MAPRIK, March 5
Papua New Guinea’s high-impact national infrastructure initiative coordinated by the Department of Works and Highways, the ConnectPNG Program reaches East Sepik, with the launch of the K1.2 billion road upgrade.
The launch was officiated by Prime Minister Hon. Chief James Marape, along with Minister for Works and Highways and Acting ICT Minister Hon. Peter Tsiamalili Jr, East Sepik Governor Hon. Allan Bird and other Ministers of State.
The projects include the design and construction of a 310 kilometre road from Karaitem to Lumi, a 66.4 kilometre road from Nimprim Bridge in Maprik to Warasikau Bridge, and an 87 kilometre road from Passam Junction to Angoram Station.
Other works under the Civil Aviation Development Investment Program Phase II will see upgrades to Hayfield Road and Boram Airport, strengthening transport links across the province.
Prime Minister Marape told the people of East Sepik that the investment was both deserved and necessary.
He said the province had long contributed to the nation through agriculture, forestry and fisheries, and it was only fair that such infrastructure was delivered.
“East Sepik you deserve this… it is your right and you deserve it and it is coming to you,” he said.
He urged citizens to use the new roads productively, warning that without positive change, the infrastructure could be wasted.
“I want this road to be a blessing so that the children of East Sepik will become better, prosperous and earning money from their own land,” he said.
Governor Allan Bird welcomed the launch and acknowledged the late Minister for Works and Highways, Hon. Solan Mirisim, for his role in discussions on the project.
He recalled that the last major road works in the province were carried out under the leadership of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare in 2004.
“A lot of times when we build roads, we do not think about maintaining it… I request that Prime Minister put budget aside for road maintenance,” he said.
Governor Bird also highlighted the strategic importance of Hayfield Airport and reaffirmed provincial support for national government initiatives across policing, defense, judiciary and utilities.
Works and Highways Minister Hon. Peter Tsiamalili Jr said the government’s foremost focus was connecting Papua New Guinea.
He explained that fertile land across the country could only be unlocked through road access.
“We are rich in the land that is very fertile, and we are using roads to unleash this economic opportunity right across the country including Maprik,” he said.
He confirmed that K150 million had been budgeted for road maintenance and K40 million for bridge maintenance.
He also explained the diesel fuel levy under the Road Management and Fund Act 2020, which collects 20 toea per litre of diesel to finance road construction and maintenance nationwide.
“When you pay for fuel, you are contributing to the road you’re driving on. So you buy fuel, you are looking after the road,” he said.
The Minister further announced that 40 percent of ConnectPNG contracts would be awarded to local contractors, ensuring community participation in development.
“So all the local contractors should be organized and participate in the larger contracts under the ConnectPNG Program,” he said.
Department of National Planning and Monitoring Secretary Mr Konny Samuel described the initiative as a long-term investment.
“The ConnectPNG Investment plan is a 20-year plan for our country to stimulate growth in our region, and we want the people embrace this and to participate,” he said.
Secretary for Works and Highways Mr Gibson Holemba highlighted the broader vision of extending the Sepik Highway from Wewak to Imbio in West Sepik, linking communities and opening new opportunities. He urged citizens to safeguard the infrastructure.
“Go and work the land and change this place, nobody will come and change your place, build yourself up and raise your children to become game changers in PNG,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape concluded by announcing a K5 million allocation to the Special Economic Zone of East Sepik and annoinced the upcoming opening 71 double-lane bridges from Lae Nadzab to Mt Hagen next week.
He said the new roads would form the main artery for Sepik’s economic zone, unlocking opportunities in agriculture, fisheries, cocoa, cattle, tourism, forestry and mining.