Governor for New Ireland happy with road progress

 

Returning from his weekend of custom at Nokon, New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan departed Huris in the morning on Monday but detoured to Lossuk, Lavolai, Bagatere, to Kaut road. Sir J  was thrilled that the entire trip took only six hours from Huris to Lossuk to Lovolai and Bagatere and Kaut and  onwards to Kavieng town.  “Just a decade ago, this would have been impossible by car.  It was only a walking track, and would have taken days at least to complete, if you could do it at all,” Sir J said.

 

The progress he saw was beyond his expectations because of very steep hills. The late Wally Lussick  as Regional member 50 years ago made numerous calls in the House of Assembly to link Bagatere on the west coast to the East coast of Tikana. “ As I drove through the labyrinth of junctions I can hear Wally’s voice. I know Wally is smiling from above to see this virgin rainforest now opened up for the people of Tikana. And Obed Boas who succeeded Wally would support this project as he was the MP who started NAKMAI Company which I launched 50 years ago.” said Sir J.

 

 

The road was originally called Chan road but will be renamed Bokap crossing after former Kavieng Open  member Daniel Bokap. 

 

In memory of these great leaders Sir J said he would  do everything to ensure the speedy completion of the project. Not only because this vital project links to the long forgotten people but will be a legacy project for the Deputy Governor and President of  Tikana . “For a long time I have been expressing my disappointment at the slow pace of the contractor MAYNIPS. But today I am amazed and more than satisfied at the current state and progress of the road works. Many could never  have imagined that a road of this quality could finally be built, and I commend local contractor MAYNIPS for taking on this difficult and challenging job,” said Sir J.

 

He gave his word that his Government would do everything to ensure the speedy completion of the project. “One thing I will not tolerate is the Gor Gor blocking of this important project for my people. Some people just don’t appreciate how difficult it is to fast track projects. We must work together to ensure it is completed for the benefit of all.”

 

Sir J also received the report of the road from contractor Greg Tobareng before making his way to Kavieng. Sir J is content that the work will be a legacy project.  He concluded by saying “This road is another example of the basic commitment of my Government to all the People of New Ireland.  I have said it many times before: The further you are, the more we care. I mean it. We stand proud that Bagatere is completed on time.”

 

Just like Kaut, Tome, Lokono and Panapai roads without the People’s Progress Party Government’s deliberate support these roads would still be village tracks.