The Prime Minister has expressed appreciation to the Department of Works and Highways for their outstanding efforts in nearing the completion of the Trans-National Highway Corridor Missing Link between Aseki in Morobe and Epo in Gulf. Prime Minister James Marape commended the dedicated teams of the Department of Works and Highways for their relentless work under challenging conditions, including continuous rain and rugged terrain, to establish this crucial road. He said that this accomplishment demonstrates the success of the Marape Government's flagship 'Connect PNG' programme. During his visit to remote Menyamya in Morobe Province earlier this year, Marape followed the route of the Trans-National Highway by helicopter. This experience further reinforced his admiration for the project and the teams involved. "I extend my commendation to Minister Solan Mirisim, Secretary David Wereh and the entire team of civil engineers at the Department of Works and Highways." "My government is fully committed to addressing key missing links like this, in order to facilitate the development and integration of all regions within our country." Prime Minister Marape hopes that people will be able to travel from Port Moresby to Lae and vice versa through the corridor when the country celebrates its 50 years of independence on September 16, 2025. The 'Missing Link' of the Trans-National Highway, spanning 159.8km, lies between Oiwa in Aseki, Morobe, and Epo in Gulf. With the Department of Works and Highways establishing two teams, Team Morobe and Team Gulf, significant progress has been achieved. Marape highlighted that during the 21 months, 64km has been completed. To finalise the Trans-National Highway Corridor Missing Link, a remaining distance of 95.8km is yet to be completed. Team Morobe is responsible for 49.2km, while Team Gulf will handle 46.6km. The Prime Minister expects this remaining work to be finished by December 2024.