THE success of the Marape-Rosso Government’s Connect PNG Programme needs resolute efforts from all stakeholders, Works and Highway Minister Solan Mirisim says. He said this is an important government flagship infrastructure development programme aimed at achieving 100% road connectivity accessibility of the country by 2040.
“I must tell you that it is no longer ‘business as usual’ given the economic situation under which the Connect PNG Programme is being implemented,” Mirisim said.“This calls for a concerted effort in all aspects of delivering this important programme by stakeholders to ensure its success.”He made the statement during the opening of a high-level seminar on Connect PNG policy coordination and monitoring at APEC House in Port Moresby on Friday.The theme of the workshop was ‘Improving Connectivity Across Rural PNG through Policy Coordination and Monitoring’.
Mirisim said the workshop aims at overall policy context and stressed on the articulation of clear policy guidelines.He said clear policy guidelines provide effective coordination and monitoring in respect of the financing of Connect PNG Programme.“As you all know, it is a 20-year programme that is estimated to cost K20 billion, which is being implemented in three phases,” Mirisim said. “I acknowledge the Chief Secretary for organising this seminar so that the various aspects of programme delivery are discussed and documented.“Whatever set of recommendations you provide will assist my Secretary to implement this programme, which has the potential to change the development trajectory and eventually transform PNG.
“The Prime Minister just launched the fourth Medium Term Development Plan a week ago and it is not a coincidence that you are here as bureaucrats, with the assistance of our development partners, to tease out how best the Connect PNG Programme can establish the foundation to jumpstart the path towards achieving the core development goals of the plan.“As I started my speech by stating that it is no longer business as usual, politicians like myself will depend on your advice to make informed and evidence-based policy decisions to ensure we continue to serve our people under the current economic situation.“This calls for a paradigm shift in identifying development priorities and cost-effectively implementing and managing them.
“We all know that roads play a critical facilitative and enabling role in development, the Connect PNG Programme funding must be guaranteed by a long-term financing plan.”
