The secretary for Works and Highways Gibson Holemba, announced this morning that Prime Minister James Marape and he will drive from Port Moresby to Morobe through Gulf Province ‘at the end of this month or hopefully next month.’
This drive is to honor a commitment made by the late Minister Hon. Solan Mirisim on the floor of Parliament in July 2025.
In response to a question asked by PNG SUN, Mr. Holemba updated that: “Yes, as we are speaking, the road is fully connected, but we need the Minister and Prime Minister to commission it.”
Mr. Holemba said: “We will call the National Highway soon after commissioning by the Prime Minister and the Minister, according to the Works and Highway policy.”
He added that currently, construction teams are working on the road, doing stone gravel works and other necessary activities.
The commissioning process involves an inspection by road safety officers to assess the road’s safety before it is opened to the public, he said.
Mr. Holemba stated that the drive is part of a larger effort to complete the Morobe-Port Moresby Highway, a key infrastructure project for the country.
Secretary Holemba said that the project had been delayed, and the proposed drive was initially scheduled for December 2025, but it has been postponed due to the passing of the late minister.
Mr. Holemba expressed optimism that the road will be commissioned soon, allowing for the official opening and improving transportation links between Morobe and Port Moresby.
He welcomed his newly appointed Minister, Peter Tsiamalili Jnr, to the Department of Works and Highway.