The Department of Works and Highways has achieved a historic milestone for Papua New Guinea, through the Connect PNG Program, as it continues to deliver.
Recently over the weekend, Morobe and Gulf Provinces were officially linked via the Trans National Highway, as the Northern and Southern Corridors were connected, completing what many said would never happen.
For decades, communities from Morobe and Gulf provinces lived as neighbors separated by mountains, rivers, and thick uncharted forests until the recent milestone road service, removing that barrier.
According to the Department of Works and Highways as stated in a media release, this road project and achievement does matter to PNG.
National Unity Through Connectivity: CONNECT PNG is not just about bitumen and gravel. It’s about linking people, markets, schools, and health services. When roads reach, opportunity follows.
Economic Lifeline for Rural PNG: Farmers in Gulf can now move produce to Morobe markets. Businesses can cut transport costs and time. This is how we grow the real economy outside Port Moresby and Lae.
Breaking the “Unachievable” Myth: What was once written off as too rugged, too costly, too remote is now open. CONNECT PNG proves that with commitment and engineering, PNG can build the backbone it needs for the next 50 years.
Nation-Building in Action*: This link shows what coordinated government work looks like. The Morobe and Gulf teams met in the middle because the goal was bigger than any province.
However, the Department of Works and Highways say while this is a landmark achievement, the road is not yet open for public use. It is strictly to be used by Works and Highways staff and authorized contractors only, as gravelling works and mountain track upgrades are still in progress. Some sections of the road are steep, narrow, and only suitable for two-wheelers and heavy equipment only.
DoWH is urging all the public as well as public motor vehicles and other vehicle owners to refrain from using this route, until an official public opening notice is issued by the Department. Using the road prematurely risks accidents, vehicle damage, and delays to the final works.
Moreover, DoWH emphasized in their statement that CONNECT PNG is about turning isolation into connection, and connection into prosperity. The opening of these corridors is proof that the program is moving from vision to reality on the ground.
Once the final works are complete and the Department gives the all-clear, this highway will unlock trade, tourism, and social links for thousands of Papua New Guineans.
