Pimaga Station, Nipa-Kutubu – Wednesday, 7 January 2026
Prime Minister and Minister for Works and Highways Hon. James Marape officially launched the Poroma to Kutubu Road Sealing Project on Wednesday 7th Janurary 2026 at Pimaga Station, Kutubu.
The 106-kilometre road project, under the Connect PNG Economic Road Infrastructure Program, stretches from Poroma Junction to Moro Gate, will cost K370 million and is fully funded by the national government.
Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the long wait endured by the people of Kutubu, noting that despite this, they did not allow it to disrupt the ongoing oil and gas operations in the area.
“To the people of Kutubu, you’ve waited 34 years, and I am here to apologize. Kutubu since 1992 have supported us with Oil and Gas, and I thank Kutubu for not turning away when the country needed you. Nations are not built overnight,” he said.
Marape explained that the project is a symbol of appreciation from the government to the people of Nipa-Kutubu. “The Pangu Pati policy is that 49% goes back to the provincial government so that you can look after your people. I want this project to be delivered earliest possible. And I want to say that this project will be 100% funded by the government of Papua New Guinea as a symbol of appreciation to the people of Kutubu. I ask all of you to support this road.”
He added that the project must continue beyond his term. “Even if I go out of office in 2027 we should make sure these projects are completed, and our children when they step into the future, they should enjoy life in their own land. We have over 20,000 km of road yet to build in our country.”
Department of Works and Highways Secretary, Mr. Gibson Holemba, said this was the first project he signed as Acting Secretary.
“This 106km road starts at Poroma junction to Moro gate, costing 370 million Kina. This is the government’s way of thanking the people of Kutubu to allow Oil and Gas to flow and support the country,” he said.
Secretary Holemba confirmed that mobilization funds have been released and the contractor, China Railway Construction Engineering Group, has already set up camp.
“The government has made a commitment to fund this road 100% under the Connect PNG program, and the first mobilization money has been released and the contractor have already set up camp for full production. Now we will give the commencement letter and they will proceed.”
The Works Secretary noted that China Railway has already employed over 50 local workers and welcomed the involvement of subcontractors and community members. He urged the people to support the contractor and ensure the machinery and equipment used on the project are well looked after.
“This road comes at an expense, and it’s the answer to your cries for service. The leaders before me stated that 34 years and no proper road, and now the government wants to give you road, so when you respect leadership here and the service that they want to bring, change will come. This is a resource highway. And now we’ve made a redundancy plan, which means we’ve made alternative routes to account for road blockages.”
He added that the government is committed to rural development. “Your government is not asleep, and we are adamant to come to our rural people. This road will transform the lives of those living in the Poroma–Kutubu area. Nationally, this road will support the Highlands Highway.”
Holemba also highlighted that the government has increased the tax credit scheme by 3% in the 2026 budget. The scheme allows resource companies to use part of their tax obligations to directly fund infrastructure projects such as roads, schools, and services for local communities.
Minister for Defence and Member for Nipa-Kutubu, Hon. Dr. Billy Joseph, applauded the executive government for awarding the contract to China Railway.
“I appreciate the government for giving the contract to China Railway construction engineering group who has the capacity, equipment and technical knowledge and they know how to build things. And we will support you.”
“I urge the LLG to take responsibility of this road as you are the direct beneficiaries of this road. Tomorrow work will start.”
Minister Joseph also called on Santos and PNGLNG to support with funding for a road to Mount Bosave and raised the need to split the Nipa-Kutubu Electorate into two districts to improve service delivery.
The Poroma to Kutubu Road Sealing Project under the Connect PNG program will unbundle access, economic opportunities, and long-term benefits for communities in Nipa-Kutubu.