Sunday 23rd March 2025
Secretary for the Department of Works and Highways, Mr. Gibson Holemba, at the launch event in Magarida, Abau District, Central Province.
The long-awaited road connection between Port Moresby, Central, and Milne Bay has officially been launched, marking a key achievement in the government’s commitment to connecting all of Papua New Guinea. The Connect PNG initiative is set to change the economic and social landscape of rural Papua New Guinea, creating new opportunities for trade, agriculture, commerce and industry.
At the launch in Magarida, Abau district, Secretary for the Department of Works and Highways, Mr. Gibson Holemba, emphasized the importance of this road infrastructure for national development.
“When we build the road, that’s when we can improve our health service, our education, and our businesses,” Mr. Holemba said. “We are not just building the road, we are building the bridges as well to connect you to the rest of Papua New Guinea.”
The new road will link Moroguina to Gadaisu, covering 242 kilometers. This highway, awarded under contract last month, will become a national highway, strengthening the connection between Central and Milne Bay provinces.
“It is very hard to build a road in the bush and jungle. Sometimes, the government will not give payments on time, but I take this time to appreciate our contractors and their commitment,” Mr. Holemba stated.
“We will find a solution for the Bouna River and connect the road all the way to Magarida. We will link Central and Milne Bay.”
Hon. Ricky Morris, Member for Alotau encouraging farmers to create an association, dontates K50,000 towards building a new dormitory for the Magarida Junior Highschool.
Hon. Ricky Morris, Member for Alotau, applauded the Marape-Rosso Government for its support in providing the much needed infrastructure to such isolated communities.
“I want to appreciate the Marape-Rosso Government for allowing such areas to come and participate in the larger nation-building efforts,” Hon. Morris said.
“For the last 49 years, this was the missing link. We’ve always used the sea. After today, our children will no longer have to rely solely on sea travel.”
He also highlighted the risks of sea travel, saying, “You and I know that there have been many incidents from us going by sea. With the road comes power and other government services.”
Hon. Morris emphasized the economic benefits of the new road. “As I speak today, I have to send 1,000 bags of coffee through helicopter, and it is a challenge. This road will enable our farmers to send out our rubber, coconut, and oil palm. I encourage our farmers to organize themselves into groups. We have come a long way, and we cannot be the same. I believe this road corridor today will give us the opportunity to fully participate in the economy.”
He also mentioned plans to discuss establishing the area as a special economic zone to attract more investment and trade.
Vice Minister for Works and Highways, Hon. Peter Namea Isoaimo, also spoke about the economic potential unlocked by the Connect PNG program.
“We must all thank our government for Connect PNG, which will unlock our economic activities,” Hon. Isoaimo said. “Our people of Magarida have fertile land with immense agricultural potential.”
He added, “Moroguina will be a major junction, connecting people from Alotau, Oro, and Central. With the road linking Bouna to Gadaisu and Magarida Station, our people will now have greater access to markets and essential services.”
The project is expected to boost trade, agriculture, and overall economic growth, bringing lasting benefits to the people of Central and Milne Bay provinces.