In a response to a series of questions regarding the “Connect PNG Infrastructure Development Program” raised by various Members of Parliament including member for lalibu Pangi, Peter O’Neil, the Minister for Works and Highways Solan Mirisim gave a progressive update on the floor of parliament today. Minister Mirisim said, since their government took office in 2019, they developed the 20-Year Connect PNG Program to immediately deal with the threats of the growing deferred maintenance that would require K45 billion in replacement costs. “At the same time, we want to meet the countries future demands by embarking on a long-term vision to connect the entire country with 100% road connectivity by 2040.” He said, to date, approximately 3, 500km, which accounts for 21% of the total 16, 200km of strategic highways, have been upgraded to a good condition. This achievements represents over 38% of the phase 1 target of 4, 200 km. The government has spent a total of K2.2billion over the last 4 years on the main highways, almost 50% of the total expenditure at K1 billion on the 60% share of projects funded by loans and donor grants, including the ABD funded 10 years highlands highway improvement program. He said the uninterrupted implementation of the 20-year program is supported by sufficient funding guarantee, and the program targets and the funding annual allocation of 5.6% of the annual budget, are legislated by an act of parliament. “We are not running the Connect PNG on an ad hoc basis as many assume, but we are doing so in full compliance program limits provided by the act of parliament.” He further stated that, they are 100% focused on increasing road access and connectivity by upgrading, expanding, developing and maintaining the existing 16, 000km of road as well as constructing the major missing link roads of 1, 800km. “Only in this way will we, as a nation, connect the unconnected, reach the unreachable and unlock economic potential in the landlocked regions identified in the vision 2050.”