South Wiru, Ialibu Pangia District, Southern Highlands Province, 13 May 2025 – A vital feeder road linking coffee-growing communities from Kamborini to Wala in the South Wiru LLG of Ialibu Pangia District is undergoing rehabilitation under the PNG Agriculture Commercialization and Diversification (PACD) Project, supported by the World Bank and the Government of Papua New Guinea.
Speaking at the project site, PACD Coffee Manager Mr Potaisa Hombunaka highlighted that the 5.5-kilometre road upgrade is more than just a transport improvement—it is an economic lifeline that will open opportunities for thousands of coffee farmers.
“This is not free money from the World Bank or the Government,” Mr Hombunaka told the gathering of local leaders, farmers, and stakeholders. “This is a loan project, and it is critical that we use this support responsibly to ensure our coffee can reach the market, and the returns from coffee flow back into our communities.”
The feeder road, identified as a priority under the Coffee Component of the PACD Project and implemented by the Coffee Industry Corporation Ltd (CICL), is being supervised by the Coffee Project Management Unit (PMU). Local company Bushdog Construction Limited has been contracted to carry out the works.
Mr Hombunaka explained that the rehabilitation of the Kamborini-Wala road is expected to directly benefit between 3,000 to 4,000 coffee households in the area, potentially increasing annual production from the current 78,000 parchment coffee bags to over 100,000 bags.
“The road is a pathway for our people to connect to markets, earn better incomes, and improve their lives,” Mr Hombunaka said. “Projects like this are about transforming rural livelihoods, empowering farmers, and connecting isolated communities to the broader economy.”
He acknowledged the historical challenges faced under previous programs such as the PPAP Project but said the PACD is now building on those lessons, ensuring projects are delivered with greater efficiency and accountability.
“This road is a symbol of hope for South Wiru,” Mr Hombunaka stressed. “We thank the World Bank and the Government for this partnership, and we urge our people to take ownership, protect this infrastructure, and use it to grow their coffee industry.”
World Bank Calls for Ownership, Partnership, and Sustainability
World Bank PACD Team Leader Mr Allan Oliver also addressed the occasion, reinforcing the message of responsibility and partnership.
“This is not free money—this is a loan from the World Bank that must deliver real returns for the people of South Wiru,” Mr Oliver reminded the crowd. “The World Bank can only assist; it is the people of Papua New Guinea, the communities, the government, and the farmers who must drive this project to success.”
Mr Oliver encouraged local leaders and communities to see the road as more than just a project, but as an asset that must be maintained, protected, and used to advance the local economy.
“This road is your responsibility. It is here to help you move your coffee, to bring in money for your families, and to open up opportunities,” he said. “But the success of this road—and indeed the PACD Project as a whole—depends entirely on your commitment, your ownership, and your vision for the future.”
He stressed that the World Bank was proud to support the Government of Papua New Guinea through the PACD, but its role was to provide technical and financial support—not to lead.
“The leadership must come from you, the people. The Government of PNG through CIC is your implementing agency, and the Coffee PMU is on the ground to ensure delivery, but your engagement will make the difference between a successful project and a lost opportunity,” Mr Oliver concluded.
Landowners Pledge Support and Protection of Infrastructure
Representing the landowners, Mr Joe Wala expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Government, the World Bank, and CIC for finally recognising the needs of the people of South Wiru.
“This road is our lifeline. It is the first time we have seen real government presence at this level in our area,” Mr Wala said. “We thank everyone who has made this possible, and we as landowners pledge to look after this road.”
Mr Wala said the landowners had given their full consent for the road project and would ensure that no disturbances or disputes would hinder its completion.
“Our people have suffered for too long because of bad roads and isolation. We will stand united to protect this road, to support the project, and to use this as a bridge for our children’s future,” Mr Wala said.
He also appealed to the community to work in partnership with the contractor and the project teams to ensure smooth progress.
“Let us not see this road as belonging to the government or the World Bank alone. It belongs to us. Let us take ownership, maintain it, and ensure that our coffee industry grows from strength to strength,” Mr Wala concluded.
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