Connect PNG Program: Tifalmin New Road Opening.

Hundreds of people gathered at Tifalmin to witness the official opening of the Tifalmin new road in Telefomin District. Some travelled through the night, while others walked several kilometers from nearby villages just to be part of this historic occasion.

The newly constructed road stretches almost 19 kilometers from Rakmin to Tifalmin and was constructed by Kayop Investment Limited. The project was fully funded by Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) under the Tax Credit Scheme.

So far, Telefomin District has successfully opened three roads under the leadership and vision of the late Member for Telefomin, Solan Mirisim, including the opening of the Tifalmin Road today. One of late Solan Mirisim’s visions was to connect Tabubil to Vanimo by road.

Managing Director of Kayop Investment Limited, contractor Maine Lucas, said this was the first time in history for Tifalmin to host such a significant occasion because of road access which truly reflect that development has arrived in the area. He said many are now asking what development will come next. However, according to the people of Tifalmin, their first request is having access to clean water supply and electricity, followed by other government services.

Speaking on behalf of the people of Tifalmin, Chairman Joe Wanim shared concerns regarding other important developments that should now follow with the arrival of the road. These include electricity through PNG Power, school infrastructure, airstrip, health facilities, and other essential public services. He emphasized that the people of Tifalmin should not be denied these basic services now that road access has reached the area thanks to Connect PNG.