The newly developed road to Kivori is improving access to the village and could support future growth in tourism and economic activity, according to Kivori Development Association Deputy Chairman Fred Ume.

The 13-kilometre Kivori feeder road was officially opened on Friday, 13 November, by the Member for Kairuku and Minister for Energy, Hon. Peter Namea Isoaimo.

Ume said the road began as a community initiative in 2021 before the association took it forward through the Kairuku District Member’s office. He credited Minister Isoaimo’s leadership and the district’s support for securing just over K2 million for the roadworks.

The project is part of a wider funding package worth about K2.2 million under the Kairuku District Development Authority (KDDA). The package also included K100,000 for staff housing at the Kivori Early Childhood Learning Centre, a mission school run by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and another K100,000 for Kivori Primary School to support staff housing and a school-initiated double classroom.

Ume noted that while the road became passable during earlier clearing and formation work, further upgrades are underway. The contractor remains on site widening sections, cutting hills, backfilling, and re-gravelling.

“It may not be a superhighway, but the road is accessible,” Ume said, adding that he recently drove a sedan into the village with his wife and children to demonstrate the improved access.

He said the road has also strengthened residents’ sense of security following past tensions with neighbouring Waima, allowing people to travel through the area more peacefully and safely.

Looking ahead, the association plans to establish a vocational school in Kivori. Ume said the community has already drafted a plan and possesses the local expertise and education-sector connections needed to pursue the initiative.

He also highlighted strong tourism potential along the area’s coastline, particularly at Kaira and Boira beaches, known for their long stretches of sand and surf. Ume encouraged local communities to welcome visitors and create income-generating opportunities, such as selling refreshments.

Additionally, the feeder road could link Kivori to broader transport networks, including the planned Connect PNG route from Malalaua, bringing further economic and tourism opportunities to the area.

Ume thanked Minister Isoaimo, his political staff, the district treasury, and the people of Kivori for making the DDA-funded project possible.