The long-awaited Saraga-Kipo road project took a major step forward on Monday with the groundbreaking ceremony for the 1.2km road construction.
It will connect East Boroko and Six-Mile.
The K9.2 million project, a collaboration between local MP Justin Tkatchenko, NCD Governor Powes Parkop, and City Manager Ravu Frank, is part of a broader infrastructure push that includes other key road projects such as Waigani to 8-Mile via Morata 2 and Kennedy Estate, Hohola to Tokarara, Gerehu to 9-Mile via Baruni, and the rehabilitation of Koura Way.
These developments aim to upgrade settlements into structured suburbs and improve connectivity across the city.
The contract was formally awarded to Niugini Engineering Construction Limited, emphasizing the 2025 leadership theme of “Work and Inspire.”
He highlighted the significance of turning settlements into suburbs as part of his administration’s vision for a well-planned and developed city.
“This transformation is a pivotal goal in my leadership,” he stated, underlining the importance of structured urban development.
Delays and Landowner Cooperation
Governor Parkop acknowledged past delays and directly addressed the residents of Saraga-Kipo.
“I apologize to the people of Saraga-Kipo for the delay last year, which was caused by internal conflicts,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to the Motu Koitabu landowners, commending their cooperation and commitment to integrating settlers into the city’s urban framework.
On the issue of resettlement, Parkop assured affected residents:
“We will compensate or relocate settlers impacted by this project.”
Tkatchenko Secures Land for Development
Minister for Foreign Affairs and local MP Justin Tkatchenko played a key role in securing the release of land from settlers and landowners, a crucial step for the area’s economic growth.
“I am deeply grateful to the people of Saraga-Kipo for their patience,” he said. “Today, we witness the result of that patience.”
The Minister stressed the importance of timely execution and called on the contractor to deliver within the stipulated timeframe.
“I urge the contractor to complete this project within 12 months, and we look forward to celebrating its successful completion,” he declared.
City Leaders Applaud Infrastructure Development
City Manager Ravu Frank praised the leadership of Governor Parkop and the three local MPs, attributing the city’s development progress to their “visionary leadership.”
He also commended Niugini Engineering Construction Limited for their work and reaffirmed NCDC’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure across the capital.
Project Manager Pierre Konige urged young people in Saraga-Kipo to engage with Niugini Engineering Construction Limited and contribute to the success of the road project.
A Brighter Future for Saraga-Kipo
A community representative expressed optimism, noting that the project would bring much-needed infrastructure improvements to an area that has “endured darkness for the past 20 years.” News in other suburbs: https://www.thepngsun.com/ensisi-neighbourhood-watch-to-deter-petty-crimes/