CONNECT PNG CEREMONIAL DRIVE: Port Moresby (NCD) – Iopara Primary School, Kupiano – Cloudy Bay (BAM Camp), Central Province - Friday 29th August, 2025

Photograph: Students of Iopara Primary School, Kupiano

The Department of Works and Highways (DoWH) led the ceremonial drive from Port Moresby, National Capital District, to Iopara Primary School in Kupiano, Abau District, Central Province. The DoWH team arrived between 10:30 and 10:40 am, awaiting the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Hon. James Marape, MP, and the Minister for Works and Highways, Hon. Solan Mirisim, MP, accompanied by Secretary Mr. Gibson Holemba and other dignitaries, who had flown to Kotidanga Rural Local Level Government (LLG) by helicopter to officially open the Trans National Highway.

The administration, teachers, and students of Iopara Primary School were surprised to learn that the Prime Minister would be landing on their school field that day. When Mr. Brian Alois first informed the head teacher and staff, the head teacher asked, “Why this school?” Mr. Alois replied, “I chose this school because I want it to be a memorable moment for the students. They will remember this day for the rest of their lives and tell their children that when I was in that grade, the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea landed at our school.”

The head teacher and staff agreed, and preparations began to receive the Prime Minister. Students were informed and excitement filled the school. While waiting, teachers and students continued with their activities. As it was sports day, the students wore their sports colors and enjoyed lunch on the field.

After a couple of hours, the Prime Minister, Minister for Works and Highways, Secretary for Works and Highways, and other dignitaries arrived in three helicopters, landing on the school’s playing field. In total, four helicopters landed that day — a sight no one expected on an ordinary Friday afternoon. The students’ excitement made the occasion truly unforgettable.

When the Prime Minister stepped out of the helicopter, the students quickly assembled in an orderly manner. Despite the last-minute preparations and hours of waiting under the sun, they remained disciplined and well-mannered, a reflection of the school’s values.

Following warm welcome remarks by the head teacher, the Prime Minister and guests took their seats on the stage. The head teacher introduced herself and shared her teaching career, noting that she had once taught in the Southern Highlands Province. She also highlighted the school’s lack of basic facilities such as a library and a science lab, stressing their importance and appealing directly to the Prime Minister.

In his closing remarks, Prime Minister Marape said, “I was a reader when I was a student, and I spent most of my time in the library. I know the importance of a library. I will build a library for you and name it ‘The James Marape Library.’ This is my commitment to you.”

Before departing for BAM Camp, Cloudy Bay, the Prime Minister encouraged students to invite him for their graduation ceremony and urged them to be obedient to their teachers and parents while striving to be good citizens.

The Prime Minister, Minister for Works and Highways, Secretary for Works and Highways, dignitaries, and DoWH staff then departed Iopara Primary School in a convoy of 25 vehicles led by Mr. Brian Alois, Executive Director – Field Operations, Works and Highways, heading to BAM Camp by road.