Tuesday 8th September, 2026
Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Lae, Hon. John Rosso, has hit back at online critics, stating that social media negativity pales in comparison to the tangible relief felt by rural citizens witnessing long-awaited infrastructure developments.
Speaking during a major project event on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, DPM Rosso addressed the government’s detractors head-on.
He emphasized that while individuals are free to air their grievances and criticisms online on Connect PNG, the true measure of the government’s success lies with the ordinary citizens living in Papua New Guinea’s rugged interior.
Highlighting the historic struggles of remote communities, Rosso noted that these populations have endured decades of hardship due to isolated geographies.
For villages seeing newly cut roads and vital missing links finally connecting them to the rest of the country, the transformation is deeply meaningful.
“They have suffered for many years,” Rosso added, noting that communities experiencing these new road links for the very first time are profoundly grateful for the government’s commitment to opening up the country.
The remarks underscore a broader push by the government to prioritize trans-formative infrastructure and connect isolated regions, bridging the gap between urban political commentary and the realities of rural development.