Executive Director - Highways Management

Mr. Steven Pup

Role and Responsibilities

As the Executive Director of Highway Management at the Department of Works and Highways (DoWH), Steven Pup oversees the management, rehabilitation, and expansion of Papua New Guinea's extensive road network. With over two decades of experience, he leads strategic initiatives to enhance connectivity, improve road infrastructure, and ensure the effective implementation of national road policies.

His responsibilities include

• Strategic Oversight: Managing the operations of highway systems across 22 provinces, ensuring alignment with the Connect PNG Program and the National Road Network Strategy (NRNS).
• Procurement and Contract Management: Leading the administration of multi-billion-kina road construction and maintenance contracts, ensuring compliance with national and international standards.
• Project Implementation: Spearheading the execution of transformative infrastructure projects, including major highway upgrades and missing-link road developments.
• Capacity Building: Mentoring regional and provincial managers, fostering professional development, and enhancing operational excellence across all levels.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborating with provincial governments, donor agencies, and contractors to ensure sustainable and inclusive infrastructure delivery.

Key Contributions

Infrastructure Development

• Processed and negotiated loans for six major infrastructure projects worth PGK 3 billion, financed by donors such as ADB, World Bank, and AusAID.
• Spearheaded the procurement and management of over 50 contracts, ensuring the timely and efficient delivery of road and bridge projects.
• Played a pivotal role in the development and enforcement of technical standards across all highway projects in Papua New Guinea​​.

Operational Leadership

• Oversaw the operations of four regional and 22 provincial works offices, ensuring the consistent delivery of services across Papua New Guinea.
• Improved the disbursement process, managing payments totaling PGK 1.5 billion for infrastructure projects​.

Governance and Compliance

• Ensured adherence to operational policies, including anti-corruption safeguards and environmental compliance, in line with donor requirements.
• Strengthened risk management systems to improve accountability in project implementation​​.

Capacity Building

• Mentored and trained multi-disciplinary teams, enhancing their ability to manage and deliver complex projects.
• Developed creative strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and meet tight deadlines while delivering high-quality outcomes​.

Community and Social Impact

• Enhancing Connectivity: Through his leadership, Steven has directly contributed to improved access to essential services for remote communities by developing missing-link roads and bridges.
• Local Contractor Support: Advocated for capacity-building programs to empower local contractors and small businesses involved in road maintenance and construction.
• Promoting Resilience: Incorporated climate-adaptive designs and sustainability practices in highway construction to protect infrastructure from environmental challenges​​.

Vision and Future Aspirations

Steven Pup envisions a modern and resilient highway network that not only connects communities but also drives economic growth across Papua New Guinea. His future goals include:

• Accelerating the implementation of the Connect PNG Program, aiming for 100% connectivity by 2040.
• Expanding the adoption of innovative road designs that incorporate climate resilience and sustainability.
• Strengthening the department’s capacity to deliver on high-priority projects while adhering to international best practices in governance and compliance.

Bio

Steven Pup is a professional civil engineer with over 20 years of experience in road transport infrastructure. He holds a Master’s Degree in Road Maintenance Management from the University of Birmingham, UK, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the PNG University of Technology, Lae.

Throughout his career, Steven has built a reputation for excellence in project implementation, governance, and capacity building. His expertise spans donor coordination, procurement, highway management, and multi-disciplinary team leadership. He has represented Papua New Guinea in international forums, fostering collaboration and securing support for the country’s infrastructure needs.

As a transformative leader, Steven continues to shape the Department of Works and Highways’ mission to build a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive transportation network that empowers all Papua New Guineans.