On 20 June 2025, Papua New Guinea marked history as four vehicles completed the first overland journey from Alotau to Port Moresby via the newly connected Magi Highway. This milestone under the Connect PNG Program closes a critical infrastructure gap, unlocking vast economic, social, and strategic potential for national growth.
The Department of Works & Highways and Department of Transport signed a Partnership Agreement to launch Phase III of the Australian-funded Transport Sector Support Program. This phase focuses on road maintenance, capacity building, and engineer training, aiming to strengthen institutional capabilities and revive service-oriented culture within the department.
Prime Minister James Marape reaffirmed commitment to the ‘Connect PNG’ initiative, highlighting infrastructure as key to economic growth, inclusion, and national unity. Over 2,000 km of roads have been built, improving access to services. The government assures transparency and security as it drives rural productivity and GDP growth forward.
On 16 May 2025, PNG’s NEC approved the declaration and classification of 6,300 km of roads under the Road (Management and Fund) Act 2020. This boosts the National Road Network to 11,535 km, aligning with the Connect PNG Programme to improve infrastructure, economic growth, and regional connectivity nationwide.
On 10 June 2025, the PNG Government signed a K12.8 million contract with KPT Engineering Ltd to construct a new market in Buin, South Bougainville. Fully funded by the South Bougainville DDA, the project supports MTDP IV goals and aims to boost regional trade, agriculture, and economic development.
The Department of Works & Highways and DataCo PNG Ltd signed an MoU to jointly implement the Connect PNG Telecommunications System Project. This partnership integrates fiber optic infrastructure with national roads to enhance digital connectivity and infrastructure development across PNG, supporting economic growth and the nation’s 50th Independence celebrations.
On 3rd June 2025, the Departments of Works & Highways and Lands & Physical Planning signed an MoU to streamline land acquisition for road projects. This inter-agency agreement aims to eliminate delays, prevent fraudulent compensation claims, and ensure efficient, accountable, and transparent infrastructure development aligned with PNG’s legal frameworks.
The Department of Works & Highways launched a Climate Change Risk and Vulnerability Framework to integrate climate-resilient infrastructure into PNG’s road network. Supported by TSSP, AHC, and CCDA, the initiative includes hazard mapping, policy reforms, and monitoring systems to ensure sustainable infrastructure, despite funding and capacity challenges.
Secretary Gibson Holemba concluded the Earthquake Engineering Design Workshop by emphasizing the need for resilient infrastructure in PNG. He thanked participants and partners, highlighting the integration of modern seismic standards into bridge designs. The revised guidelines align with Vision 2050 and Connect PNG, ensuring safety, sustainability, and global engineering best practices.
The Department of Works and Highways rejects claims linking improper payments to Andro Holdings Limited and false allegations about Secretaries Koney Samuel, Samuel Penias, and Gibson Holemba. These defamatory accusations are politically motivated, damaging national unity. The Department urges verification of facts and will pursue legal action against false claims.
The Department of Works and Highways firmly denies defamatory claims against Minister Mirisim and Secretary Holemba regarding alleged K600 million payments. Emphasizing transparency, verified processes, and national reforms under Connect PNG, the Department condemns politically motivated misinformation and warns of legal action, urging all to prioritize nation-building over baseless attacks.
Papua New Guinea has joined the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA-AITES) as its 81st member. This milestone supports the country’s infrastructure goals, offering access to global expertise in tunnelling, innovation, and strategic solutions.
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
