MINISTER of Public Works Juan Edghill has outlined major plans to improve connectivity between Regions Eight and Nine, noting that the initiative will significantly reduce the impact of limited access to services in hinterland communities.
During a live video address, Minister Edghill said the government’s focus is not only on improving infrastructure in the coastland but also on ensuring equitable access to essential services across the country.
“While we improve what is happening in the coastland, we are also working to ensure that our doctors, our nurses, government services, could get to every region in a safe and accessible environment,” the minister said.
He explained that a major component of the plan involves improved physical links between Regions Eight and Nine, including new air and road infrastructure.
“So, there’s a major plan for the connecting of Region Eight to Region Nine. Karasabai airstrip will be constructed. We have just moved in that direction. So just like Aishalton, we’re moving to Karasabai, upgrading that airstrip, and then we have to build all 29 bridges between Karasabai to Monkey Mountain, and then getting that road pushed all the way down to Paramakatoi, connecting all of the villages,” the minister stated.
He highlighted how poor connectivity directly affects the cost of living in hinterland areas, particularly due to transportation costs.
Against this backdrop, he used the example of a bag of cement, which would be one price, but by the time it gets to Monkey Mountain because of the cost of transportation, the price is sometimes multiplied four or five times.
Minister Edghill noted that Region Eight, in particular, stands to benefit from expanded road infrastructure capable of accommodating larger vehicles, which would allow goods to be transported more efficiently.
“So, Region Eight will experience greater development. Historically and traditionally, from the Ministry of Public Works, we have engaged the communities of Region Eight. The community contracts to maintain their roads and to improve their roads, but those roads are mainly for ATVs and small vehicles, maybe pick-ups, but now we want to be able to expand that road, to take the trucks, so that in the economy of scales, we be able to bring the price down,” he explained.
According to the minister, improved roads will lower transportation costs, reduce vehicle wear and tear, and shorten travel times, with direct benefits for residents.
He added that improved connectivity would help preserve livelihoods and expand opportunities for hinterland residents.
“So rather than people buying flour at an exorbitant price, the price of flour can come down because it becomes easier and cheaper to get it in, their livelihood is preserved. They have more opportunities,” he emphasised.
