In a significant update to Papua New Guinea's infrastructure landscape, the Minister for Works & Highways, Solan Mirisim, revealed that more than halfway of Phase 1 of the Connect PNG Infrastructure Development Program has been completed. This milestone marks a crucial step forward in connecting remote communities to the broader world through the construction of vital 'missing link' roads. The program, aimed at enhancing connectivity across Papua New Guinea, has seen substantial progress with over 350 kilometers of new roads constructed out of the targeted 633 kilometers in Phase 1. Among these developments are seven roads breaking into previously unconnected areas, covering a total of 1,800 kilometers of missing link roads. The seven 'missing link' roads completed include: - Erave-Semberigi section on Gulf-Southern Highlands Highway - Vanimo-Aitape Section (100km) of Sepik Coastal Highway - Trans-Island Highway and Magi Highway - Finschhafen-Lae Road - Wabag-Maramuni Road - Tabubil-Telefomin Road - Gumine-Karamui Road Minister Mirisim, in his report to Parliament this week, emphasized the transformative impact of these infrastructure developments. He highlighted the newfound accessibility, enabling uninterrupted travel from Kikori to Mendi, Hagen into Morobe, and to Madang, as well as from Kuinga to Tabubil to Telefomin through the Hindenburg Wall. Addressing skeptics who questioned the value of investments in the construction of missing link roads, Minister Mirisim emphasized the immeasurable significance of providing lifetime road access to remote communities for generations to come. He shared anecdotes of joy from communities in Telefomin District, Kaintiba, and Maramuni, underscoring the profound impact of these infrastructure projects on the lives of Papua New Guineans. Furthermore, Minister Mirisim condemned critics, including certain Members of the Opposition, who labeled the program as a scam. He reaffirmed that Connect PNG is delivering tangible results by reaching the unreached and connecting remote Papua New Guineans to the outside world. The progress made in Phase 1 of the Connect PNG Infrastructure Development Program signifies a monumental step forward in Papua New Guinea's journey towards enhanced connectivity, economic growth, and prosperity for all its citizens. As construction continues, the government remains committed to bridging the gap and ensuring that no community is left behind in the march towards progress and development.