Port Moresby, December 14, 2023 – Prime Minister Hon. James Marape says the Government’s ‘Connect PNG’ programme will open up Papua New Guinea “like never before” by leveraging unprecedented resource developments. The Prime Minister outlined his vision during the Department of Works and Highways’ Christmas party in Port Moresby today.
“The next 17 years to 2040 will see us building, building, and building,” Prime Minister Marape stated at the gathering, attended by Works Minister Hon. Solan Mirisim, former minister Michael Nali, Secretary David Wereh, contractors, and staff.
“We will open up this country like never before. I want to catch up with bigger, developed states over the next 17 years with roads, ports, jetties, power lines, Internet, and airports to carry this economy.”
Expressing his commitment to transforming the nation, the Prime Minister urged everyone to contribute to the monumental effort. “Let’s work so that when we retire, in 20 years’ time, the generation that is coming after us is able to give respect to us as we have truly transformed our country.”
Prime Minister Marape unveiled plans for substantial economic growth, forecasting an increase to K120 billion in 2024 and a further surge to K200 billion by 2030, propelled by six major resource projects. These projects include the Porgera mine, Wafi-Golpu mine, Papua LNG, P’nyang LNG, Pasca LNG, and an exciting new gas find discovered by ExxonMobil in the Eastern Papuan Fold Belt.
“As the economy increases, the size of the budget will also increase, and the size of the 5.6 per cent earmarked for road funding and infrastructure will also increase,” he said.
“We will ramp up growth of our economy over the next 10 years, which will see increased allocations to the Department of Works and Highways, allowing you to continue the good work we have started over the last two years through ‘Connect PNG’.”
Highlighting the importance of the ‘Connect PNG’ programme, Prime Minister Marape emphasised its longevity, stating, “I want to say that ‘Connect PNG’ runs for 20 years, and in 20 years’ time, we must make the biggest impact for our country.”
Concerned about areas of the country being left behind, he added, “We cannot afford to leave areas like Karamui, Bosavi, Pomio, Kandrian-Gloucester, Gasmata, and Agaun behind. People are still locked in enclaves of isolation.”
Prime Minister Marape expressed optimism about the nation’s economic trajectory, citing Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey’s projections. “If we work hard over the next 20 years, we will be a trillion-kina economy. This is because roads carry the economy.”
