Improved road access transforming lives
13 Apr 2026
Improved road access is transforming livelihoods in parts of Inland Baining, with young PMV operator Daniel Dising emerging as one of the direct beneficiaries of the recently rehabilitated Burit–Vunapalading feeder road.
Daniel Dising, a young and energetic resident of the area, has been operating a public motor vehicle (PMV) using his father’s vehicle, providing a vital transport service to communities in the Sandaun–Burit Block of Vunapalading Ward, Inland Baining Local Level Government (LLG). For years, poor road conditions limited how far and how often he could travel into the community.
“Before, the road condition was very bad,” Daniel said. “I could only drive to the beginning of the road and drop passengers off there. I was making less money, and farmers had trouble getting their produce out.”
Despite the challenges, Daniel made two to three trips a day, serving communities on the other side of the area. However, the rehabilitation and upgrading of the 3.5-kilometre Burit–Vunapalading feeder road has significantly changed his operations.
With the road now passable, Daniel decided to extend his service deeper into the community. “Last year the road was okay, so I started driving right to the end of the road,” he said. “Now I can go in quickly and come out easily. I am very happy to bring this service here.”
Passengers pay K5 per person, and Daniel says he can now earn between K500 and K600 in a single day. The improved road has also boosted economic activity for cocoa farmers, who rely on PMV services to transport their produce to market.
“In one day, I can carry four to five bags of cocoa out of the community,” Daniel said. He charges K50 per dry bag, selling the cocoa at Kerevat, and can make five to six loads per day during peak periods.
“With a good road, I see good money from the people selling cocoa,” he added. “Before, I would drop farmers at the start of the road and earn less. Now it is better for everyone.” The PMV operation is a family business. The Dising family owns another small vehicle, and Daniel says the income from transport, together with cocoa farming and their trade store, has been a major support for the household.
Daniel is currently a student living with his parents. After completing Grade 12, he is now upgrading his marks at Kairak Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) School, balancing his studies with work.
The improved feeder road has not only made transportation safer and faster but has also opened new economic opportunities for young entrepreneurs and farmers alike, demonstrating how infrastructure development can directly impact rural livelihoods.
Daniel Dising, a young and energetic resident of the area, has been operating a public motor vehicle (PMV) using his father’s vehicle, providing a vital transport service to communities in the Sandaun–Burit Block of Vunapalading Ward, Inland Baining Local Level Government (LLG). For years, poor road conditions limited how far and how often he could travel into the community.
“Before, the road condition was very bad,” Daniel said. “I could only drive to the beginning of the road and drop passengers off there. I was making less money, and farmers had trouble getting their produce out.”
Despite the challenges, Daniel made two to three trips a day, serving communities on the other side of the area. However, the rehabilitation and upgrading of the 3.5-kilometre Burit–Vunapalading feeder road has significantly changed his operations.
With the road now passable, Daniel decided to extend his service deeper into the community. “Last year the road was okay, so I started driving right to the end of the road,” he said. “Now I can go in quickly and come out easily. I am very happy to bring this service here.”
Passengers pay K5 per person, and Daniel says he can now earn between K500 and K600 in a single day. The improved road has also boosted economic activity for cocoa farmers, who rely on PMV services to transport their produce to market.
“In one day, I can carry four to five bags of cocoa out of the community,” Daniel said. He charges K50 per dry bag, selling the cocoa at Kerevat, and can make five to six loads per day during peak periods.
“With a good road, I see good money from the people selling cocoa,” he added. “Before, I would drop farmers at the start of the road and earn less. Now it is better for everyone.” The PMV operation is a family business. The Dising family owns another small vehicle, and Daniel says the income from transport, together with cocoa farming and their trade store, has been a major support for the household.
Daniel is currently a student living with his parents. After completing Grade 12, he is now upgrading his marks at Kairak Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) School, balancing his studies with work.
The improved feeder road has not only made transportation safer and faster but has also opened new economic opportunities for young entrepreneurs and farmers alike, demonstrating how infrastructure development can directly impact rural livelihoods.
