From 2020-2040 I acknowledge the institutional reforms necessary to achieve the objectives of the National Road Net- work Strategy (NRNS). The in- tensity and the momentum of the institutional reforms attest to our desire to ensure that the nation's strategy asset – the National Road Network (NRN) not only covers from further deterioration but to signifi- cantly improves.
The momentum of change also demonstrates our desire to see a sig- nificant impact in the improvement in the flow of goods and services and access for the majority of our rural population. All these is reflected in the priorities detailed in the Corpo- rate Plan 2020-2024.
We have set our vision, inspired by the call to improve the lives of our people. The government approved Connect PNG Strategy is a significant commitment of the government for the next 20 years to see the lives of ordinary Papua New Guineans im- prove through accessing economic development opportunities and essential government service. We com- mit ourselves to effectively imple- ment the Connect PNG Development Plan and continue to focus on our mission to deliver these vital ser- vices to as many people as possible. I trust this plan sets the scene for us to work as an effective, high performing team to achieve the objectives of the 2020-2040 Corporate Plan.
The reconfigured Department of Works & Highways will focus more on the 16 National Priority Highways that make up 8,000 kilometers of the National Road Networks. While the Sub-National Roads that covers the provinces and districts which span over 21,000 kilometers will be designated to road authority with specific legislative obligations to maintain their own network of Sub-national roads with the support and funding from Department of National Planning & Monitoring and Department of Works & Highways provides the supervision and oversight of the standards and quality engineering output. As for PNG Road Fund looks for funding and DOWH does the planning, budget, technical advice to implement the Connect PNG Plan.
On Tuesday 25th January, 2022, His Excellency Grand Chief Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae, GCL, GCMG, KStJ, Governor General of Papua New Guinea, has executed on behalf of the State, a contract for the long- term maintenance of the Magi High- way in Central Province to Milne Bay Province. Maintenance will cover Goilanai Bridge along Magi Highway to Gada- isu in Milne Bay Province.
The contract valued at K38, 470, 850.00, is wholly funded by the Australian Government through the Transport Sector Support Program (TSSP), and it is for five years. The contract was awarded to Global Constructions Limited. Company representatives Neil Nakikus (General Manager) and Brad Sleader (Managing Director) signed the contract before the Governor General and witnessed by the Secretary of Department of Works Mr. David Wereh at the Government House.
The much talked about road con- necting Papua and New Guinea is finally taking shape. The colonial Administration proposed the Trans Island Highway and many survey and attempts have been done. Finally, under the Connect PNG, the Australian Government has come on board to support the initiative. The road is supposed to connect the National Capital District (NCD) to Central Province and PNG Gov- ernment took it from Bereina to Epo, Kerema.
From the Lae side, the road goes along the Wau-Bulolo Highway and turns out to Aseki Menyamya and turns to Kaintiba and down to Kere- ma. Today marks that opportunity where Senator Ted Seselja, Minister for International Development and Pacific Affairs and Hon Sam Basil, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Commerce and Industry launched the Trans Island Highway at the Okuk Highway, Bulolo High- way turnoff to highlight the connec- tion between Australia and Papua
New Guinea to finally connect their dream of connecting Papua to New Guinea. From the Trans Island Highway, either we connect to Goilala High- way to Biaru and Wau, whilst from Kerema to Kikori to Kagua Erave to Southern Highlands Province and from Menyamya to Marawaka to- wards Eastern Highlands Province.
The Government has approved K450 Million for the completion of New Britain Highway (Kimbe-Kokopo Road), Prime Minister, James Marape has revealed
In September 2021, The Government is also moving to open up the Southern part of West New Britain with a K 50 Million infrastructural support over the next 4 years to 2025 by linking Kimbe-Kandrian district. These investments are part of the massive Connect PNG program.
Prime Minister Marape said, “The idea of Connect PNG is to gradually connect into parts of rural PNG still needing connectivity, and for the island of New Britain. The highway becomes the main link for feeder roads into parts of the island such as Pomio in East New Britain province and Kandrian-Gloucester in West New Britain province”.
“For the first time, we have a 20- year blueprint, every year we will put K 1 Billion to open up not just New Britain but other parts of the country as well,’’ said the Prime Minister.
“Every year there is K5 Million, K10 Million, K6 Million given to build roads in the rural areas of the coun- try,” said the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister said roads meant income generation and this was good for the improvement of liveli- hoods and the economy.
