Construction work on the Border Trade and Investment project has resumed after the recent border fight forced constructors, to vacant the Border post at Wutung, West Sepik province.
The project initially due for completion in June this year, will be now be completed in July.
Once the project is completed, the border gates will be open for vehicles in West Sepik, to travel into Rokue (RU-KO) or Batas, and even into Jayapura, Indonesia.
The recent fight is not the only obstacle, the geographical location of Vanimo is another challenge the constructors must face. They rely heavily on the ships to bring in building materials.
This project, initiated by Sandaun Provincial Administration is expected to attract many people in the nearby East Sepik, Madang and Highlands provinces.
In a year, at least five thousand people from other parts of PNG travel to the border to trade.
According to records at the Indonesian Consulate in Vanimo, close to three thousand Indonesians travel to Port Moresby via Vanimo. While in Vanimo, most purchase cartons of PNG made Ox & Palm and Twisties.
The new project will create employment, boost the economy, and increase the cash flow in West Sepik. It is funded by the Asian Development Bank and is managed by Border Development Authority.
More ablutions blocks and a bigger car park will be built on the PNG side of the border once the building facilities are open.
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