First road to Waramuru in 40 years

Cyrus Howiga was reduced to tears as he talked of the new road that was recently graded into his little remote hamlet of Haiyigu, Waramuru.

Waramuru which can be now be accessed by road comes under ward 20 in east Yangoru/Sausia district, East Sepik province. The road built at a cost of K1 million starts at the Yangoru Station stretches for another 12km into a high mountainous area over looks the plains of East Sepik and then reaches Waramuru. It will then continue down the valley. 

Cyrus Howiga a community youth leader from a remote hamlet called Haiyigu in Waramuru said the new road is the first form of infrastructure in 40 years.

“It’s been forty years since Papua New Guinea’s independence in 1975 and this is the first time that we have received a service like this. For us this road is a life-line. By having a road built into a remote area like this, means that we can get services into this area, start businesses, get proper health services and education also, ” Cyrus said.

Cyrus is from a little clan called Haiyigu, which is nestled along side the highest point of East Sepik province, the great Mt Turupu. Up on the ridges of waramuru, the air is clear, there’s pleasant weather and most of all rich soil, which has the potential to grow many commercial crops.

This area has been untapped for many years and the people have had to struggle, walking many kilometers to the nearest market, school or aid post to access any proper services. The new road has brought with it many opportunities.

He said Waramuru is made up of four other little neighboring clans called Menjawen, Bauvi Zendenang, Hembo Waramuru and Kinendong who are people that are eagerly waiting impatiently for the same road to cut through their jungles and reach their hamlets as well.

For Cyrus and his village people it was like witnessing a dream unfold right before their eyes. Some said they couldn’t believe that for the first time a works department vehicle had reached their area by road.

Richard Maru, member for Yangoru/Sausia and Minister for Trade and Commerce also reached the area by road for the first time since the road was graded as the eminence of fallen trees and jungle vegetation still lay freshly discarded to the side.

Mr Maru said the people have waited too long and now begin to grow impatient for services reach their area.

“We are working as fast we can and I have asked my people to be patient but I understand that they have waited a long time. I am happy that funds have been made available by government for all the road projects, infrastructure and developments to take place in my district.”

Meanwhile, Minister Maru said aside from the road infrastructure, improving health and education is a priority in the district development plan.

This road connects Waramuru to the East Yangoru station which is located in the Yangoru Sausia district.