Project to connect Gama communities in Madang progressing well

A road project to improve connectivity and accessibility for remote communities in Gama LLG, Usino Bundi district in Madang is progressing steadily.

The project is expected to provide a vital link between communities in Lower Jimi and Gama, opening up access for people who have traditionally faced significant challenges travelling to and from their communities.

The road project, which began at Kuima Ward 4 in Lower Jimi, Konabe LLG of Jiwaka Province, has now reached approximately six kilometers, with construction approaching the border between Gama LLG in Madang Province and Konabe LLG in Jiwaka Province.

This pilot project is initiated by Usino/ Bundi MP, Vincent Kumura, and the Usino/ Bundi District Development Authority to improve connectivity and accessibility for remote communities in Gama LLG is progressing steadily.

A usual journey from Banz urban in Jiwaka to the road project site currently takes four to five hours by vehicle, highlighting the remoteness of the area and the importance of improved road connectivity.

Despite the challenging terrain and distance, vehicles are now travelling to and from Banz and Kuima day and night, providing a significant change for communities along the route.

Local people from Lower Jimi and Gama have welcomed the development, describing the road project as an important milestone for their communities.

Community members said they were witnessing infrastructure development of this scale in their area for the first time and expressed appreciation for this road project.

The strong community support has also been demonstrated through landowners and communities taking ownership of the project by allowing the road to pass through their customary land without charging land-use fees.

Gideon Kamam from Nimbla ward 10 in Gama LLG thanked their local MP for seeing the pain and struggles of Gama people and building them this vital road project.

"This pilot track is crucial because it will serve us the lower Jimi and Gama people, thus we really appreciate the UBDDA, contractor and Marape-Roso Government for funding this road," Innock Awayang from Kuima ward 4 in Nimbla LLG in lower Jimi said.

The partnership between the project proponents and local communities is expected to remain critical as construction progresses towards Gama.

For communities that have long experienced difficulties accessing markets, essential services and other opportunities due to poor road connectivity, the pilot track represents more than just a road. It is a pathway towards greater accessibility, mobility, and economic opportunity.

The progress of the project demonstrates the importance of collaboration between government, district authorities, contractors, development partners, and communities working together to bring infrastructures to some of the country's most remote areas.

The people of Lower Jimi and Gama now look forward to the road reaching further into their communities and creating a stronger connection between Jiwaka and Madang.