Saturday, March 22, 2025
A drone captured image of the team led by Central Provincial Works travelling via the new road from Bam leading to Labu, Abau District, Central Province.
For generations, the remote communities of Abau District’s eastern villages have battled isolation, their lives shaped by treacherous journeys on foot and by boat. Mothers carried sick children through thick jungles for hours to reach medical help. Farmers watched their hard-earned produce rot because there was no affordable way to transport it to the markets in Port Moresby. The lack of reliable roads meant a future defined by struggle and lost potential. But change is finally on the horizon.
The Connect PNG Road Project’s Southern Corridor Missing Link is bringing long-awaited relief to these forgotten communities. Leading a team of engineers from the Department of Works and Highways, Central Provincial Works Manager, Mr. Edwin Talapilya, traveled along the newly constructed road, reaching Magarida—the most remote part of Abau District—in preparation for the official launch of the project by the Minister for Works and Highways, Hon. Solan Mirism, on Sunday, March 23, 2025.
“The new road cuts from Babauguina to the logging camp at Bam in Abau, Central Province. From Bam, it continues through Labu, crosses the Bouna River, and finally reaches Magarida Station,” explained Mr. Talapilya.
This vital road does more than just connect points on a map—it restores dignity and hope to thousands who have spent their lives cut off from essential services.
From the Milne Bay side, the road extends from Magarida through Gogsiba, connecting to Gadaisu and stretching all the way to Alotau. Only the construction of bridges between these areas remains, marking the final step in securing a seamless transportation route between Central Province and Milne Bay.
With Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary approaching on September 16, 2025, the project team is pushing forward to complete the Southern Corridor in time for this national milestone.
“After the launching, our focus is on linking Central Province to Milne Bay before the 50th Anniversary. Challenges like weather and logistics remain, but we are committed to seeing this through for the greater good of our people,” Mr. Talapilya assured.
The impact of this road is already tangible. Along the newly constructed route, this media team met Mrs. Gobadi Lohia, a resident of Labu and the wife of a local PMV owner. She recounted years of hardship trying to bring their farm produce to market.
“We sell food like taro, banana, pumpkin, and sago, but it was nearly impossible to transport everything to the city. It cost too much to hire a boat, and the journey was dangerous. Now, with this new road, we can use our own cars and reach the market easily,” she said, her voice filled with relief and optimism.
For the people of Abau, this road is more than just an infrastructure project—it is a lifeline, a bridge to opportunity, and a long-overdue promise of a better future.