Road upgrades in the Wau-Waria District are moving forward, even with ongoing issues.
Local MP Marsh Narewec said the district is serious about building better road access because the roads will help people reach vital services like clinics, schools, and markets.
He said they want to bring real development, not just talk.
“We want progress — not only power, but also roads, education, communication, and health,” Narewec said.
The main project stretches over 30 kilometers from Bapi to Garaina Station. Other sections include a 6-kilometre road from Tori to Korua. The Biaru Kunai to Tourins Bypass is 3 kilometers long. Travelling from Wau to Biaru now takes about two hours.
The district has invested K3 million to fund this roadworks.
The roads will eventually link to the Northern Highway. This will allow better connection between Morobe and Gulf provinces through the Biaru-Gulf route once it is completed.
But progress has not been easy. Narewec said workers have faced threats and land ownership disagreements.
“Sometimes we stop work because of disputes or criminal activity,” he said. “But we continue because our people deserve these services.”
The road crew includes 20 to 25 workers. This team has engineers, drivers, police, and security officers. A second group of 15 is focused on the Warakawar stretch.
“They are not waiting for others — they are cutting bush, digging, and working with tools,” said Narewec.
He asked communities to cooperate and support the work being done.
“Respect the workers and protect the projects,” he said. “We must maintain peace and support local businesses along the road.”
He also thanked the team on the ground for their hard work in unsafe areas.
Narewec said this road is more than just a road.
“It means better lives. It brings education, health, trade, and hope,” he said.
This roadworks is part of the district’s efforts to boost growth and link remote villages.