Prime Minister James Marape says major road infrastructure developments in West New Britain Province are demonstrating how transport connectivity can stimulate agriculture and broaden economic participation across Papua New Guinea.
Speaking after travelling along the improving road corridor linking Kimbe in West New Britain Province and Kokopo in East New Britain Province, Marape said the expansion of oil palm developments alongside the road network showed how infrastructure investment could unlock economic opportunities for local communities.
“It is good to see that the new Road, or the improved Road we are doing from Kimbe to Kokopo, is taking shape,” Marape said.
“But more importantly for me, this Road is opening up Agriculture potential. It is encouraging to see Oil Palm growing along the sides of the Road. This shows clearly that when Government invests in Roads, Agriculture must expand alongside it.”
The prime minister said the road corridor is improving connectivity between West New Britain and East New Britain while also creating opportunities for rural landowners, farmers, and local businesses to participate more actively in economic activity.
Marape also acknowledged the efforts of the West New Britain Provincial Government, local districts, landowners, and oil palm stakeholders, including Hargy Oil Palms Limited, for supporting development initiatives linked to the national government’s infrastructure investments.
“I want all Provincial Governments to observe what East and West New Britain are trying to do. They are aligning Road development with Land access and getting their people involved in Agriculture development,” Marape said.
According to the prime minister, the visible expansion of oil palm developments along the road corridor demonstrates how infrastructure projects can encourage productive use of customary land while generating income and employment opportunities for local communities.
“This is a clear depiction that some Provinces are embracing the National Government’s development direction — where Roads go, Agriculture must follow,” he said.
“Five years ago when I travelled this area, there was no sealed highway or extended Oil Palm areas as it is now. So I am happy this economic development is taking place.”
Marape stressed that roads should not function solely as transport corridors, but also as catalysts for broader economic activity in agriculture, tourism, fisheries, forestry, and other productive sectors.
“May this Road not be wasted. May this Road become an Agriculture road, a Tourism road, a Fisheries road, and a Forestry road,” he said.
The prime minister said the Marape-Rosso Government remains committed to the Connect PNG program, which aims to strengthen national connectivity through modern infrastructure while ensuring that economic activity expands alongside infrastructure investments.
“The Road investments we are making must translate into real opportunities for our people. Roads must connect our citizens not only to each other, but also to markets, jobs, services, and economic participation,” Marape said.
