Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has emphasied the National Government’s commitment to restoring Madang to its former status as one of Papua New Guinea’s most beautiful towns, announcing major investments in roads, urban renewal and airport infrastructure following his visit to the province over the weekend.
Speaking after attending the Divine Word University anniversary weekend celebrations in Madang, Prime Minister Marape thanked the people of the province for their patience and assured them that the Government remained committed to delivering transformational infrastructure projects.
“I want to thank the people of Madang for their patience,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“We are committed to making Madang reclaim its lost glory. It should become beautiful Madang once again.”
The Prime Minister said the Government remained committed to delivering the long-awaited four-lane road project that will run into the heart of Madang Town.
After spending the weekend in the province, he said he was encouraged by the progress already being made on road restoration works.
“I have seen good progress on the road restoration in Madang,” he said.
“The four-lane road that cuts right into the heart of Madang Town is coming, and we are also committed to upgrading the other roads throughout the town.”
Prime Minister Marape also announced that the National Government had released K10 million to the National Airports Corporation to restart work on the Madang Airport terminal redevelopment.
“I have already released K10 million to the National Airports Corporation to restart work on the Madang terminal,” he said.
“We are committed to completing the facelift of the terminal, alongside a complete facelift of Madang Town, so that the province can once again become one of Papua New Guinea’s premier destinations.”
The Prime Minister acknowledged the efforts of Madang leaders who had consistently advocated for the province’s development.
“I commend Governor Ramsey Pariwa for his faithfulness and commitment to Madang,” he said.
“He has been instrumental, together with the late Jimmy Uguro, Kansol Kamdaru, Vincent Kumura, Kessy Sawang, Alexander Suguman Orme, Robert Naguri and Bryan Kramer. They have all been persistent in advocating for these important developments.
“We have already started some of this work, and we want Madang to reclaim its proud identity. Beautiful Madang will rise again.”
Prime Minister Marape said improving Madang’s transport infrastructure was critical to supporting tourism, business, investment and economic growth in one of Papua New Guinea’s most strategically located coastal provinces.
He said the combined investment in roads, urban renewal and aviation infrastructure demonstrated the National Government’s determination to ensure Madang once again became a thriving regional centre.
“Our commitment is clear,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“We will invest in the complete facelift of Madang Town, improve its roads, modernise its airport terminal and help restore this province to the place it deserves as one of Papua New Guinea’s premier destinations.”
He said the National Government would continue working closely with the Madang Provincial Government and all stakeholders to deliver these projects for the benefit of the people and future generations.