28/05/2026
History has been written on the waters of the mighty Jimi River on 27th May 2026 🇵🇬
For the very first time in history, a Toyota Land Cruiser successfully crossed into Kovon LLG of Middle Ramu District, marking a moment many believed they would never live to witness. What was once only a dream spoken of by elders has now become reality — a vehicle from Western Highlands Province has officially crossed toward Madang Province through one of the most remote and isolated parts of Papua New Guinea.
Men, women, and children gathered in tears, silence, celebration, and disbelief as the vehicle touched the shores of Middle Ramu. For some, this was the first time in their entire lives seeing a vehicle or heavy machinery with their own eyes. Many openly testified that they had only ever heard stories about cars, roads, and machines from missionaries, teachers, travelers, and radio broadcasts — but had never physically seen one until this historic day.
During the ceremony, Hon. Kansol Harwai Kamdaru, MP, delivered a deeply emotional and powerful speech to the people.
The Member first gave all glory and thanks to God Almighty for making what once seemed impossible become possible. He reminded the people that this achievement did not happen by human strength alone, but through faith, prayer, sacrifice, and unity among the people.
In a heartfelt message, the MP thanked the people of Middle Ramu for trusting and nominating him to serve them. He humbly stated that he is only a vessel used to deliver what rightfully belongs to the people. He stressed that roads, services, infrastructure, and development are not gifts, but long overdue rights that the people of Middle Ramu have waited generations to receive.
Hon. Kansol Harwai Kamdaru, MP, also acknowledged Prime Minister James Marape, Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso, and the Marape-Rosso Government for supporting rural infrastructure development and making funding available to connect forgotten parts of the country to the outside world.
The historic event marks several life-changing milestones for the people of Kovon LLG and Middle Ramu District:
1. This is officially the first ever arrival of a vehicle into Kovon LLG in the history of Middle Ramu District. A moment that many elders and communities thought they would never witness in their lifetime.
2. The Toyota Land Cruiser will now serve a vital role in transporting fuel and supplies from the Jimi River crossing point to active road construction sites where heavy machinery is operating daily.
3. This will significantly reduce the enormous cost, risk, and physical labour previously involved in carrying fuel and materials by foot across mountains, rivers, mud, and dangerous terrain.
4. The vehicle will continue serving this important purpose as road construction progresses further inward toward Simbai, Aiome, River River to Ramu River, and eventually linking toward mainland Ramu and the national highway network.
5. This milestone forms part of the long-term vision and continuous effort of linking the Baiyer-Madang Highway corridor — a dream that will one day transform transport, healthcare, education, communication, business, and economic opportunities for thousands of people living in remote communities.
6. Until a permanent bridge is finally constructed across the mighty Jimi River, the vehicle crossing operation will continue serving as a lifeline for the ongoing road construction effort.
Special recognition was also given to Api Builders and Construction Ltd for the tremendous effort and commitment shown in opening the road corridor from Ruti in Mul-Baiyer District all the way to the Jimi River crossing point. Their work has now allowed machinery to safely cross to the other side, where fresh road construction continues deeper into Middle Ramu.
This was not just the crossing of a vehicle.
It was the crossing of hope into forgotten lands. The crossing of development into isolated communities. The crossing of dreams carried for generations.
For the people of Middle Ramu, history did not arrive by air. History arrived crossing the mighty Jimi River. 🇵🇬
