Kusaun to Urimo Road Upgrade Project to be Launched Next Week

A significant infrastructure development is set to commence in Papua New Guinea's East Sepik Province with the upcoming launch of the Kusaun to Urimo road upgrade project. The 28-kilometer road, located in the Yangoru-Saussia District, will undergo a K10 million enhancement funded by the national government. This project fulfills a commitment made by the Prime Minister during his visit to the district in March.

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This is a K10 million national government project as per the commitment made by the Prime Minister during his visit to the district in March this year. The upgrade of this economic road will prepare the way for the launching of the proposed Sepik Plains Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru, highlighted the strategic importance of this road upgrade, stating it is crucial for preparing the ground for the proposed Sepik Plains Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Negotiations between the state and New Britain Palm Oil Limited's subsidiary, Ramu Agri Industries, for the development of the Sepik plains are in advanced stages and expected to conclude next month.

The immediate objective of the road upgrade is to facilitate the transportation of cattle and building materials to Urimo. This is essential for establishing the new Urimo Cattle and Oil Palm Station, a preparatory step before the Prime Minister officially launches the Sepik Plains SEZ, anticipated for August this year. The SEZ is poised to become the largest oil palm and cattle project in the country's history.

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We expect the negotiations to be completed next month. In the meantime, the Kusaun to Urimo Road needs to be upgraded to allow us to bring cattle and building materials to Urimo to prepare the new Urimo Cattle and Oil Palm Station before the Prime Minister launches the Sepik Plains SEZ which is planned for August this year.

Minister Maru extended an invitation to the residents of Yangoru-Saussia and the wider East Sepik Province to attend the launch ceremony in Kusaun Village. He also announced further developments to be unveiled at the event, including the opening of a new police station, the construction of a health center, a new bridge at Rabiawa, and funding for several primary schools within the Sausso Local Level Government area.

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The Sepik Plains will house the biggest oil palm and cattle project in the country’s history.