Communities in Kutubu and Bosavi have marked a major infrastructure milestone with the official launch of the Poroma–Kutubu Road Sealing Project on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, signalling a new phase of connectivity and development for the Kutubu district.
The 106-kilometre road project, valued at K370 million, is expected to significantly improve access, transport efficiency and economic activity in one of Papua New Guinea’s historically important resource regions.
The launch was officiated by Prime Minister James Marape, Southern Highlands Governor William Powi, Defence Minister Dr Billy Joseph, Works Secretary Gibson Holemba, and Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) Managing Director Augustine Sanga Mano. They were joined by landowners, local leaders and community members from across Kutubu and Bosavi.
Addressing the gathering, MRDC Managing Director Augustine Mano described the project as long overdue recognition for a region that has played a critical role in supporting the national economy.
“On behalf of the landowners of Kutubu, I thank the Defence Minister Dr Billy Joseph for prioritising this project and the Marape–Rosso Government for this development,” Mr Mano said.
He highlighted Kutubu’s historic contribution to Papua New Guinea, noting that between 1992 and 2014, the Kutubu Oil Project produced up to 150,000 barrels of oil per day and paid 50 percent tax to the State.
“When the Panguna Mine was no longer operating, it was Kutubu oil that helped carry the nation. This was made possible through the sacrifices of the people of Kutubu and Bosavi,” he said.
Beyond the road, MRDC and its subsidiary Petroleum Resources Kutubu (PRK) are rolling out a suite of long-term social and economic investments aimed at sustaining development in the district.
Among these is the recently commissioned K14 million Waro High School, which is now providing improved access to quality education for more than 20 communities in Kutubu and Mt Bosavi.
PRK has also announced plans to upgrade Pimaga Hospital to a Level Four facility, mirroring the recent PRK-funded upgrade of Ialibu Hospital, to enhance healthcare services for remote and rural populations.
To improve connectivity, MRDC is working with Santos and PNG Air to introduce two flights per week from Moro Airport, providing more reliable air transport for the district.
The company is also investing in tourism as an alternative economic driver. A new hotel in Moro is scheduled to open in April, while the Heritage Hotel in Kikori is expected to open in March this year.
“These investments will support SMEs, create jobs, and grow tourism in Kutubu,” Mr Mano said.
The Poroma–Kutubu Road Sealing Project, together with these complementary developments, is expected to strengthen service delivery, stimulate local enterprise and improve the quality of life for communities that have long underpinned the nation’s resource economy.
