When one thinks of Daru in the Western province of Papua New Guinea (PNG), it's usually a small town which sometimes lack the basic essential services that is needed for progress and development, but this little island town has potential that’s worth looking at it closer with a magnifying glass.

This was revealed recently by the Governor for Western province Taboi Awi Yoto at the launching of a new National Fisheries Authority (NFA) state of the art Surveillance Center in Daru town on the 6th of January.

He said the province shares two international borders, one with Indonesia and one with Australia. This also places Daru as a strategic location in the province and the country. Being that the good governor wants the province to be one of the provinces that draws investments in all sectors.

“When Daru is good, we can be the gateway to Asia and gateway to Australia, and we can provide the gateway for people to travel, exchange our culture, trade and business so we can attract foreign direct investment into Daru, and it can have a ripple effect in the nation,” said Governor Awi Yoto.

But, for that to be, Governor Awi Yoto says there needs to be improvements to the services in Daru. He said there is still lots of issues that needs addressing and fixing. One being the power supply issues and the lack of a proper sewage system. Roads and vital economic infrastructure are some of the things need fixing.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister James Marape, when it was his time to speak at the event, assured the governor that the town’s development is part of the National Government agenda for 2026 and it shall be done going forward.

Daru, historically served as an administrative and trading post for the colonial government. It was a gateway to the vast wilderness of the Western Province and offers access to the Fly River, a major waterway and tourist attraction.

These days the town faces challenges related to infrastructure and economic development, but it remains a vital hub for the region.