The work on the Northern Highway to connect Morobe, Northern and Central Provinces is steadily progressing, according to Works and Highways Secretary, Gibson Holemba.
Giving an update in a statement, Mr. Holemba said the highway construction was being pushed from Wau through the Gairana Valley toward Sohe, with long-term plans to extend the vital road link to Moreguina in Central Province.
Secretary Holemba said the project is one of the most demanding yet significant undertakings under the Government’s Connect PNG Program.
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Mr. Holemba said the Northern Highway is designed to open up remote border areas between Morobe, Oro and Central Provinces, providing reliable road access to communities that have remained isolated for many years.
“This is the Northern Highway progress from Wau to Gairana Valley and onwards to Sohe, and eventually to Moreguina in Central Province,” he said.
“The Connect PNG Program under the Marape–Rosso Government is touching the lives of our rural people along the borders of Morobe, Oro and Central Provinces. We are building roads in some of the most rugged terrains in our country.”
According to the Department of Works and Highways, construction is being carried out under extremely difficult conditions, including steep mountain ranges, dense rainforest, high rainfall areas and limited existing access.
Despite these challenges, work is continuing steadily.
“A kilometer at a time, we are opening up economic opportunities, improving access to essential services, and connecting rural communities to the rest of the country,” Mr. Holemba said.
Once completed, the Northern Highway is expected to improve inter-provincial connectivity, support agriculture and rural markets, enhance access to health and education services, and strengthen economic links across the southern corridor.
The Connect PNG Program is the Government’s long-term infrastructure strategy aimed at building a nationwide road network to support economic growth and rural development.
Mr. Holemba reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to delivering the project despite logistical and environmental challenges.
“Development in Papua New Guinea must reach our rural population. Through Connect PNG, we are ensuring no province, and no community is left behind,” he said.