Chief Secretary to the Government Ivan Pomaleu, OBE has commended the Prime Ministers Delegation who have accompanied the Honorable Prime Minister Chief James Marape on his successful and safe historic maiden road trip from Port Moresby to Kikori who have returned safely in Port Moresby.

The mission, which spanned from September 6 to September 13, 2026, marks a significant milestone in the nation’s history ahead of the 51st Independence Anniversary.

The historic journey started in Port Moresby transverse Gulf, Morobe, Eastern Highlands, Western Highlands, and Southern Highlands provinces and down to Kikori in Gulf Province, highlighting the National Government’s commitment to national connectivity and infrastructure development through the Government’s Connect PNG program.

The Chief Secretary extended his highest gratitude and commendation to the following groups:

• The Ministry and Department of Works and Highways for organizing the Prime Minister’s maiden road trip and for their logistics and support to the Prime Minister and his delegations.
• Close Protection Officers (CPOs): For ensuring the safety and security of the Prime Minister and the entire delegation under challenging conditions.
• Technical and Policy Staff: Officers from the Office of the Chief Secretary, Policy Wings, Media, and Protocol who provided essential administrative and strategic support throughout the eight-day journey.
• State Ministers and Departmental Secretaries: For their leadership and presence during the official opening of critical infrastructure, including the Pangu Highway, Leron Bridge, Lae 4-Lane Road, 19 Bridge Commissioning and launch of Goroka 4 Lane, Wara Simbu and Waghi Bridge opening, and Commissioning of 17 Bridges at Queens Park Mt. Hagen and launching of the Kikori Heritage Hotel in Kikori, Gulf Province.
• Also, the external delegation who was part of the Prime Minister’s convoy from Port Moresby to Kerema along the Pangu Highway into Lae and then up to Goroka in Eastern Highlands, Chimbu, Jiwaka, Western Highlands and into Southern Highlands and further down to Kikori in Gulf Province.

“I want to personally thank every officer who participated in this mission. Their professionalism and resilience were evident as they navigated mountainous terrain and steep road conditions to ensure the Prime Minister’s vision for a connected Papua New Guinea was realized,” said the Chief Secretary.

“This trip was not merely a journey, but a testament to the hard work of our public servants in delivering vital infrastructure to our people.”

The Chief Secretary also acknowledged the complex operational logistics involved, including the overland transit through diverse provinces and the successful maritime transport of PMs escort vehicles via the MV IBK from Kikori back to Port Moresby. Despite the high operational risks noted due to the challenging geography, the mission was completed successfully and safely.

The Chief Secretary concluded by noting that the dedication shown by this team serves as an exemplary model of public service as the nation prepares to celebrate its 51st year of independence.