Prime Minister James Marape led a ground-breaking ceremony at Bereina Station to officially launch the major redevelopment of the Hiritano Highway, a key national infrastructure project that will link Port Moresby to Kerema and unlock the economic potential of Papua New Guinea’s southern corridor. The ceremony, organised by the Department of Works & Highways, brought together national leaders, provincial governors, district members, traditional leaders, and the people of Central and Gulf provinces to witness the commencement of this transformative road infrastructure project. The upgrade is part of the Southern Corridor (Hiritano Highway NR001) Major Works Contract, under the broader Connect PNG programme, which dedicates 5.6% of the national budget annually towards infrastructure connectivity. PM Marape described the Hiritano Highway as “one of the most economically significant roads in the country,” noting that its completion would directly stimulate growth in agriculture, fisheries, tourism, forestry, and industrial development in the region. “We are not just rehabilitating a road; we are opening an economic corridor that will transform the lives of thousands of people from Central, Gulf and neighbouring provinces." “This highway will not only link communities but also generate real income opportunities for our people,” PM Marape said. He reaffirmed that his government would allocate K300–K400 million for the full rehabilitation of the highway and committed to ensuring the project is completed with urgency. PM Marape took the opportunity to commend local leadership, particularly the Member for Kairuku and Vice Minister for Works Peter Isoaimo, for his persistent advocacy for the road. “You are not a facebook leader." "You are on the ground, with your people in schools, in hospitals, and in communities." "That is what this country needs,” PM Marape said. He also recognised Central Governor Rufina Peter for her passionate and constructive leadership, praising her for raising critical issues affecting the safety and prosperity of women and children, and proposing practical policy alternatives. The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of cooperation between provincial leaders, noting the symbolic unity of Governor Peter and Gulf Governor Chris Haiveta sharing the platform together. “It is pleasing to see our leaders from Central and Gulf standing side by side." "This is the type of partnership we need to deliver national development without leaving anyone behind,” he said.