No more boats as $44M Wauna/Arukamai access road commissioned

According to Minister Parag, development of this nature is needed because of the impact they have on the lives of citizens.

“The hallmark of the government has always been that the welfare of the people must come first and above everything else.

“We have always placed emphasis and believe that our indigenous communities should have equal access to every programme and policy just as the urban areas,” Parag told the residents.

The road network is also expected to significantly benefit persons involved in sanding mining and logging.

Pamela Joseph, a resident, said she and her family are already reaping the benefits.

“The road is a blessing… Lately my daughter-in-law was pregnant and the ambulance reached till to our home to carry her to the hospital to deliver her baby.

“I am so thankful… the road was very bad it was just a little track where my children, and they are all girls, they had to walk far to get to school,” Joseph said.

Another resident, Kenneth Raphael, said the road was requested since 1993.

“Today I am so glad that the vision that I have seen has come to pass because of this government. I am so happy. My heart just rejoicing,” Raphael said.