CONNECT PNG PROGRAM REACHES ANOTHER MILESTONE WITH TWO MAJOR ROAD CONTRACTS SIGNED.

The Government has taken another decisive step towards delivering its vision of a better-connected Papua New Guinea with the signing of two major road infrastructure contracts under the flagship Connect PNG Program, paving the way for improved transport, stronger border security and greater economic opportunities for communities across the Momase Region.

The contracts, signed during an official ceremony witnessed by His Excellency the Governor-General, senior Government officials and representatives of the successful contractors, represent a significant investment in the country’s future and reaffirm the Government’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure that will benefit generations of Papua New Guineans.

Before the contracts were executed, all necessary legal, technical and procurement clearances were completed, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to transparency, accountability and sound governance in the delivery of major national infrastructure projects.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, Department of Works & Highways Secretary Mr. Gibson Holemba described the projects as transformational investments that will strengthen regional connectivity while supporting the Government’s broader economic development agenda.

“The Connect PNG Program is about much more than constructing roads. It is about connecting people, creating opportunities, strengthening our economy, improving access to education and healthcare, enhancing border security and ensuring that no community is left behind,” Mr. Holemba said.

Strengthening the Momase Corridor

One of the contracts will deliver the design, upgrading and sealing of the Sepik Highway between Wara Sikau Bridge and Lumi in West Sepik Province.

The project, valued at approximately K374.29 million, will upgrade nearly 80 kilometers of highway, including the construction of new bridges and modern drainage systems designed to improve road durability and minimize flood damage. The five-year design-and-construct contract has been awarded to China Railway Engineering Group, which will undertake the works under the Connect PNG Program.

Mr. Holemba said the project forms a critical section of the Momase Corridor, one of Papua New Guinea’s key economic corridors linking Morobe, Madang, East Sepik and West Sepik provinces.

The upgraded highway will improve travel times, reduce vehicle operating costs, increase road safety and provide communities with better access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities and government services.

“This section of the Sepik Highway has long been one of the missing links within the Momase Corridor. Once completed, it will significantly improve connectivity and unlock economic opportunities throughout the region,” Mr. Holemba said.

Investing in Border Security and Economic Growth

The second project will see the upgrading of the Vanimo–Green River Road, a strategically important route stretching approximately 168 kilometers towards Papua New Guinea’s border with Indonesia.

Valued at approximately K726.24 million, the project will convert the existing gravel road into a modern sealed highway over a 72-month construction period. The design-and-construct contract has been awarded to China Harbour Engineering Limited, which will deliver the project under the Connect PNG Program.

Mr. Holemba said the road is not only essential for improving transportation but also plays a critical role in strengthening border security, facilitating legitimate cross-border trade and supporting government services in remote communities.

“This corridor is one of the nation’s most strategically important roads. It will strengthen border access, improve national security and create new opportunities for trade and economic development along the PNG–Indonesia border,” he said.

Delivering Quality Through Transparent Procurement

Mr. Holemba reaffirmed that all Connect PNG projects undergo a rigorous procurement process administered by the National Procurement Commission (NPC).

Contractors are evaluated on their technical expertise, financial capacity, specialized equipment and previous experience before contracts are awarded.

He also highlighted ongoing procurement reforms being developed with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World Bank and Australia’s Transport Sector Support Program (TSSP), introducing a merit-based evaluation system that places technical capability ahead of price to ensure higher-quality infrastructure outcomes.

“Our focus is not simply on building roads quickly. Our focus is on building roads properly—roads that meet engineering standards, deliver value for money and serve our communities for decades to come,” Mr. Holemba said.

Building a Connected Papua New Guinea

The Secretary said the Department continues to make strong progress under Phase One (2022–2027) of the Connect PNG Program, with several major road and bridge projects across the country expected to be completed over the next 18 months.

These include sections of the Vanimo–Aitape Highway, Ramu Highway, Lae Four-Lane Road, Kokopo Road upgrades, Bougainville Road Network improvements, West New Britain Highway, Highlands Highway bridge upgrades, the Magi Highway and several strategic missing-link projects that will connect isolated communities to the national road network.

While the newly signed Sepik Highway and Vanimo–Green River Road projects will extend into Phase Two of the Connect PNG Program, Mr. Holemba said they represent another important milestone in the Government’s commitment to delivering infrastructure that improves lives and drives economic prosperity.

“Every kilometer of road we build brings our people closer together. These investments are creating opportunities, opening up rural economies and laying the foundation for a stronger, more connected Papua New Guinea.”

As implementation begins, the Department of Works & Highways remains committed to delivering safe, resilient and sustainable infrastructure that supports inclusive national development and advances the Government’s vision of connecting every province through a modern and reliable road network.