Prime Minister James Marape officially commissioned two major infrastructure projects in Bialla, Nakanai District, West New Britain Province on May 8th, 2026.
This commissioning marks an important milestone in the government’s long-term vision to connect Papua New Guinea, strengthen service delivery, and unlock economic growth in rural regions.
The projects include the new Nakanai District Headquarters Office Complex and the fully-sealed 10-kilometre Bamus–Noahu section of the New Britain Highway under the government’s flagship Connect PNG programme.
Prime Minister Marape described these projects as representing far more than mere physical infrastructure.
“These are investments in people, service delivery, connectivity, and the future of Papua New Guinea,” he said.
“We are taking development into rural PNG where most of our people live.”
“This office must not be an empty office,” he said. “This office must be a working office.”
The Prime Minister first officially opened the K5 million Nakanai District Headquarters Office Complex, which will serve as the central administrative hub for the district.
The complex is designed to house key government offices responsible for service delivery across the Hoskins, Bialla, and Mosa Local Level Government (LLG) areas, serving an estimated population of between 150, 000 and 160, 000 people.
Prime Minister Marape stated that district offices must become active centres of development and service delivery.
“Prime Ministers and politicians come and go, but public servants remain. You are already paid by the people. Now work for the people.”
He also challenged district administrators, education officers, health officers, youth officers, community development officers, and village court officials to remain visible and active in serving citizens.
In addition, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to decentralizing services and strengthening district-level administration so people in rural areas could access services closer to home.
The Prime Minister then officially opened the newly-sealed 10-kilometre Bamus–Noahu section of the New Britain Highway.
This K138 million project, constructed by China Railway Construction Engineering Group Co. Limited, represents the first completed phase of a 42-kilometre section currently under development.
He described the Connect PNG Programme as one of the most important nation-building initiatives undertaken since Independence.
“Connectivity must happen among our people,” he said. “Roads connect economies, people, and services.”
The road has improved transportation, communication, market access, and access to essential services for rural communities.
The road also supports the movement of agricultural produce including palm oil, copra, and balsa, which are among the region’s major economic drivers.
The Prime Minister praised the leaders and people of West New Britain for building one of the nation's strongest agricultural economies.
“I want to thank Governor Sasindran Muthuvel, past leaders, landowners, farmers, and workers for helping build a province that is showing PNG the way towards economic self-reliance.”
Prime Minister Marape highlighted that the future Badi River bridge as a critical component needed to fully connect West and East New Britain, especially during periods of flooding.
He also encouraged investors to continue expanding their operations while ensuring local communities participated fully in economic growth.
“This island has beautiful mountains, rivers, beaches, forests, environment, and cultural diversity, and together, we can build a strong economy if we work together.”
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister also described tourism as one of the country’s greatest untapped opportunities and stated that New Britain had enormous tourism potential because of its natural beauty and cultural diversity.
“We are trying our best to build a better Papua New Guinea,” he said. “And together we will build a better future for our children and future generations.”
