Since its launch in 2020, the Connect PNG Program has been described as one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in Papua New Guinea’s history. Designed to link all four major regions of the country through more than 16,000 kilometers of new and upgraded roads, the program aims to improve national integration, accessibility, and economic development.
Legislated under the Connect PNG (Implementation and Funding Arrangements) Act 2021, the program commits 5.6% of the national budget—capped at K20 billion over 20 years—to road construction and upgrades. It is positioned as a cornerstone of the government’s strategy to connect isolated communities and boost trade and service delivery.
However, five years into implementation, the program has come under serious scrutiny. With close to K10 billion already spent, public concerns are growing: Is Connect PNG living up to its promises—or is it being used as a vehicle for corruption?
Understanding the Program
Connect PNG was developed with the vision of transforming PNG’s fragmented road network into a unified national system. The long-term plan is to connect the Highlands, Momase, Southern, and New Guinea Islands regions through key economic corridors, feeder roads, and strategic bridges.
By improving mobility and reducing isolation, the program is intended to support national development, create jobs, and provide rural populations with better access to schools, clinics, markets, and government services.
Growing Public Concerns
Despite the ambitious vision, critics argue that the program’s implementation has been marred by poor transparency and questionable spending practices. In early 2024, former Prime Minister Peter O’Neill accused the government of using Connect PNG as a cover for political patronage and financial mismanagement.
According to documents leaked from the Department of Finance, more than 1,400 payments totaling nearly K2 billion were allegedly processed under Connect PNG for purposes that had little or no connection to road construction. These included payments for media contracts, medical evacuations, and procurement deals allegedly tied to individuals connected to political leaders. There have also been claims that some contractors were paid for incomplete or non-existent road works.
Government’s Response
The Marape government has strongly denied all allegations of misuse and maintains that Connect PNG is a legitimate and necessary development initiative. The Minister for Works and Highways, Solan Mirisim, reported that over 4,700 kilometers of roads have been constructed or upgraded across several provinces since 2020.
In response to the controversy, Prime Minister James Marape initiated a special audit of the program in March 2025. The audit is being conducted by international accounting firm Deloitte, with technical engineering assessments supported by Norths Projects Ltd. The purpose of the audit is to assess the financial integrity, procurement practices, project implementation, and compliance with program guidelines. The government has committed to publishing the audit results once complete.
Is Connect PNG a Scam?
Legally and structurally, Connect PNG is not a scam. It is a legislated, budgeted, and long-term national program with clearly stated goals and funding mechanisms.
However, the following concerns remain valid:
- Procurement practices: Are contracts being awarded transparently and competitively?
- Financial accountability: Has public money been used as intended?
- Delivery: Are roadworks being completed to acceptable standards, and in the areas that need them most?
- Oversight: Why was so much funding disbursed before any independent audit?
While the program is not illegal or fake, the serious allegations of mismanagement and political interference cannot be ignored. The outcome of the audit will be critical in determining whether public funds have been misused.