Major Road Upgrade in Gulf Province

The initiative, announced this week by Acting Secretary John Bole, aims to restore over 150 kilometers of critical roadways that link Kerema to inland and coastal communities.

This ambitious project comes as part of the government’s broader strategy to improve rural connectivity, ensure road safety, and stimulate regional economies across the country. The Gulf Province, long known for its challenging terrain and limited infrastructure, has suffered from poor road conditions that have isolated communities and hindered access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and markets.

According to DOWH’s preliminary assessment, the upgrade focuses on key trunk roads, including the Kerema-Malalaua stretch and feeder roads connecting to villages along the Purari River basin. The project includes road widening, resurfacing, culvert replacements, and the installation of new drainage systems to withstand seasonal flooding.

Highway road

Acting Secretary John Bole stated, “Our people in Gulf Province have waited a long time for decent roads. This initiative reflects our commitment to regional development and equitable infrastructure investment. Once completed, it will open doors for agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and trade.”