Prime Minister, James Marape has commended the progress of the Government’s flagship Connect PNG Economic Road Development Programme, following a detailed presentation by Works and Highways Secretary Mr. Gibson Holemba at a Government Caucus meeting on Monday.
Prime Minister Marape said the update reaffirmed the importance of Connect PNG as a nation-building programme that is laying the foundation for long-term economic growth and national unity.
Related news: https://www.postcourier.com.pg/pm-marape-underscores-governments-commitment-to-connect-png/
“I want to commend the Department of Works and Highways, Secretary Gibson Holemba, and all stakeholders involved in delivering the Connect PNG programme,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“This is not just a road-building exercise. It is a transformational national investment that is connecting our people, opening up our rural economy, and positioning Papua New Guinea for sustainable growth.”
The Prime Minister noted that the programme’s progress under Phase One (2020–2027), including the upgrading of thousands of kilometers of roads, construction of missing links, and development of bridges, demonstrated that the Government’s vision is being translated into tangible results on the ground.
He said the programme was central to unlocking economic corridors across the country, linking agriculture, mining, petroleum, and emerging special economic zones to domestic and international markets.
“Connect PNG is about connecting opportunity,” he said.
“It is about ensuring that our farmers can access markets, our resources can be developed responsibly, and our people can move freely and participate fully in the economy.”
Prime Minister Marape also highlighted the broader economic and social benefits already being realized, including job creation for Papua New Guineans, increased participation of local contractors, and reduced travel time and costs for businesses and communities.
“This programme is already creating jobs for our people, including women and youth, and empowering local contractors to take part in nation-building,” he said.
“It is improving livelihoods, strengthening communities, and giving hope to our rural population.”
The Prime Minister further emphasized the Government’s strong commitment to funding the programme, noting that the Connect PNG Implementation and Funding Act provides a guaranteed allocation from the national budget to ensure continuity and sustainability.
“We have legislated our commitment because we understand that infrastructure is the backbone of development,” he said.
“We are not building roads for today alone—we are building the economic highways that will carry Papua New Guinea into the future.”
Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the challenges highlighted in the presentation, including rising construction costs, procurement delays, and law and order issues, and assured that Government would continue to address these to ensure timely delivery of projects.
“We are aware of the challenges, but we remain focused and determined,” he said.
“We will continue to work with all stakeholders—national government agencies, provincial governments, landowners, and development partners—to ensure this programme succeeds.”
Looking ahead, Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed the Government’s long-term vision of achieving full national connectivity by 2040.
“Our vision is clear: a fully connected Papua New Guinea where no community is left behind,” he said.
“Connect PNG is the pathway to that vision, and we will stay the course.”
Prime Minister Marape urged all Papua New Guineans to support the programme, describing it as a shared national effort to build a stronger and more prosperous country.
Related news: https://www.thepngsun.com/pm-we-are-not-only-investing-in-connect-png-but-other-key-enabling-infrastructures-too/
“Together, we are building the roads that will build our nation,” he said.