For people in West Coast Namatanai, bad roads and a drop in health services over the years have been hindrances to development.
However, this is slowly changing.
Through a public-private partnership, Nautilus Minerals and the New Ireland Provincial Government have partnered in a bid to improve the lives of people in this part of the province.
Their immediate focus is on infrastructure & health.
This week, the opening of Pobanom Bridge, witnessed by New Ireland Governor, Sir Julius Chan, a once staunch opponent of Nautilus Minerals and its Solwara One Project.
New Ireland Governor, Sir Julius Chan