THE Government’s flagship Connect Papua New Guinea programme has more than K7 billion worth of active contracts across the country’s roads, according to Works and Highways Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr.
Tsiamalili said that as of last year, K3.1 billion had been paid to contractors, while K238.24 million remained outstanding in contractual commitments for the 4,700 km of highways improved under the first phase of the K20 billion programme.
He made these remarks when tabling his department’s 2025 annual performance report, including its management of the 20-year Connect PNG programme, in Parliament yesterday.
“The report confirms that the (department) has made significant progress in implementing phase one of the Connect PNG programme, covering the period 2021 to 2027,” he said.
“Every contractor payment claim is subject to a comprehensive verification process, including site verification and certification by supervising engineers, assessment of quantities and quality against contract specifications, internal financial compliance checks, certification by authorised departmental heads, verification by Department of Finance, and final process through the Bank of PNG priority payment.
“This multi-led framework ensures that payments are made only for works that have been properly completed and certified in accordance with contractual requirements.”
He said that for 2025, his department received a total budget of about K1.63 billion, which comprised the following:
- RECURRENT expenditure, including personal emoluments and operational support (K126 million); and,
- CAPITAL investment, which supports rehabilitation and upgrading bridge constructions, missing link development, network maintenance, and project preparation activities (K1.56 billion).
Tsiamalili said: “The capital allocation represents approximately 5.5 per cent of the total national budget and 14 per cent of the national development budget, reflecting the importance of transport infrastructure within the Government’s development agenda.
“A further K100 million has been allocated in the 2026 budget to continue reducing legacy liabilities.”
He added that his department’s management of the programme, which was governed by the Connect PNG (Implementation and Funding Arrangements) Act 2021, would adhere to strict mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability.
“The investment being made today will continue to generate economic and social benefits in the decades to come, provided they are properly managed and sustained.
“The department remains committed to transparency, accountability, and excellence in service delivery,” Tsiamalili said.
