A local community in Markham district in Morobe, capable of producing up to three tonnes of dry cocoa beans monthly, is entering a prosperous new era.

Driven by the Markham District Development Authority (MDDA) to unlock its full potential, the community recently celebrated the launch of the Sagub Feeder Road, a solar water supply system, and Wampua Elementary School.

Funded and initiated by the MDDA in 2025, these projects are set to transform local cocoa production, the backbone of the community's livelihood.

MDDA Chairman (MP) Koni Iguan emphasized that these developments are about driving economic growth through agriculture, noting, “The area has proven potential in cocoa production. With proper infrastructure like road access, farmers can now increase supply, reach markets easily, and improve their income.”

For years, farmers faced gruelling challenges, carrying heavy cocoa bags up to four kilometers to reach the nearest highway, which severely limited production and discouraged expansion.

The completion of the feeder road has finally changed that reality, providing direct highway access and opening doors for increased production and better market reach.

Complementing this, the solar-powered water supply system has vastly improved daily living conditions, freeing families from hours of searching for water so they can focus on productive farming. Meanwhile, the establishment of Wampua Elementary School secures long-term development, keeping children educated locally while supporting the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs.

With this vital infrastructure in place, community leaders report a surge of interest among farmers looking to expand their cocoa blocks and transform the area into the district's leading cocoa hub.

Local businessman Mathew Yapi, who operates a family-joint-venture cocoa fermentary, shared that the new road has already catalyzed business growth.

“Because of the road access, we have gone into a joint venture to expand our cocoa fermentaries and also invest in Public Motor Vehicles (PMVs) to support transport,” Yapi said.

He noted that if market conditions remain favorable, local producers are eager to scale up even further, adding, “If cocoa prices maintain, we will need support from the district to guide us in getting an export license so we can export Markham cocoa to overseas markets.”

Backed by strong leadership and rising local investment, Wampua is now firmly on track to turn its agricultural potential into a sustainable economic future.