New Departmental Head of Works and Highways Speech By Acting Secretary Mr. Gibson Holemba

Independence Anniversary Celebration

Ladies and gentlemen,

Distinguished guests,

Fellow colleagues, and citizens of Papua New Guinea,

It is both a privilege and an honor to stand before you on this momentous occasion, as we celebrate yet another year of our independence—a testament to the strength, resilience, and unity of our people. Today, as we mark our nation’s independence anniversary, I also stand before you as the newly appointed Head of the Department of Works and Highways, humbled by the responsibility that has been entrusted to me.

Honoring the Legacy of Our Engineers

As I take on this new role, I am deeply aware that I walk in the footsteps of giants. The engineers, visionaries, and leaders who came before me laid the groundwork for the nation’s infrastructure. It is because of their dedication and tireless efforts that Papua New Guinea today enjoys road networks, bridges, highways, and essential infrastructure that connects our people from the Highlands to the coast, from remote villages to bustling cities.

I would like to take this moment to acknowledge and honor the legacy of those who have come before us—men and women whose hands have built the roads we walk on, whose minds have designed the bridges that span our rivers, and whose hearts have always been committed to the progress and unity of Papua New Guinea. They have not just built roads; they have built lifelines—pathways to opportunities, to education, to health services, and to the future.

Building on the Foundations of Progress

As we celebrate our nation’s independence, we must also look forward. The Department of Works and Highways has always been at the forefront of national development, and it is my commitment to ensure that this legacy continues. We will honor the past, but we will also embrace the future—one that demands innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity.

Our infrastructure must continue to grow to meet the evolving needs of our people. It must be resilient in the face of the challenges posed by climate change. It must be sustainable, ensuring that future generations will also benefit from what we build today. And it must be inclusive, connecting not just the major cities, but every village and every community, no matter how remote, to the opportunities that lie beyond.

The Road Ahead

The road ahead will not always be smooth; there will be challenges along the way. But as the builders of our nation’s infrastructure, we know better than anyone that it is often the most difficult roads that lead to the most beautiful destinations. Together, we will overcome these challenges as we always have—with determination, innovation, and a collective vision for a brighter Papua New Guinea.

In my capacity as the new head of this esteemed department, my promise is this: we will not merely maintain the infrastructure of the past; we will build the future. We will invest in the training and development of our people, ensuring that the next generation of engineers, builders, and planners are equipped with the skills they need to continue this important work. We will embrace modern technologies and practices that ensure our infrastructure is built to the highest standards of quality and sustainability. And above all, we will work with a sense of purpose, knowing that every road we build, every bridge we raise, and every highway we improve is a step toward a stronger, more connected nation.

Unity and Progress for All

Infrastructure is more than just physical structures. It is the backbone of our country’s social and economic growth. It connects people, it facilitates trade, and it enhances the quality of life for our citizens. The work we do at the Department of Works and Highways plays a critical role in uniting our people and in fostering national development.

But we cannot do this alone. I urge all of you—our partners, our communities, and our fellow citizens—to join us on this journey. It will take the collective effort of every individual in this room and beyond to continue to build the infrastructure that our nation needs and deserves. Together, we will ensure that no community is left behind, and that every citizen feels the impact of our work, from the heart of the city to the furthest reaches of our rural areas.

Conclusion

As I stand here today, I am filled with hope and confidence in the future of Papua New Guinea. I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for the Department of Works and Highways and for our nation as a whole. The work we do today will lay the foundation for the Papua New Guinea of tomorrow—a country that is united, connected, and prosperous.

As we celebrate our independence, let us be reminded that the true strength of a nation lies not just in its resources, but in the commitment of its people to build a better future. I pledge to lead with integrity, vision, and a deep sense of responsibility to the legacy we have inherited and the future we are creating.

Thank you, and may God bless Papua New Guinea as we continue this incredible journey together.