Angoram, East Sepik – Friday, March 6, 2026
Papua New Guinea’s major infrastructure initiative, the ConnectPNG Program, progressed to Angoram, east Sepik with the launch of the design and construction of the 87-kilometre road from Passam Junction to Angoram Station. The project, valued at K382.5 million, was announced by Prime Minister Hon. James Marape during the project launching event at the Angoram, Waterfront East Sepik on friday March 6.
Prime Minister reflected on the legacy of the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, describing him as a gift of the people of East Sepik to the nation. He invoked the famous proverb, “A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit,” to highlight Somare’s vision for future generations.
Marape said ConnectPNG is a way of continuing Somare’s work to ensure no child, no community, and no province is left behind.
“You deserve this road, and it is about time you are getting this road. I want business men and women to rise up from this place,” He told the people of Angoram,
The Prime Minister emphasized that Sepik holds vast untapped potential for economic sustainability, pointing to its river systems, land, seas, human capital, culture, and sustainable resources. He noted that fifty years after independence, this road will finally be sealed, linking Angoram to the provincial capital and the rest of the country.
Marape also announced a K100 million upgrade of Boram Airport under Phase II of the Civil Aviation Development Investment Program. The project will deliver a two-story terminal and allow larger aircraft to land in Wewak.
He further highlighted the upgrade of national power infrastructure, moving from the historic 66kV system to a modern 132kV high-voltage backbone capable of carrying larger volumes of electricity across the Highlands.
“The Highlands 132kV Transmission Line from Hides Gas to Lae forms part of a major national grid investment that began in 2021 and has progressed through several phases before reaching commissioning in 2026,” he said.
Looking out over the Sepik River, Marape envisioned a future where international tourists from China and Europe visit Angoram, supported by new infrastructure.
He revealed that government has endorsed the splitting of Angoram District into two separate districts to improve governance and service delivery.
On mining, he assured locals that the Frieda Mine would be developed sustainably. “We will work on the Frieda Mine in a way that will not kill the Frieda River, but prosper the East Sepik economy and the economy of Papua New Guinea.”
In memory of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and Lady Veronica Somare, Marape announced a K10 million road project to Murik village, the birthplace of the late Grand Chief.
He urged the people of Angoram and East Sepik to embrace leadership and work together to grow agriculture and sustainable forestry.
“A billion kina is not enough to build this economic zone, however we are starting with that and we will grow.”