Kandep to be transformed with major infrastructure projects

By MALUM NALU

Remote Kandep, Enga, one of the most undeveloped areas in the country is set to be transformed into a major centre in the Highlands with several major infrastructure projects worth hundreds of millions of kina underway or being completed.

These projects included the K250 million Mendi-Kandep Road under Asian Development Bank funding, already completed Kandep-Kiapu Road, K18.6 million Kiapu-Pangu Road, K30 million Pangu-Laiagam Road, K35 million Wasa Bridge, and K70 million Kandep-Magarima Road.

Works Minister Francis Awesa didn’t mince his words when telling the people of Kandep recently that their area would be transformed from a forgotten backwater into a hub of the Highlands linked to LNG-rich Hela and Gulf, Porgera gold mine, and Mendi in Southern Highlands.

Awesa launches the Wasa Bridge project.-Pictures by MALUM NALU

“We’re witnessing major infrastructure developments in Enga, Southern Highlands and Hela provinces,” he told more than 10,000 people who congregated at Kandep station.

“It’s all part of the transformation of Kandep.

“We want the road from Mendi to Kandep, and on to Laiagam, to happen.

“This road (Mendi to Kandep) is almost complete.

“It’s costing something like K250 million.

“The road will come from Mendi and go on to Laiagam.

“This road will not only start from Mendi and finish here.

“People from Porgera must not only go to Wabag and Hagen, sometimes they must go through to Kandep.

“One of these days Kandep will become a major centre.”

Awesa said Kandep could be linked to Gulf in future.

“One of these days, this road will go on to Porgera and on to Kikori and Kerema,” he said.

“The Wasa Bridge will connect Kandep with Southern Highlands and Hela province.

A soldier against the backdrop of the swamp and marshland of Kandep over which the Wasa Bridge will be built.

“The government has made a major decision for infrastructure development in Enga, Southern Highlands, Hela and Gulf provinces become a reality.

“Kandep will be transformed into a major centre, maybe even a city.”