As Papua New Guinea celebrates 50 years of independence, major road developments in Delta Fly District are set to transform local economies and connect remote communities like never before. Delta Fly Acting District Administrator Tony Sinba says the district is not in the connect PNG Road project but is trying to link it up with the national Connect PNG Road network, with major connections planned from Kamusi to Kikori, Nomad, and Balimo, and eventually reaching the border with Indonesia. Speaking during Independence Week, Sinba confirmed that China Railway Engineering Construction has been awarded the contract under the Tax Credit Scheme to seal roads in Balimo township and extend them to Wasu and Kauyapo, along the Fly River. “Balimo township itself will see around 6–7 kilometres of road sealed, while the extension to the Fly River is more than 20 kilometres,” Sinba said. The project is funded under the Tax Credit Scheme, with K40+ million allocated for township roads and K80+ million for the Balimo–Wasu connection. The design-and-build contract means final costs may increase once scoping and design are complete. Meanwhile, SBM Construction, a local contractor, is set to take on the roadworks in the mountain regions, connecting Kamusi to Nomad and into North Fly. These infrastructure efforts, Sinba said, are part of a larger vision driven by the local MP, supported by available funding, and aimed at ending decades of isolation. “We’re not giving local contractors this time. We want quality roads. Past local contracts, like the airport, failed to deliver,” he said. The new roads will also support the district’s push for agriculture and cocoa farming, providing safer, quicker access to town services and banking, especially for villagers currently travelling dangerous river routes. Sinba highlighted that the Fly River side road, which connects to William Station, is also under the Tax Credit Scheme and will eventually open up access to Merauke, Indonesia. “This road network will not only connect our people to each other but also support cross-border trade with Indonesia,” Sinba said. “Currently, some are crossing the border illegally due to lack of formal access. These roads will change that.” The Delta Fly administration is also working to reopen and seal the Balimo airstrip, with support from China Harbour Engineering, though some funding issues remain to be resolved. “This is a life-changing project. It will completely transform how our people live, access services, and trade,” Sinba concluded. The infrastructure push comes at a pivotal time for the country, as PNG marks its 50th Independence Anniversary, celebrating both the past and a more connected future.