Thursday 31st July, 2025
The country’s longest footbridge, spanning 220 metres, has officially opened at Papa-Lealea village in Hiri West, Central Province.
The K15.41 million project was delivered under the Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme (ITCS) through a joint partnership involving ExxonMobil, Santos, Encos Explora, Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL), and Mineral Resource Development Corporation (MRDC).
The footbridge connects Lealea 1 and Lealea 2 villages, located at the end of the Napanapa Road on the outskirts of Port Moresby. It is expected to serve more than 11,000 people by providing safer, more reliable access between the two communities.
The project was made possible through collaboration between key government agencies, including the Department of Works and Highways, Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA), PNG Power Ltd, and the National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA).
Private sector stakeholders also played a vital role, including ExxonMobil PNG Ltd and local landowner companies such as LABA Holdings Ltd, Rearea–Buria Holdings Ltd, and Rearea Gas Resources Ltd.
The footbridge is expected to bring positive changes to the community by improving movement of people and goods, lowering transport costs, boosting local trade, and allowing faster access to health and emergency services.
It also enhances social and economic development and supports community empowerment through local job creation during construction.
Despite these benefits, there are concerns about vandalism, betel nut stains, graffiti, and safety risks due to increased public movement. Community awareness and local enforcement will be important to ensure the structure remains in good condition.
The bridge provides a crucial all-weather access route, strengthens local connectivity, and contributes to long-term socio-economic development in the area.