he said.

Marape urged leaders and their people to harness these opportunities to their advantage.

Further, Marape appealed to the people of Kerema to go into fishing, gardening, agriculture and SME activities.

Tilting the land is better than wandering around in Port Moresby and other places aimlessly, he said.

“Both provinces have valuable resources like land, fisheries and marine resources.