Prime Minister James Marape has praised Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey for what he described as a historic and transformative capital investment plan, after the 2026 National Budget committed K7.697 billion to the Public Investment Program — the largest allocation in Papua New Guinea’s history.
The figure represents a dramatic rise from the K2.041 billion allocated in 2018, marking a 277% increase over eight years. According to the Government, the scale of the program reflects its ambition to fundamentally reshape national connectivity through the Connect PNG infrastructure agenda.
Marape said the level of funding demonstrated a long-term commitment to linking remote and urban centres through upgraded roads, expanded wharf facilities and safer, more reliable air transport. He said the investment was “a physical platform for national unity and economic participation”, adding that every kilometre of road constructed or restored was altering the daily realities of ordinary Papua New Guineans.
More than K1.7 billion has been directed to the Department of Works, largely to accelerate the country’s flagship transport corridors and ongoing rehabilitation of major routes. The Prime Minister said these projects were beginning to change how goods and services move across the country, opening up previously inaccessible economic pathways.
The Government argues that infrastructure remains central to reducing the high cost of doing business, enabling rural producers to access markets and expanding opportunities in agriculture and exports. Officials say improved roads, ports and airstrips are also critical to the reliable delivery of health, education and government services. Marape stressed that meaningful development cannot reach communities without modern transport links, and said tackling the longstanding rural–urban divide remained a core focus under the Government’s Reset@50 agenda.
The 2026 PIP continues to fund major regional transport priorities, including the Highlands Highway and its connecting routes, coastal corridors in Momase, bridge and road upgrades across the Southern Region and maritime access improvements throughout the Islands Region. Marape said the intention was to ensure rural Papua New Guineans were not left behind as economic opportunities expanded.
Responding to recent scrutiny of the Connect PNG program, the Prime Minister said audits were welcomed and essential to maintaining public trust. He said transparent oversight strengthened the quality of government expenditure and ensured each kina delivered value for the country.
Describing the 2026 PIP as a legacy-building investment, Marape said the infrastructure financed today would shape the country’s economic future for decades. “The roads we build now will be the trade arteries of the next 50 years,” he said. “The wharves we upgrade will support the exporters of tomorrow. This is about preparing PNG for its next stage of growth.”