Modernization and Challenges (2000–2020)

The years from 2000 to 2020 marked a pivotal era for the Department of Works and Highways (DoWH), as it embraced modernization, navigated structural changes, and addressed growing infrastructure demands. This period was characterized by significant milestones in policy reform, technological advancement, and organizational restructuring, ensuring the Department remained a cornerstone of Papua New Guinea’s development.

• 2001: In a major restructuring effort, the Office of Works was established within the broader Department of Transport, Civil Aviation, and Works, aiming to integrate infrastructure planning with the nation’s transport and aviation strategies. This change emphasized a more collaborative approach to national development.
• 2002: The Department regained its standalone status as the Department of Works, reaffirming its central role in managing Papua New Guinea’s public infrastructure. This re-establishment brought a renewed focus on streamlining operations and addressing the country’s growing infrastructure challenges.
• 2006: The creation of the National Roads Authority (NRA) marked a significant step toward decentralizing road maintenance functions. The NRA was tasked with overseeing road management and financing under a new legislative framework, providing a dedicated focus on the upkeep of the national road network.
• 2009: Digital transformation began with the launch of the Department’s first corporate website on May 30. This milestone coincided with the release of the Corporate Plan, which outlined a roadmap for modernization, transparency, and operational efficiency. These initiatives demonstrated the Department’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve public service delivery and stakeholder engagement.
• 2015: Responding to operational needs, the Department expanded its structure to include four regional divisions,

1. Northern Region
2. Islands Region
3. Southern Region
4. Highlands Region

• This restructuring aimed to enhance regional capacity, improve service delivery, and ensure closer alignment with provincial and district-level priorities.
• 2018: A critical gap was identified in the lack of a comprehensive National Road Network Strategy to guide long-term planning and investment. This highlighted the growing need for an integrated approach to infrastructure development, which would later be addressed in subsequent reforms.
• 2020: The passage of the Connect PNG Economic Corridor Infrastructure Investment Act ushered in a new era of strategic infrastructure development. This transformative 20-year plan focused on building economic corridors, connecting remote communities to markets, and creating resilient transport systems that supported national economic growth. The Act underscored the Department’s role as a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable development.

Overcoming Challenges

During this period, the Department faced numerous challenges, including

• Budget Constraints: Limited funding often delayed critical infrastructure projects, requiring innovative solutions to optimize resource allocation.
• Environmental Pressures: Papua New Guinea’s rugged terrain and susceptibility to natural disasters necessitated the integration of climate-resilient designs into infrastructure planning and construction.
• Workforce Adaptation: Structural changes and outsourcing models introduced in the 1990s required the Department to redefine its role from direct service delivery to supervisory and regulatory functions, ensuring contractors adhered to national standards.

Despite these challenges, the Department’s focus on modernization and policy reform enabled it to deliver impactful infrastructure projects that enhanced connectivity, supported economic development, and improved the quality of life for Papua New Guineans.