The Ramu–Madang Highway, connecting Madang province to Lae in Morobe province and the Highlands region, is one of PNG’s main economic corridors.
Businesses depend on it to move goods and cargo, but the road has seen little attention. However, this is being attended to.
Four contractors are carrying out maintenance to keep the road open. Each section has a small contract under K10 million, covering stretches from Watarais to Madang town.
Mr. Gibson Ali Holemba, Secretary of the Department of Works and Highways, said major reconstruction will start after design studies on unstable sections.
“We must fix the ground before sealing the road. Otherwise, the investment will be lost,” he said.
Bridge replacements, including Kesewai, are planned with support from ADB and the World Bank because government funding alone is not enough, and full upgrades depend on international partners.