Chief Secretary to Government, Ivan Pomaleu, OBE, spoke on the second day of the National Government’s – Connect PNG Program, Inaugural Construction and Contractors Conference on Thursday 9th April 2026 at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby.
This conference was organized by Department of Works and Highways in partnership with the PNG Road Fund and Institute of Engineers PNG.
Speaking to a distinguished assembly of Government Officials, Contractors, and Development Partners, the Chief Secretary declared the event a “historic moment” and a clear declaration of intent for the nation’s infrastructure future.
In his keynote address, Chief Secretary Pomaleu emphasized that the conference serves as a critical platform to chart the future of Papua New Guinea’s infrastructure, extending beyond physical roads and bridges to the systems that drive the national economy.
The Chief Secretary stressed that conventional engineering is no longer sufficient to meet the challenges of climate change and rugged terrain.
He announced a mandatory shift toward:
• Prioritizing infrastructure engineered to withstand extreme weather and landslides.
• Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) standard practices for transparency and precision.
• Adopting cost-effective techniques such as soil stabilization and cold-mix asphalt to minimize environmental impact in remote districts.
• Moving toward contracts that reward quality, creativity, and long-term value rather than simply selecting the lowest bidder.
Upon recognizing the scale of the national infrastructure deficit, Mr. Pomaleu outlined a
“Three-Pillar Model” for collaboration:
1. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Fostering investor-friendly conditions to treat road construction as a long-term economic investment.
2. Inter-Departmental Synergy: Adopting a “Smart Village” approach where road corridors are developed alongside electricity and fiber-optic grids.
3. Empowering Local Contractors: Reinforcing the “PNG First” initiative to build the capacity of local firms and ensure they lead national development.
The Chief Secretary linked current efforts to the upcoming National Infrastructure Policy 2027–2047 and the Connect PNG Program.
He noted that every Kina invested must deliver measurable returns, unlocking the full potential of the mining, agriculture, and tourism sectors.
“The Connect PNG Program is more than a policy framework; it is a generational promise,” Chief Secretary Pomaleu stated.
“It is a pledge that no community will remain isolated, and that by 2047, Papua New Guinea will stand as a model of sustainable development, resilience, and unity,” he said.
Further, the Chief Secretary reaffirmed that the Government would act as a committed partner, offering policy stability, transparent processes, and timely payments.
Hence, he also demanded excellence, integrity, and accountability from relevant stakeholders. Mr. Pomaleu concluded by calling for the conference to become an annual tradition, serving as a catalyst for a nation built on the “hearts of patriots and the minds of innovators.