ADB Partnership Strengthens Papua New Guinea’s Future

Photograph: Laloki Bridge located along the Hiritano Highway in Central Province

Inset: ADB President and ADB Country Director, with DoWH Secretary and his Senior Officials, visit Laloki Bridge

The President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Mr. Masato Kanda, visited the Laloki Bridge today, accompanied by the Secretary of the Department of Works and Highways, Mr. Gibson Holemba.

Since 1973, ADB has been one of Papua New Guinea’s major development partners, providing loan funding, grants, technical assistance, and concessional loans to support infrastructure growth. These investments have enabled the country to expand and improve its transport systems, including airports, terminals, seaports, and road facilities, through projects administered by the respective state agencies.

Notable projects supported by ADB include:

• Road Improvement Sector Project
• Highlands Road Maintenance and Upgrading Project
• Highlands Region Road Improvement Program (multi-year financing facility)
• Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project (BRIRAP)
• Sustainable Highlands Highway Investment Program

In addition, ADB has funded feasibility studies to enhance connectivity by upgrading existing gravel roads across the Northern, Southern, and Highlands regions. Once completed, these works will provide Papua New Guinea with a seamless road connection across the mainland—from Wutung in the west to East Cape, the easternmost tip of the country.

The Laloki Bridge, completed in February 2017 at a cost of K9.3 million, was one of 18 bridges constructed under BRIRAP. Other bridges were built in parts of Central Province and in West New Britain Province. The project was funded through a USD 60 million ADB loan facility.

These initiatives are clear evidence of ADB’s genuine commitment to improving road transport accessibility across Papua New Guinea.

The ADB President’s visit formed part of the country’s 50th Golden Jubilee commemorations, at the invitation of Prime Minister Hon. James Marape. Following his visit to Laloki Bridge, Mr. Kanda departed for Manila.

We connect PNG today to build our future.