Thursday, 17 April 2025
Prime Minister Hon. James Marape officially launched the redevelopment of the Hiritano Highway at Bereina Station, Central Province, on Thursday, 17 April 2025, as part of the Southern Corridor, Connect PNG Road Access Program. The groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of critical upgrades to what the Prime Minister described as the “greatest contributor to the country’s economy.”
“The Hiritano Highway is an economic road,” Prime Minister Marape declared.
“This entire plain—from Kerema to Port Moresby—must be unbundled in its economic potential. What relevance is this economic road if the people are not participating in it?”
He urged landowners and communities along the corridor to seize the economic opportunities that come with improved connectivity.
“People must build money from this land. Your plains can produce and supply Papua New Guinea and even the world,” PM Marape said.
“I urge you all to engage in economic activities with your land. We are not like other countries—the state doesn’t own your land. The people own the land, and you must use it productively.”
The Prime Minister announced that his government will allocate between K300 million and K400 million for the full rehabilitation of the highway, committing to fast-track construction and deliver real impact to the people of Central and Gulf provinces.
“We are not just rehabilitating a road; we are opening an economic corridor that will transform lives,” he said.
“This highway will not only link communities but also generate real income opportunities.”
Marape acknowledged the leadership of Secretary for Works and Highways, Mr. Gibson Holemba, and thanked the Department for the implementation of the Connect PNG Act.
“Australia and America were built on land ownership and productivity. Here in PNG, we have land, but many are sitting idle. That must change,” the Prime Minister added.
“The Hiritano Highway is not just a road—it is a pathway to opportunity. Let this be a symbol of economic revolution in this beautiful part of Papua New Guinea.”
Minister for Works and Highways, Hon. Solan Mirisim, highlighted the broader vision of the highway redevelopment, linking it to national development goals across all sectors.
“The Hiritano Highway will support agriculture expansion, access to health services, education, and other economic activities,” Minister Mirisim said.
“This highway is built to be safe, long-lasting, and incorporates modern engineering.”
“Let this road be a reminder that this government will leave no one behind—for a connected Papua New Guinea. The Connect PNG program is not just about roads—it’s a multi-sectoral program that we will all improve together. That’s the way forward.”
Vice Minister for Works and Highways and Member for Kairuku-Hiri, Hon. Peter Isoaimo, thanked the Marape-Rosso Government, saying it was a long cry finally answered for the people of his Kairuku-Hiri.
Secretary for the Department of Works and Highways, Mr. Gibson Holemba, outlined the project structure, reiterating that the Hiritano Highway has been designated as National Road Number 001, making it a top priority under the Connect PNG framework.
“We are upgrading this highway to a national standard,” said Mr. Holemba.
“The Connect PNG program focuses on key economic roads. Hiritano is number one, and the Magi Highway is number two.”
He announced the award of major contracts:
- -Bereina to Apanaipi: K78 million awarded to Dekenai Construction
- -Apanaipi to Malalaua: K112 million awarded to China Wu Yi Limited
- -Malalaua to Kerema: Funding to be provided through AusAid
Secretary Holemba stated that the Connect PNG Program is a long-term national investment worth K20 billion over 20 years, aimed at strategically developing key highways to unlock economic potential across the country’s regions.
He also made a strong appeal to young people in the Kairuku-Hiri district, urging them to look after the road.
“I urge all youths to look after this road. When you block it or dig it up, it’s a further cost to the Department of Works and the government.”