Prime Minister James Marape has recently inaugurated the Tabubil–Telefomin Highway, the first road to ever reach Telefomin District, long regarded as one of the country’s most isolated areas.
The highway, built under the Connect PNG programme and funded through the Ok Tedi Mining Ltd. (OTML) Tax Credit Scheme, was opened to scenes of celebration as thousands gathered to witness what many described as a dream come true.
In his address, Marape said the road represented more than physical infrastructure as Papua New Guinea prepares to mark 50 years of independence.
“This road is not only gravel and bitumen. It is the road to schools, hospitals, markets, electricity, internet, and business. It is about making sure that no child, no village, no district, and no province is left behind as we move into the next fifty years,” he told the cheering crowd.
He said the struggle for independence had been driven by hopes of a better future for ordinary Papua New Guineans, and that Telefomin’s long wait for road access symbolised that dream becoming reality.
Marape explained that the highway formed part of the government’s ambition to connect the entire nation by road by 2040. He urged locals to seize new opportunities in guesthouses, service stations, agriculture, and tourism, while announcing a rural credit policy to begin in 2026 to help families register land and access loans.
“We want our rural people to borrow money, build decent houses, put solar on their roofs, and start businesses. You should not have to leave your villages and become beggars in towns,” he said.
The Prime Minister commended Western Governor Taboi Awi Yoto and West Sepik Governor Tony Wouwou for their leadership, urging other leaders to prioritise projects that “change people’s lives.” He also made a heartfelt appeal to young people to avoid alcohol and drugs, reminding them the new opportunities being created were for their benefit.
“Telefomin has always been close to my heart. Each time I have come here, I have seen your struggles. Today, we open this road to tell you that you are not forgotten. Even the last places in Papua New Guinea matter to this government,” Mr. Marape said.
He added that the road would unlock prospects in agriculture, forestry, and tourism, while strengthening national unity. Concluding his speech, he called the Tabubil–Telefomin Highway a “road of hope.”
“This is not just a road. It is a message to our people that government will reach you, no matter how far you live. It is a promise that Papua New Guinea’s future will include every one of its citizens,” he said, before offering a prayer for the people and the nation.
The highway, built under the Connect PNG programme and funded through the Ok Tedi Mining Ltd. (OTML) Tax Credit Scheme, was opened to scenes of celebration as thousands gathered to witness what many described as a dream come true.
In his address, Marape said the road represented more than physical infrastructure as Papua New Guinea prepares to mark 50 years of independence.
“This road is not only gravel and bitumen. It is the road to schools, hospitals, markets, electricity, internet, and business. It is about making sure that no child, no village, no district, and no province is left behind as we move into the next fifty years,” he told the cheering crowd.
He said the struggle for independence had been driven by hopes of a better future for ordinary Papua New Guineans, and that Telefomin’s long wait for road access symbolised that dream becoming reality.
Marape explained that the highway formed part of the government’s ambition to connect the entire nation by road by 2040. He urged locals to seize new opportunities in guesthouses, service stations, agriculture, and tourism, while announcing a rural credit policy to begin in 2026 to help families register land and access loans.
“We want our rural people to borrow money, build decent houses, put solar on their roofs, and start businesses. You should not have to leave your villages and become beggars in towns,” he said.
The Prime Minister commended Western Governor Taboi Awi Yoto and West Sepik Governor Tony Wouwou for their leadership, urging other leaders to prioritise projects that “change people’s lives.” He also made a heartfelt appeal to young people to avoid alcohol and drugs, reminding them the new opportunities being created were for their benefit.
“Telefomin has always been close to my heart. Each time I have come here, I have seen your struggles. Today, we open this road to tell you that you are not forgotten. Even the last places in Papua New Guinea matter to this government,” Mr. Marape said.
He added that the road would unlock prospects in agriculture, forestry, and tourism, while strengthening national unity. Concluding his speech, he called the Tabubil–Telefomin Highway a “road of hope.”
“This is not just a road. It is a message to our people that government will reach you, no matter how far you live. It is a promise that Papua New Guinea’s future will include every one of its citizens,” he said, before offering a prayer for the people and the nation.
