Wednesday 25th June, 2025
For the first time in Papua New Guinea’s history, vehicles have successfully travelled from Alotau to Port Moresby by road, marking the completion of the Magi Highway Missing Link under the Government’s Connect PNG Program.
Minister for Works and Highways, Hon. Solan Mirisim, described the moment as a national breakthrough.
“You don’t know what people in the remote areas are feeling. This is the first time a vehicle has made it to Port Moresby from Alotau. It is a testimony of real connection,” he said.
The Minister also acknowledged both former and current staff of the Department of Works and Highways, and the PNG Forest Authority for their contribution to this milestone, calling the achievement a gift from the Department to the people of Papua New Guinea.
“This is a 50th Independence gift from the Department to the people of Papua New Guinea,” he said.
Secretary for Works, Mr. Gibson Holemba, said the milestone may seem small, but the impact is massive.
“The big thing is access. Connect PNG is not a scam, this road proves it,” he said. “We have connected the unconnected and reached the unreached.”
Holemba added that the department is pushing forward and expects to connect Menyamya to Kerema by the end of next month. He also challenged young engineers to walk the track and understand the importance of their work.
The road cuts through some of PNG’s most rugged terrain and links Kupiano in Central Province to Kilakila in Milne Bay.
Sealing and upgrading works will continue to bring the route to all-weather standard. A formal opening is being planned with the Prime Minister and Governor-General.
The journey from Alotau to Port Moresby by road is now a reality. What was once impossible is now history.