July 17, 2023
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has expressed his appreciation to the Department of Works and Highways for their outstanding efforts in nearing the completion of the Trans-National Highway Corridor Missing Link between Aseki in Morobe and Epo in Gulf.
Prime Minister Marape commended the dedicated teams of the Department of Works and Highways for their relentless work under challenging conditions, including continuous rain and rugged terrain, to establish this crucial road. He emphasised that this accomplishment exemplifies the success of the Marape Government’s flagship ‘Connect PNG’ programme.
During his visit to remote Menyamya in Morobe earlier this year, Prime Minister Marape followed the route of the Trans-National Highway by helicopter. This experience further reinforced his admiration for the project and the teams involved.
“I extend my commendation to Minister Hon. Solan Mirisim, Secretary David Wereh, and the entire team of civil engineers at the Department of Works and Highways,” stated Prime Minister Marape.
“My government is fully committed to addressing key missing links like this, in order to facilitate the development and integration of all regions within our country.”
Anticipating the celebration of Papua New Guinea’s 50 years of independence on September 16, 2025, Prime Minister Marape expressed his hope that people will be able to travel from Port Moresby to Lae and vice versa through this corridor by then.
The ‘Missing Link’ of the Trans-National Highway, spanning 159.8km, lies between Oiwa in Aseki, Morobe, and Epo in Gulf.
“From Oiwa to Kotidanga is 81.2km, and Epo to Kotidanga is 78.6km,” said the Prime Minister.
With the Department of Works and Highways establishing two teams, Team Morobe and Team Gulf, significant progress has been achieved.
“During the last 21 months, 64km has been completed, with 32km from Morobe and 32km from Gulf, respectively. This represents 39.4 percent from Morobe and 40.7 percent from Gulf, amounting to 40 percent of the 159.8km,” highlighted Prime Minister Marape.
To finalise the Trans-National Highway Corridor Missing Link, a remaining distance of 95.8km is yet to be completed. Team Morobe is responsible for 49.2km, while Team Gulf will handle 46.6km. The Prime Minister expects this remaining work to be finished by December 2024.
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