The Kokoda Track officially reopened for business on Thursday, with Prime Minister James Marape assuring that the government will settle the Kodu landowners' demand for outstanding payments.

The government has agreed to pay the 40 million kina out of the 50 million kina promised to the Kodu landowners nine years ago for forgoing Kodu Mining.

The outstanding payment will be made within the next two weeks.

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Belden Namah, Northern Governor Gary Juffa, and Sohe MP Henry Amuli were present to mark the reopening of the iconic track.

The Kokoda Track had been closed for nearly four months due to grievances raised by the Kodu landowners regarding the unpaid 40 million kina.

The remaining balance of 10 million kina was already paid, but the landowners had withheld their consent for the track to remain open until the full payment was made.

Minister Namah, addressing the Naoro people at the reopening ceremony, assured them that their petition would be reviewed by the National Executive Council [NEC] before any payments are processed.

"We will all work together to ensure that the benefits for the people of Mt Kodu and Naoro go directly to them and are not diverted," he said.

"I have given no option to the National Executive Council but to pay the outstanding 40 million in two parts."

Northern Governor Gary Juffa, who had been vocal about the issue in parliament, emphasized the importance of protecting the land and supporting the people living along the Kokoda Track.

He pointed out that the sacrifices made by the people of the Kokoda region during World War II should not continue to go unrecognized.

"The sacrifices made during the 1945 World War ended long ago in other countries involved. However, in PNG, our people from the Kokoda Trail are still sacrificing due to the lack of services," Juffa said.

"This is something both the Australian and PNG governments need to address."

Sohe MP Henry Amuli echoed this sentiment, highlighting the collaborative efforts that led to the reopening of the track.

He confirmed that the petition for payment will follow due processes.

"We have met with Prime Minister James Marape, and the CEO of the country has assured us that the 40 million kina will be paid before the government accounts closing date," Amuli stated.

Meanwhile, Minister Namah confirmed that the track is now open for trekking activities, with the first part of the payment, amounting to 20 million kina, awaiting NEC approval.

Article by NBC Papua New Guinea