The Department of Works and Highways has gone ahead to execute the Connect Papua New Guinea Project, reaffirming the Marape-Rosso government’s commitment to connect the country by main highways and to bring services and opportunities to the rural populace.
Prime Minister Hon. James Marape emphasized that the new roads will serve as crucial links to markets in the National Capital District (NCD) and even overseas, urging the people to prepare to work their land productively.
The official Ground Breaking Ceremony for the Southern Corridor, officiated by Prime Minister Marape at Bereina Station, was co-hosted by Minister for Works and Highways Hon. Solan Mirisim, MP and Member for Telefomin. Vice Minister for Works and Highways Hon. Peter Isoaimo, MP and Member for Kairuku was also present on April 23.
High-ranking government officials were also present -- the Minister for Planning Hon. Sir Ano Pala, MP and Member for Rigo; Minister for Provincial Affairs and LLG Hon. Soroi Eoe, MP and Member for Kikori; Minister for Livestock Hon. Seki Agisa, MP and Member for Middle Fly; and Minister for Energy Hon. Thomas Opa, MP and Member for Kerema.
Central Governor Madam Rufina Peter, MP, and Gulf Governor Sir Chris Haiveta, MP, were also present.
Key contract awards for the Southern Corridor development along the Hiritano Highway are as follows:
- Bereina to Apanaipi - A K78 Million contract awarded to Dekenai Construction Ltd.
- Apanaipi to Malalaua - A K112 Million contract awarded to China Wu Yi Limited.
- Laloki to Brown River - A K148 Million contract awarded to Hebou Construction Limited.
Redevelopment of Route 600: Hiritano Highway
These announcements come on the back of another development, the Redevelopment of Route 600.
This is a massive road project undertaken after a 30-year maintenance drought along this important highway, linking Gulf Provincial capital Kerema town with Central Province and Port Moresby.
The Hiritano Highway is notably listed as highway number 001 out of the 16 national highways in PNG, according to the Works Road Asset Management records.
PM Marape led the groundbreaking for this redevelopment on April 17 at Bereina Station in the Kairuku District of Central Province. Both Gulf Governor Hon. Sir Chris Haiveta and Central Governor Hon. Rufina Peter were also present to support the initiative.
Department of Works and Highways Secretary Mr. Gibson Ali Holemba, in his introductory remarks, confirmed the two new major road maintenance contracts:
- Bereina to Apanaipi awarded to Dekenai Construction Ltd for K78 Million.
- Apanaipi to Malalaua awarded to China Wu Yi Limited for K112 Million.
Mr. Holemba also said the Laloki to Brown River contract, valued at K148 Million and awarded to Hebou Construction Limited, had been awarded earlier but is currently subject to a court battle.
The project forms part of the government's broader Connect PNG initiative, aimed at achieving economic independence through substantial investments in critical infrastructure.
By empowering local contractors with projects ranging from K50 million to K300 million, the government has turned small and medium enterprises (SMEs) into multimillion-dollar entities, thus fostering economic growth, resilience, and creating thousands of jobs.
The Hiritano Highway aims to connect communities, stimulate trade, and unlock the economic potential of underdeveloped regions.
As the northern region increasingly connects with the southern region, the government anticipates a rise in vehicle movement, cargo transportation, and a boost in business and trade opportunities.
The Hiritano Highway redevelopment sets a foundational pace as the nation looks forward to the connection of Lae (Morobe Province) to Kerema (Gulf Province) through the Trans–National Highway, anticipated to be completed by September this year.
A highlight of the groundbreaking ceremony was the emphasis on the K300-million investment into the rehabilitation of the Hiritano Highway and a strong call to action for roadside communities and the people of Gulf and Central provinces.
Prime Minister Marape encouraged citizens to mobilize their land, register it for commercial agriculture, tourism, and business activities, and to avoid complacency. He stressed the importance of working the vast lands to earn a living and participate actively in the country’s economic growth.
Magi Highway Missing Link Road
Meanwhile, the Magi Highway Missing Link Road was officially opened on April 15, connecting Central and Milne Bay Provinces -- realizing a vision that dates back more than 50 years since the country gained independence.
The road is expected to transform landlocked areas into agricultural and tourism hotspots, supporting the government's vision of elevating the nation into a middle-income country.
The Department of Works and Highways, through these projects, continues to ensure that the benefits of infrastructure reach every corner of PNG.
