Prices of basic store goods lower than before in Maramuni

The opening of the Enga-Sepik road project has brought about a significant positive change in Maramuni, located in the Wabag District of Papua New Guinea, drastically lowering the cost of essential goods. Previously, the area's isolation meant that only small aircraft could reach it, forcing businesses to sell a packet of rice for as much as K30.00.

Vehicles first reached the Pasalangus government station on September 16, 2021, marking a historic moment after the Wabag District Development Authority began building the Enga-Sepik road. The road has since been widened, gravelled, and equipped with several bridges to facilitate the delivery of construction supplies for a K30 million Asian Development Bank-funded rural hospital project, slated for completion next year.

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For the first time since time immemorial, vehicles reached the Pasalangus government station on September 16,2021 when the pilot tract reached the LLG headquarters where the rural airstrip is located.

Local contractor Whin Tom confirmed the dramatic price decrease, stating that the cost of a packet of rice has fallen from K30.00 to K10.00. This reduction reflects an increased buying power for the local currency, attributed to the elimination of high air freight costs. Small businesses in and around the Pasalangus government station area have begun to expand over the past year.

The Enga-Maramuni section of the highway now connects five council wards. The road project is projected to create substantial business opportunities, enabling trade between the Upper Highlands Provinces and the broader Sepik Region, encompassing East and West Sepik provinces. Excavators are currently working to extend the road towards the Sepik Plains.

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Previously, it was expensive due to the high cost of air freight, but during the past year, small businesses have started to expand in and around the Pasalangus government station area.