Department of Works and Highways Launches Key Initiatives to Shape PNG's Infrastructure Future.
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – The Acting Secretary of the Department of Works and Highways (DoWH), Gibson Holemba, has outlined several pivotal initiatives aimed at transforming the country’s infrastructure landscape, focusing on transparency, road management, and future economic growth. During a live interview conducted at the FM100 Studio, 4Mile, Port Moresby on 20th December 2024, with Host Culligan Tanda, Holemba shared his insights into the department’s latest developments, including the launch of the Corporate Plan 2025-2029, the Road Management and Maintenance Plan, the Technical Audit Policy, and the newly revamped DoWH website.
Department’s Evolution and Role
The Department of Works has undergone significant reform over the years, evolving from its original mandate as a road maintenance authority to its current status as the Department of Works and Highways. Holemba emphasized that the 2020 reforms led to the department’s ability to oversee the national road network, including the management of national highways and major infrastructure projects.
He explained, “The name change reflects the expanded mandate that now includes overseeing the entire national road network, which is central to our work as the department responsible for maintaining and improving Papua New Guinea’s infrastructure.”
Corporate Plan 2025-2029: A Vision for the Future
One of the most important developments from the Department of Works is the launch of the Corporate Plan for 2025-2029. Holemba explained that the current corporate plan, which ends in December 2024, did not fully incorporate the Connect PNG program – the government’s flagship infrastructure initiative aimed at connecting every part of the country.
“The Connect PNG program is critical to our future, and as we prepare for the next phase of infrastructure development, it’s essential that we incorporate the government’s priorities into the new corporate plan,” Holemba said. The plan focuses on the first phase of the Connect PNG program, spanning from 2021 to 2027, with phase two extending from 2028 to 2034. The department’s priority is to complete essential economic corridors, which will connect major regions of Papua New Guinea.
The government has set a target to connect vital regions like Morobe, Central, and Milne Bay by 2025, with further goals in the years to come. “This corporate plan sets the course f
