Prime Minister James Marape officially opened the Trans National Highway under Connect PNG on August 29, 2025. The milestone links Port Moresby to Lae, marking a historic Golden Jubilee celebration journey.
Prime Minister James Marape became the first leader to drive the extended Magi Highway from Port Moresby to Alotau, commemorating PNG’s 50th Golden Jubilee.
Only two female civil engineers, Genevieve Kalenda and Josephine Ambelye, have served as Provincial Works Managers in the Department of Works & Highways since 1953. Their journeys highlight resilience, balancing motherhood, leadership, and societal challenges. Today, more women engineers are joining, supported by the Department’s GESI Policy, inspiring future generations.
The Department of Works and Highways honoured 159 long-serving employees ahead of Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary. Among them, Waria Serah was recognised for 53 years and Evoa Miai for 50 years of service. Awardees received Golden and Silver Awards, plaques, and K5,000 cheques in appreciation of their dedication.
In celebration of Papua New Guinea’s Golden Jubilee, fifty Ashoka trees were planted at the Department Headquarters in Port Moresby. Led by Secretary Gibson Holemba, the ceremony symbolised resilience, unity, and sustainability. Each tree represents a year of independence, standing as a living monument for future generations.
The Department of Works and Highways has shaped PNG’s development from post-war reconstruction to today’s Connect PNG program. Guided by legislation, reform, and resilience, it builds roads, bridges, and standards while planning recovery of lost assets. Future priorities emphasize innovation, human capital, and succession planning for sustainable infrastructure.
Asian Development Bank President Masato Kanda visited Laloki Bridge with DoWH Secretary Gibson Holemba during PNG’s 50th Golden Jubilee. Since 1973, ADB has funded infrastructure including bridges, highways, airports, and seaports. The K9.3m Laloki Bridge, built under BRIRAP, symbolizes ADB’s long-term commitment to improving transport accessibility across PNG.
Prime Minister Hon. James Marape officially opened the Tabubil–Telefomin Highway on 12 September 2025, ending generations of isolation for Telefomin. Funded through the Ok Tedi Mining Ltd Tax Credit Scheme, the road links Telefomin with major highways and four provinces, bringing new opportunities for socio-economic growth and community development.
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
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