Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has directed stronger police highway patrols and warned that the Government will take tougher action against criminals terrorising motorists and communities along the Highlands Highway, where approximately K5 billion has been invested in major road and electricity infrastructure.

Speaking in Parliament today in response to a question concerning highway security from Goroka MP

Hon. Aiye  Tambua, Prime Minister Marape described the Highlands Highway as Papua New Guinea’s most important economic artery, supporting approximately 60 per cent of the country’s population and economic activity.

“The Highlands Highway is a very important highway. Sixty per cent of the economy and 60 per cent of the population is supported by  the Highlands Highway,” Prime Minister Marape said.

“It is a major economic lifeline. It is the economic artery of our country that feeds close to six  million people.”

The Prime Minister said the Government had invested approximately K3 billion in road infrastructure and a further K1.9 billion in electricity transmission infrastructure along the Lae–Mount Hagen corridor.

He  said these investments represented an unprecedented opportunity for  communities along the highway to participate in economic development rather than engage in criminal activities that threatened the safety of road users and undermined national investment.

“Your country has invested substantially,” Prime Minister Marape said.

“There is no gain in vandalism, rascalism and criminalism along this stretch of highway.”

The Prime Minister highlighted improvements along the highway from Lae through the Markham Valley, Daulo Pass, Kassam Pass, Eastern Highlands and Western Highlands, including major bridge and road upgrades.

He  said successive governments had contributed to these improvements, with approximately K1 billion invested by  the previous government and another K2 billion under his administration.

“Today, you can drive from Yalu  all  the way to Kagamuga,” he said, pointing to the substantial improvements in road conditions and bridge infrastructure.

Prime Minister Marape said the Government was also investing heavily in electricity transmission, including the 132-kilovolt transmission line linking Lae with Mount Hagen.

He  referred to the recent completion ceremony for  the K263 million Ramu Transmission System Reinforcement Project at Taraka Substation in Lae as evidence of the Government’s commitment to improving electricity infrastructure.

He  said the Government would work with provincial administrations and relevant agencies to extend electricity connections to communities and businesses along the highway through appropriate step-down infrastructure.

The Prime Minister urged landowners, young people and communities along the highway to recognise the economic opportunities being created by  these investments.

He  encouraged people to establish agricultural businesses, guesthouses, service stations and other enterprises to benefit from improved transport and electricity infrastructure.

“You  are in prime land. Take charge of these highways and participate,” he said.

The Prime Minister warned that continued criminal activities, including illegal roadblocks, armed robberies and harassment of motorists, would attract stronger police responses.

He  said the Government had already procured more than 400 police vehicles nationally and would ensure that highway patrol units received adequate resources to carry out regular operations.

“Certainly, the highway patrols, whether it is the Highlands Highway or  other major highways we  have in our country, must be patrolled,” he said.

“I will take it upon myself to make sure that highway patrols are stocked up, resourced and supported to make sure our highways are free from roadblocks and all  these criminal activities.”

Prime Minister Marape also revealed that the Government was pursuing legislative amendments, led by the Police Minister, to introduce tougher penalties for  serious highway-related offences, including proposed imprisonment terms exceeding 10 years.

He  warned that communities and local leaders could no longer ignore criminal activities occurring within their areas.

The Prime Minister called on ward councillors, local-level government presidents, community leaders, district MPs,  provincial governments, national agencies and police authorities to work together to restore law and order.

He  said community cooperation was essential because police enforcement alone could not guarantee long-term highway security.

“Enough is enough,” Prime Minister Marape declared.

He  said the Government’s objective was to transform the Highlands Highway into a safe and productive economic corridor, supporting agriculture, commerce, transport, tourism and other industries.

Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed that the Government would continue improving road and electricity infrastructure beyond Mount Hagen towards the Hides gas field and Porgera, while ensuring that existing investments between Lae and Mount Hagen were protected.

He  urged communities to take ownership of national infrastructure and ensure that future generations benefited from the billions of kina being invested in their regions.