Rex Kambao, Managing Director of South Pacific Engineering Limited, has described the Pangu led coalition government’s Connect PNG Road Program as a transformative vision for the country’s future.
He stated that the program is not only about building roads but about opening up economic opportunities, improving service delivery, and creating real connections between rural and urban communities.
According to Mr. Kambao, many isolated districts will now have better access to healthcare, education, markets, and government services, which will greatly improve the standard of living for ordinary Papua New Guineans.
Mr. Kambao also emphasized that the Connect PNG Program will boost local businesses, create employment opportunities for young people, and encourage investment across provinces.
He added that better road networks will reduce transportation costs, increase trade, and support agriculture by allowing farmers to bring their produce to markets more easily.
He sincerely thanked Prime Minister James Marape and the Pangu Party-led coalition government for their strong leadership and commitment to national development.
He acknowledged that through this program, the government is bringing all provinces and districts together as one family, promoting unity, inclusiveness, and equal development across the country.
Mr. Kambao further highlighted that the program strengthens national identity by physically linking regions that were once separated by difficult terrain, fostering a sense of belonging and shared progress among citizens. He noted that improved connectivity will also enhance disaster response, improve law and order, and increase government presence in remote areas.
He added that electricity services and full road sealing will follow as long as the road is well protected and communities avoid social conflict.
Addressing ongoing criticism, Mr. Kambao said that some political “spin doctors” have wrongly labeled the Connect PNG Program as a scam. He stressed that such claims are misleading and driven by political motives aimed at creating confusion and division among the people. According to him, these narratives are part of political tactics used to undermine the progress of the Pangu Party-led government under James Marape and John Rosso.
He emphasized that the reality on the ground speaks for itself, with roads already being opened and communities beginning to benefit.
Mr. Kambao urged Papua New Guineans not to be misled by false information but instead to focus on the long-term benefits of national unity and development that the program delivers.
South Pacific Construction Limited is currently upgrading and will eventually seal the Wapenamanda-Lower Lai Road Section of the proposed Wapenamanda-Western Highlands-Madang Road Project.
He reiterated the value this vital road link will benefit more than 60,000 people from Lower Lai in Wapenamanda, Winikos in Kompiam and Baiyer in Western Highlands greatly improving mobility, economic activities, agriculture, coffee production and daily life for surroundings communities.
Mr. Kambao concluded by saying that the Connect PNG Program is a long-term investment that will benefit future generations, and he encouraged all Papua New Guineans to support and protect this important national initiative for the continued growth and unity of Papua New Guinea.
*Attached is a photo of the Managing Director of South Pacific Construction Limited, Rex Kambao, speaking at Winikos village in the Kompiam Ambum District when this vital road link finally connected Wapenamanda into Kompiam by road.