Prime Minister Hon. James Marape officially opened the historic Tabubil–Telefomin Highway on 12 September 2025, linking Telefomin to the rest of PNG for the first time. Funded through the OTML Tax Credit Scheme under Connect PNG, the road marks a Golden Jubilee milestone, fostering inclusion, development, and future economic opportunities.
The Telefomin–Tabubil Highway will be officially opened on 12th September 2025 at Telefomin District Station by Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, MP, and Minister for Works and Highways & Member for Telefomin, Hon. Solan Mirisim, MP. Jointly funded by OTML Tax Credit Scheme and Connect PNG.
On 31st August 2025, Prime Minister James Marape officially opened the Southern Corridor Missing Link at East Cape, Milne Bay. The road, part of Connect PNG, connects Central and Milne Bay Provinces, improving access to services, markets, and tourism. Locals celebrated this milestone ahead of PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary
At the Southern Corridor Missing Link launch, the Department of Works & Highways honoured three long-serving Alotau staff with over 30 years of service. Lydia Mark received the Gold Award, while Didi Gogo and Steven John earned Silver Awards. Their dedication reflects DoWH’s commitment during PNG’s 50th Anniversary celebrations
The Connect PNG Ceremonial Drive along the Southern Corridor – Magi Highway saw Prime Minister James Marape and dignitaries land at Iopara Primary School, delighting students with a surprise visit. The Prime Minister pledged to build a library named after him before leading the convoy to BAM Camp, Cloudy Bay.
The Magi Highway Missing Link, bridging Central and Milne Bay Provinces, was officially opened ahead of PNG’s 50th Independence Jubilee. Temporary bridges across Tavanei and Bonua Rivers now connect Amazon Bay communities to Port Moresby, reducing reliance on costly, risky sea travel and unlocking socio-economic opportunities through improved access.
Prime Minister James Marape officially opened the Trans-National Highway at Kotidanga, connecting Morobe and Gulf Provinces under Connect PNG. Celebrating PNG’s 50th Independence Jubilee, he praised excavator operators for conquering the toughest terrain, enabling travel from Lae to Port Moresby for the first time in five decades.
Minister Solan Mirisim and Secretary Gibson Holemba led a 50-member convoy from Port Moresby to Alotau via the new Maghi Highway, ahead of Prime Minister Marape’s visit. The 14-hour journey showcased Connect PNG’s progress, uniting provinces, boosting investment, and preparing Milne Bay for national connectivity.
The Department of Works & Highways refutes misleading media claims on the Lealea Footbridge, clarifying its actual 220m length, advanced FRP construction, and verified K15.41m cost. The project followed strict procurement standards, ensured community participation, and delivers long-term benefits. Allegations of fraud are baseless and technically uninformed.
DoWH Secretary Gibson Holemba opened PNG’s longest footbridge (220m) at Papa-Lealea, Central Province. Funded under the K15.41m ITCS scheme, the project connects 11,000 residents, boosting access, trade, health, and jobs. Challenges include vandalism and safety, requiring community awareness. The bridge enhances year-round connectivity and local socio-economic development.
On 15 July 2025, Works Minister Solan Mirisim witnessed the signing of a K394 million road project under the OK Tedi Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme (ITCS) for Western Province. Three major roads will be constructed by China Railway Engineering, enhancing connectivity in Delta, Middle, and North Fly Districts of Papua New Guinea.
The Department of Works and Highways and SILAG signed an MoU to enhance leadership and technical training for public servants. The initiative addresses workforce gaps and supports public sector reform. DoWH provided K100,100 to SILAG, aiming to develop a capable, service-driven public workforce through structured training programs.