Villagers blockade Kokoda Trail
PORT MORESBY – Angry Papua New Guinea landowners are reported to have shut down the Kokoda Trail over a raft of complaints, in particular against the trail’s Australian management team.
A collection of Koiari landowners have blocked the pass at Kovelo Village at the Kokoda end of the 96km trail.
The Age reported Kokoda-based Ori Kennia, a spokesman for the landowners, says they are not happy with the new Kokoda Track Authority (KTA) board and are demanding money be paid immediately to local level governments.
“Kokoda is shut down as of yesterday,” he said.
“There are plans to shut down Kokoda Airport too.
“Those already on the trail can pass but no one will start walking because our demands have not been met,” he said.
Koiari landowners want the KTA to immediately release 75 per cent of their funds.
Gail Thomas of travel firm Kokoda Trekking told AAP the situation could be resolved by this weekend.
“I’d say it’s similar to Qantas handlers threatening to not work on a public holiday.”
Since 2001 nearly 20,000 trekkers have walked the war-time Kokoda Track increasing from less than 100 permitted trekkers in 2001 to more than 5,600 in 2008.
Ian Jarrett
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