Minister for Works and Highways, Hon. Solan Mirisim, has announced that two critical national road projects—the Lae–Finschhafen Road and the Trans-Highlands Highway segment linking Morobe to Port Moresby via Gulf Province—will be completed and operational ahead of Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations.
Speaking during a recent project inspection, Minister Mirisim emphasized the strategic importance of these roads, describing them as “national unity corridors” that will enhance connectivity between provinces, improve access to markets, and stimulate rural economies.
The announcement represents a significant milestone for the Connect PNG Program, the government’s flagship infrastructure initiative aimed at improving inter-provincial mobility and fostering economic integration across PNG’s diverse regions.
Department of Works and Highways teams are reportedly working intensively to complete the remaining works and ensure the highways are traffic-ready by 16 September 2025, just ahead of the country’s golden jubilee.
Improved road connectivity has long been recognised as a critical enabler for economic growth and social development in PNG, where rugged terrain and limited transport infrastructure have historically constrained market access and service delivery. The opening of these highways is expected to reduce travel times, lower transport costs, and open new opportunities for trade and investment.
However, ongoing maintenance, environmental safeguards, and community engagement will remain key to ensuring the roads’ sustainability and maximising their development impact.
As PNG prepares to celebrate five decades of independence, these infrastructure achievements will be closely watched as tangible markers of progress toward national unity and inclusive growth.