Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to connecting Papua New Guinea’s most remote communities with vital road infrastructure following his historic visit to the Bundi area of the Usino-Bundi electorate in Madang Province today.

In what he described as one of the most moving moments of his leadership, Prime Minister Marape became the first sitting Prime Minister to visit remote highland communities on the slopes of Mount Wilhelm, bordering Madang and Chimbu provinces.

Thousands of people from surrounding villages walked for days through rugged terrain to gather at Snow Pass to meet the Prime Minister.

“I did not go there just as Prime Minister. I went as your number one worker, your number one servant,” Prime Minister Marape said. “What I witnessed and heard from our people deeply moved me.”

He commended Usino-Bundi MP Hon. Vincent Kumura for organising the visit and enabling engagement with communities that have remained largely isolated since Independence.

Prime Minister Marape also offered strong commendation to the young Member of Parliament for his tireless efforts in advocating for his people.

“I commend Hon. Vincent Kumura for his relentless commitment to fight for the rights and development of his people. His leadership is evident in the way he continues to bring national attention to one of the most remote parts of our country,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the message from the people was clear and overwhelming.

“They cried for one thing only — roads, roads, and more roads,” he said. “It pains me that despite the rich resources in that electorate, our people remain unconnected, unreached, and untouched for nearly 50 years.”

Prime Minister Marape highlighted the economic potential of the electorate, noting key resource areas including the Ramu Nico nickel and cobalt mine, the Yandera copper project, and agricultural activities such as oil palm, sugar, and livestock development in surrounding valleys.

He acknowledged the dedication of teachers, community health workers, churches, non-government organisations, village court officials, and local leaders who continue to serve despite the lack of infrastructure.

An additional K10 million has been allocated to support road development, with machinery already progressing from the Kundiawa-Gembogl side.

The Prime Minister confirmed that key road links will form part of the Government’s Connect PNG programme, including:

•          Kundiawa – Gembogl – Bundi – Usino (Walium) – Madang corridor

•          Kundiawa – Karamui connection

•          Long-term vision of a Kerema–Madang highway linking the southern and northern regions

He said the scale of road construction across the country required significant investment.

“Road building is a very expensive exercise. On average, one kilometre of road can cost between K3 million and K5 million depending on terrain,” Prime Minister Marape said.

“A proper highway through this Bundi–Usino corridor alone could cost anywhere between K200 million and K300 million. This will be part of the Connect PNG programme under Stage One tenders.”

He added that remaining priority sections, including Karamui to Kundiawa and Kundiawa through Gembogl to Usino, will be put to tender as part of ongoing rollout.

“This will be substantial work. But we are starting the process now. We have already allocated K10 million this year and will provide another K10 million next year to begin clearing, groundwork, and preparation for the major road construction,” he said.

“In the next 10 years, I envisage a continuous road from Kerema to Madang. I look forward to driving on that road, just as I drove from Kikori to Madang in 2023.”

Prime Minister Marape stressed that the Government will not abandon rural communities.

“Papua New Guinea is 85 per cent rural. Our people in places like Bundi, Gamai and Karamui are not asking for luxuries — they are asking for roads to connect them to services and opportunities,” he said.

“We will not stop connecting our country through key infrastructure just because a few voices attempt to politicise development.”

He said the voices of more than 5,000 people who walked days to meet him would not be ignored.

“Their call for roads is a call for inclusion, dignity, and equal opportunity.”

Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed that the Connect PNG programme remains central to the Government’s long-term development agenda.