Prime Minister James Marape is asking the Kokoda Track landowners to reopen the track, saying that keeping it closed is hurting the people who depend on trekking to earn money and also stopping tourism income from coming into the country. The Prime Minister said this when responding to questions from Oro Governor Gary Juffa in the recent parliament sitting. Governor Juffa asked him about the Government’s plan to pay the K50 million promised to the landowners. This promise was made by the Government in 2011 to pay for the use of the land the Kokoda Track is on. PM Marape said he understands this is a long-standing problem and confirmed that he received a petition from the landowners in September this year, just before they decided to close the track. “Kokoda Track is the most visited tourist spot in our country,” said PM Marape. “We don’t have many tourist attractions, but Kokoda Track is special. It brings visitors from around the world. We must honor the promise made to pay K50 million to the landowners of Kodu.” He added that the Government will work to find the money to pay what is owed. In the meantime, he asked the landowners to reopen the track. The Prime Minister explained how the closure of the Kokoda Track is affecting local people. He said that many villagers rely on trekkers for income. For example, carriers, who help carry bags, earn K300 to K400 per trip. Villagers living near the track also sell food and crafts to trekkers and offer places to rest and eat. “I am asking the landowners to lift the ban because it helps no one. Instead, it stops people from earning money and hurts our tourism industry,” PM Marape said. Governor Juffa explained more about the issue in Parliament. He said that in 2013 and 2014, the Government paid K5 million each year to the landowners as part of the K50 million promise. However, no payments have been made since then. This led the landowners to close the Kokoda Track on 16 September this year in protest. Governor Juffa said the closure has caused problems for both the people living near the track and the tourism industry in Papua New Guinea. Tourism brings in money that helps many businesses and families, but with the track closed, this income has stopped. PM Marape reassured that the Government is committed to finding a solution and making sure the K50 million is paid. He said reopening the track will help everyone while the Government works to fulfill its promise.