Port Moresby to East Cape, Milne Bay – Monday 18th August 2025
Minister for Works and Highways Hon. Solan Mirisim and Department Secretary Mr. Gibson Holemba led a 50-member team on a cruicial 16-hour road trip from Port Moresby to Alotau via the newly extended Maghi Highway.
The road trip which began at 4AM on Sunday, 17 August 2025, was part of a review mission to assess progress on the Connect PNG initiative, Transnational Highway No. 1 – Maghi Highway. It was a preparatory run for Prime Minister Hon. James Marape’s upcoming visit to Alotau through this newly established route.
The convoy included executives and staff from the Department of Works and Highways (DoWH), contractors as well as this Government Media Unit.
The team traveled through the freshly cut road from Bam and Habaou in Central Province into Milne Bay. While the road is passable, it is not yet sealed and presented several challenges, including mudslide-prone hills and multiple wet cross roads. Along the tough journey, the team was met with warm smiles and cheerful waves from locals lining the roadside—an expression of hope and excitement. Communities recognised that the government was finally reaching them, bringing access to essential services, commerce, and the promise of economic opportunity
The road trip concluded with a warm reception at East Cape, Alotau—known as the “Tip of PNG”—where Milne Bay Governor Hon. Gordon Wesley, Member for Alotau Hon. Ricky Morris, and local community members gathered to celebrate the progress and anticipate the Prime Minister’s arrival next week.
“Your village is well kept and the infrastructure is in good condition,” said Secretary Gibson Holemba, addressing the East Cape community.
“We’ve come a long way. We’ve gotten a state minister to drive from Port Moresby to Alotau. The Connect PNG program is here to unleash the economic potential of isolated areas. The moment we open the road, this province will be flooded with investors.”
Holemba emphasized that the highway, now officially part of the Transnational Highway No. 1, stretches from 6 Mile in Port Moresby to East Cape.
“East Cape is now part of the national highway,” he added.
“In the future, we will drive from Wutung, Jayapura to East Cape. This is preparation for next week when the Prime Minister comes with his high-level delegation.”
Milne Bay Governor Hon. Gordon Wesley applauded the progress on Connect PNG made by DoWH, noting its impact on national unity.
“You’ve managed, under the initiative of the Marape-Rosso government, to drive all the way from Port Moresby to Alotau,” he said.
“We used to say ‘one country, one people,’ but we were never connected. Now we are truly connected.”
Wesley also urged the government to consider connecting three island districts to the mainland. “I’d like to thank the Minister and his team for coming and making preparations for the event next week,” he added.
Minister for Works and Highways Hon. Solan Mirisim expressed gratitude for the community’s hospitality.
“I appreciate the people of Alotau and East Cape Town for receiving me and my team,” he said.
“The agenda of our government is that our country is truly connected by road. When people are connected and they move here, business and SMEs will improve. This road will bring the country to you.”
Mirisim also echoed the governor’s request for maritime connectivity. “I will echo your Governor’s request for a sea vessel to connect the islands to the Transport Ministry,” he said.
Member for Alotau Hon. Ricky Morris highlighted the significance of the Connect PNG program as the nation approaches its 50th anniversary.
“I want to commend and congratulate you, Minister and Secretary, for making this drive from Port Moresby to Alotau,” he said.
“The Connect PNG is timely, as we celebrate our 50 years. We want to declare East Cape as a tourism hub.”
Morris also proposed the installation of a boom gate to manage border movement and enhance regional security.
“This is so we give some countries confidence in our people,” he said.
“Rest assured, next week, we will host the Prime Minister and celebrate the coming 50th year celebration.”
As preparations continue for the Prime Minister’s visit, the people of Milne Bay stand ready to welcome the nation’s leadership and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead through the Connect PNG program as the country counts down to its 50th Year of Independence.
ENDS