Executive Director - Network Planning, Design and Standards

Mr. Simeon H. Suagu

Role and Responsibilities

As the Executive Director of Network Planning, Design, and Standards, Simeon Hiahwomie Suagu oversees the strategic planning, design, and technical standards that shape Papua New Guinea’s national infrastructure. His leadership ensures that the Department of Works and Highways (DoWH) delivers on key national priorities, including the Connect PNG Program, National Road Network Strategy (NRNS), and other government reform initiatives.

Mr. Suagu plays a pivotal role in

• Strategic Road Network Planning: Providing oversight for the development and management of the national and sub-national road network strategies.
• Technical Standards Development: Ensuring that road and bridge designs meet contemporary standards and incorporate climate resilience and sustainability principles.
• Policy Implementation: Aligning DoWH’s objectives with national policies, including the Vision 2050, MTDP III, and the National Transport Strategy.
• Governance and Compliance: Embedding governance frameworks that uphold transparency, accountability, and adherence to legislative and policy requirements.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Partnering with provincial governments, donor agencies, and the private sector to advance infrastructure goals.

Key Contributions

Transforming Road Network Design

• Directed the development and implementation of new road and bridge standards, including climate-resilient designs and safety measures tailored to PNG’s unique geography.
• Oversaw the establishment of policies such as the Flood-Resistant Bridge Design Guide, Road Safety Audit Checklist, and the Climate Resilient Infrastructure Policy, ensuring alignment with global best practices.

Infrastructure Leadership

• Led the Network Planning Wing in executing over 50 major design projects that enhanced connectivity for underserved areas, including several missing link roads under the Connect PNG Program.
• Spearheaded the creation of the Building Energy Efficiency Code and other technical standards to improve the safety and sustainability of infrastructure projects​​.

Strengthening Institutional Capacity

• Enhanced DoWH’s capacity by restructuring divisions to address critical gaps in project monitoring, budgeting, and quality assurance.
• Played a key role in creating the Network Monitoring & Evaluation Branch to ensure timely reporting and performance tracking of major infrastructure projects.

Promoting Climate Resilience

• Incorporated climate-adaptive technologies in the design of highways and bridges, safeguarding national infrastructure against environmental challenges.
• Fostered partnerships with international agencies like the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to secure funding and technical expertise for climate-resilient road projects​.

Community and Social Impact

• Improved Access to Services: Through his leadership, the Network Planning Wing has connected remote communities to essential services, including schools, healthcare, and markets.
• Safety Improvements: Implemented road safety audits and upgraded blackspot areas to reduce accidents and improve travel conditions across the national highway network.
• Local Empowerment: Supported the training and development of local contractors and engineers, fostering a skilled workforce within PNG’s road sector​​.

Vision and Future Aspirations

Mr. Suagu envisions a connected and resilient Papua New Guinea, where every community benefits from sustainable and world-class infrastructure. His priorities include:

• Accelerating Connect PNG Goals: Ensuring that key economic corridors and missing link roads are completed within the program timeline.
• Strengthening Sustainability: Driving the adoption of renewable energy technologies and eco-friendly designs in road construction.
• Fostering Innovation: Introducing advanced digital tools for network planning and project monitoring to enhance operational efficiency.

Bio

Simeon Hiahwomie Suagu is a distinguished civil engineer with a career spanning over 20 years in Papua New Guinea’s public infrastructure sector. He holds a Master’s in Project Management from Queensland University of Technology and a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering from PNG University of Technology.

Throughout his career, Mr. Suagu has demonstrated a commitment to excellence, leading transformative projects that align with PNG’s national development goals. His expertise in governance, strategic planning, and technical standards has positioned him as a leader in the nation’s infrastructure development.

Under his leadership, the Network Planning, Design, and Standards Wing continues to play a vital role in achieving PNG’s vision for a connected and prosperous future.