The grand opening of the Kikori Heritage Hotel marked a major milestone for Gulf Province as the Minister for Provincial and Local Government Affairs and Member for Kikori, Soroi Eoe, delivered an inspiring address outlining a bold vision for the district's future.
Speaking before a crowd of community leaders, government officials, and key stakeholders, Minister Eoe expressed deep gratitude to Prime Minister James Marape, praising his unwavering dedication and international reach.
He noted the Prime Minister's extensive travels across the country, highlighting his recent journey from Port Moresby to Lae, up the Okuk Highway, and onward to Kikori.
“It takes an extraordinary person to travel from one national event to international forums and back without pause,” Eoe said.
“This trip reaffirms our government’s policy of connecting Papua New Guinea and opening opportunities for our most remote communities.”
Recalling a commitment made nearly five years ago regarding shared regional responsibility, Minister Eoe commended the Prime Minister’s dedication to inclusive growth.
He emphasized that the newly opened hotel serves as a catalyst for economic vitality, job creation, and opportunity across local sectors, including youth, farmers, artisans, fishermen, and small business owners.
“Prime Minister Marape, your leadership has lit the path for Kikori. Today, we celebrate a new beginning with the Kikori Heritage Hotel, a place of attraction, innovation, and economic growth,” Minister Eoe stated, declaring the project a true symbol of development and modernity.
While celebrating these achievements, Minister Eoe addressed pressing infrastructure challenges facing the region.
He called attention to severe siltation in major river systems, including the Vailala, Purari, Piei, Kikori, and Turama, which has severely hindered marine navigation.
“We urgently need dredging to clear these waterways and restore their navigability,” he emphasized.
To ensure long-term regional growth, the Minister outlined several key development priorities for Kikori, including the extension and sealing of the local airstrip, comprehensive town planning, road upgrades connecting to Omati and Turama, and the relocation and construction of a new Kikori Council Chambers.
He reaffirmed his commitment to replicating similar projects in Baimuru and Ihu, positioning Kikori as a vital commerce and tourism gateway for Papua New Guinea that offers an alternative route to Lae Port.
“Our government remains dedicated to transforming Kikori into a vibrant, thriving community. This hotel marks just the beginning.”
“The future of Kikori is bright, and together, we will make it happen,” Minister Eoe concluded.