Chief Secretary to Government Ivan Pomaleu, has commended the Prime Minister’s delegation for successfully and safely completing Prime Minister James Marape’s historic maiden road journey from Port Moresby to Kikori and back.
The eight-day mission, which ran from September 6 to September 13, 2026, marked a significant milestone in the nation’s history ahead of Papua New Guinea’s 51st Independence Anniversary.
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The historic journey began in Port Moresby and traversed Gulf, Morobe, Eastern Highlands, Western Highlands and Southern Highlands provinces before reaching Kikori in Gulf Province, highlighting the National Government’s commitment to national connectivity and infrastructure development through its Connect PNG program.
The Chief Secretary extended his highest gratitude and commendation to the following groups:
• Ministry and Department of Works and Highways: For organizing the Prime Minister’s maiden road trip and providing logistics and support to the Prime Minister and his delegation.
• Close Protection Officers (CPOs): For ensuring the safety and security of the Prime Minister and the entire delegation under challenging conditions.
• Technical and Policy Staff: Officers from the Office of the Chief Secretary, policy wings, media and protocol teams who provided essential administrative and strategic support throughout the eight-day journey.
• State Ministers and Departmental Secretaries: For their leadership and presence during the official opening and commissioning of critical infrastructure, including the Pangu Highway, Leron Bridge, Lae 4-Lane Road, 19 Bridge commissioning and launch of the Goroka 4-Lane Road, Wara Simbu and Waghi Bridge openings, commissioning of 17 bridges at Queens Park in Mt Hagen, and the launch of the Kikori Heritage Hotel in Kikori, Gulf Province.
• External Delegation: For joining the Prime Minister’s convoy from Port Moresby to Kerema along the Pangu Highway, into Lae and then to Goroka in Eastern Highlands, Chimbu, Jiwaka, Western Highlands and Southern Highlands provinces before continuing down to Kikori in Gulf Province.
“I want to personally thank every officer who participated in this mission. Their professionalism and resilience were evident as they navigated mountainous terrain and steep road conditions to ensure the Prime Minister’s vision for a connected Papua New Guinea was realized,” said the Chief Secretary in a statement.
“This trip was not merely a journey, but a testament to the hard work of our public servants in delivering vital infrastructure to our people.”
The Chief Secretary also acknowledged the complex operational logistics involved, including the overland transit through diverse provinces and the successful maritime transport of the Prime Minister’s escort vehicles aboard the MV IBK from Kikori back to Port Moresby.
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Despite the high operational risks posed by the challenging geography, the mission was completed successfully and safely.
The Chief Secretary concluded by noting that the dedication shown by the team serves as an exemplary model of public service as the nation prepares to celebrate its 51st year of Independence.