The Connect PNG Policy was endorsed in the NEC Decision 113/2020 as a 20-year investment program (2020 – 2040) at a cost of 20 billion with objectives to enhance support for sustainable socioeconomic development, national cohesion and unity, by connecting the four regions of Papua New Guinea; through an improved key economic road transport network connectivity to enhance the delivery of goods and services. The NEC likewise established a High-Powered Program Steering Committee to be chaired by the Department of National Planning & Monitoring Secretary.

As per the NEC Decision 113/2020, 14 economic corridor roads1 were identified to be funded and implemented within the 20 years; but seven (7) corridors have been prioritized with the objective that we celebrate PNG's 50th Independence Anniversary with actual outcomes in terms of missing links connected, and major roads completed.

The seven (7) prioritized corridors at an estimated cost of K6.5 billion are:

i. Trans Island Corridor;

ii. Southern Corridor;

iii. Momase Corridor;

iv. Gulf Highlands Corridor;

v. New Britain Corridor;

vi. Highlands Corridor;

vii. Baiyer Madang Corridor;

The GoPNG has allocated K300 million under the 2021 Capital Investment Budget for this Program. The Development Partners have provided funding support with AUS AID putting up Aus$10 million (over K30 million) in loan to fund the Trans Islands Corridor (Bulolo to Kerema) whilst ADB has allocated US$90 million (over K270 million) to invest in the Momase Corridor. Negotiations with other partners are ongoing.

So far, there are nine contracts2 that have been procured and tendered covering a total of 554km at an approximate cost of K1.5 billion to undertake emergency works on the existing Highways. Two of the nine contracts have been signed on the 10th of June, 2021; specifically, road sections from Mendi to Nipa Secondary at 58km with a total cost of K238,765,120.32 and from Nipa Secondary to Ambua Top at 53.6km costing K244,386,069.35.

The focus now is on the Trans-island Corridor (Lae -Gulf- Pom) as per technical assessments and economic appraisals done by DoW.

The Connect PNG Program will not only focus on roads but other important sectors like Agriculture, Electricity, Internet Connectivity, etc. to piggy back on the road corridors.