Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has delivered a powerful and inspiring address at the Inaugural Construction and Contractors Conference 2026, calling on all Papua New Guineans —especially Contractors, Engineers, and Public Servants—to unite behind the Government’s transformative Connect PNG Program as the foundation for nation-building and long-term prosperity.
Held at APEC Haus in Port Moresby, the landmark Conference brought together key stakeholders from Government, Development Partners, and the Private Sector under the theme: “Building the Nation: Innovation, Collaboration and Sustainable Infrastructure.”
Prime Minister Marape described the gathering as historic, taking place during Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary year, and emphasized that infrastructure development must now define the country’s next 20–50 years.
Connecting a Nation: A Moral and Economic Imperative
Drawing from deeply personal experiences, Prime Minister Marape highlighted the real-life struggles faced by rural Papua New Guineans due to lack of Roads and access to basic services.
“Road is not just Infrastructure—it is life. It is access to hospitals, schools, markets, and opportunity. No child in this country should suffer because there is no Road.” He stressed that despite 50 years of Independence, over 85% of Papua New Guineans still live in rural areas, many of whom remain disconnected from essential services and economic opportunities.
Connect PNG: The Backbone of National Transformation
Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed that the Connect PNG Program (2020–2040) remains the Government’s flagship Policy to address this inequality and unlock Economic Growth nationwide.
• The Program aims to deliver over 16,000 kilometres of Roads across Papua New Guinea
• It is a K20 billion long-term investment in national infrastructure
• Already, thousands of kilometres of Highways, District Roads, and missing links have been upgraded or constructed
• The Initiative is creating over 10,000 Jobs and engaging more than 300 Local Contractors
Prime Minister Marape emphasized that road infrastructure is directly linked to economic development:“Every one Kina invested in Roads returns four to five Kina to the Economy. Road is the engine of Growth—this is not theory, this is proven fact.”
Global Comparisons Highlight Urgency
The Prime Minister challenged the nation to think bigger by comparing Papua New Guinea’s infrastructure with developed nations:
• Papua New Guinea: ~35,000 km of Roads
• New Zealand: over 100,000 km of Roads
• Japan: over 1.2 million km of Roads
Despite having a larger landmass, PNG’s limited connectivity remains a major barrier to development. “Road is the simplest measure of Development. If we want to be a rich and prosperous nation, we must first connect our country.”
A Vision Beyond Politics: Building for the Next Generation
Prime Minister Marape urged Leaders, Contractors, and Public Servants to rise above politics and personal gain, and focus on delivering Real Outcomes for the people. “This is not about me. This is about the next generation—the child in the village who deserves a better life 20 years from today.”
He called for integrity, discipline, and professionalism across the Construction sector:
• Stronger compliance with Procurement and Financial Laws
• Ethical Conduct by Contractors
• Efficient delivery of Government-funded Projects
• Collaboration with Development Partners including ADB, World Bank, and Bilateral Partners
A Call to Action for Contractors and Industry
Addressing Contractors directly, Prime Minister Marape encouraged long-term commitment and growth alongside the nation: “You are not just building Roads—you are building the future of Papua New Guinea. Grow with the country, work with integrity, and deliver for our people.”
He reassured Industry Players of Government commitment: “Government may be delayed, but Government never fails.”
Driving Towards a Developed Nation
The Prime Minister reaffirmed his Vision of Papua New Guinea becoming the “richest black Christian nation on earth”, anchored on Infrastructure, Economic Participation, and National Unity.
He cited global examples such as South Korea, which transformed within one generation through Infrastructure Investment and disciplined Leadership. “If others have done it, we can do it. But it starts with Connecting our country.”
Leaving No One Behind
Prime Minister Marape concluded with a strong message of inclusivity and national purpose:
“Connect PNG is about leaving no one behind—no Village, no Province, no Child. This is our duty as Leaders and Citizens.”
As Papua New Guinea journeys through its 50th year of Independence, the Government remains steadfast in its commitment to building a Connected, Prosperous, and United Nation—one Road at a time.