Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has commended Treasurer Hon. Ian Ling-Stuckey for delivering the largest Capital Investment Program in PNG’s history, with the 2026 Budget allocating K7.697 billion under the Public Investment Program (PIP), a massive 277% increase from 2018 levels.
The Prime Minister said the PIP reflects Government’s commitment to building the physical foundations required for broad-based economic growth and national connectivity under the PNG Connect Program.
“This record PIP confirms our Government’s determination to link PNG by road, air, and sea,” PM Marape said. “It is an investment not just in infrastructure, but in national unity, rural accessibility, and future economic prosperity.”
Historic Investment in the Works Department
The 2026 Budget allocates over K1.7 billion to the Department of Works, largely to advance the flagship PNG Connect Program, which continues to open new economic corridors across the country.
PM Marape noted:
“Every new road, every restored bridge, and every opened economic route is transforming the daily experiences of ordinary Papua New Guineans. The joy and celebration we see when isolated communities receive road access is priceless.”
From K2 Billion to Nearly K8 Billion in 8 Years
The PIP allocation has grown dramatically:
2018 PIP: K2.041 billion
2026 PIP: K7.697 billion (277% increase) Marape stressed that this growth is not accidental:
“We made a deliberate policy decision to become the Infrastructure Government—and today’s PIP figures show we are delivering on that commitment.”
Infrastructure as the Backbone of Economic Transformation
The Prime Minister explained that infrastructure investment fuels:
– Increased rural market access
– Lower cost of doing business
– Higher export volumes
– Stronger domestic agriculture
– More efficient delivery of services
“Infrastructure is the backbone of economic transformation. Without roads, wharves, airstrips, and digital connectivity, development cannot reach our people,” he said.
Supporting Regional Balance & Rural Inclusion
Under Reset@50, the Government aims to reduce rural–urban inequality. The PIP includes ongoing investments in:
– Highlands Highway & Regional Connectors
– Momase Coastal Corridors
– Southern Region Bridges & Road Upgrades
– Islands Region Ports and Maritime Access
“Our priority is to ensure rural Papua New Guineans are not left behind,” PM Marape said.
Audit Strengthens Transparency in Connect PNG
The Prime Minister welcomed the comprehensive Audit underway on Connect PNG, ensuring Funds are protected, leaks are addressed, and contractors deliver quality work.
“This Government welcomes scrutiny. Auditing our major programs strengthens public trust and ensures
every Kina delivers value.”
Infrastructure for the Next 50 Years
PM Marape concluded that the 2026 Budget marks a turning point in national development:
“The roads we build today will be the highways of commerce for the next 50 years. The wharves we upgrade now will serve the next generation of exporters. This is a legacy-building Budget.”