Work on Kinabuga-Dupaim road to start, ending years of struggle

The heavy machineries entering the project site over the weekend to start work on the Kinabuga-Dupaim road *(Image: Supplied)*

A new chapter of development has begun for the people of Tiki in Dei, Western Highlands, as work commences on the Kinabuga to Dupaim road, ending years of struggling over poor road conditions.

The arrival of heavy machinery from Bindon Construction over the weekend marked the official start of the long-awaited six-kilometre road upgrade, bringing renewed hope to the people of Kopi and nearby communities.

Villagers turned out in large numbers to welcome the contractor and thanked the Dei District Development Authority [DDA], led by member Desmond Paul Kipa, for responding to one of their biggest development needs.

For many years, poor road conditions have made it difficult for people to travel, transport coffee and fresh produce to markets, and access schools, health facilities and other government services.

Community leaders believe the road upgrade will improve transport, reduce travel time and create new opportunities for economic growth in the area.

Speaking in the local vernacular during the mobilisation, MP Kipa called on landowners and the locals to support the project by allowing construction to continue without interference so the work can be completed on schedule.

The people of Kopi assured that they would protect the workers and construction machinery throughout the project.

Dei MP Desmond Paul Kipa (standing second from right) speaking in to Tiki people during the project launch (Image: Supplied)

They also pledged not to make unnecessary demands on the contractor or create issues that could delay the work, saying the road is for the benefit of the whole community.

They thanked the Dei DDA and MP Kipa for delivering what they described as a timely and much-needed project.

They are hopeful that the road will greatly improve their lives.

Dei district procurement board member Douglas Minimbi, who led the mobilisation team, encouraged the community to honour its commitment by taking care of the machinery and ensuring the workers can carry out their duties in a safe and peaceful environment.

Once the Kinabuga-Dupaim road is complete, contractor Bindon Construction, will move on to upgrade the Kotna to Rulna road, which is one of the remaining missing road links in the district.

The back-to-back projects are part of the Dei DDA's ongoing efforts to improve rural road networks, connect isolated communities and support long-term social and economic development across the Dei district.