By DALCY LULUA
GULF Governor Sir Chris Haiveta officially handed over a fleet of road construction machinery to the Department of Works and Highways on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in the province’s commitment to infrastructure development under the Connect PNG Program.
The machinery, sourced through a partnership with long-time equipment supplier Karridale Ltd, includes a total of 11 machines-six of which were presented during the handover ceremony, three already stationed in the province, and two more expected to arrive.
This investment was made possible through Gulf Provincial Government funding and reflects years of planning and cooperation with the Department of Works.
Sir Chris highlighted that a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed four years ago with the Department to work collaboratively on road development projects. He praised Carrie Dale for their integrity and three-decade-long service in providing machinery to Papua New Guinea.
“This initiative is not just about buying machines. It’s about empowering the province to work in partnership with the National Government to open up roads and deliver services,” said Sir Chris.
“The machines will allow us to support Works and Highways programs already connecting Gulf to Morobe and Kikori, while keeping the vital Hiritano Highway open.”
He formally invited the Minister for Works and Highways, Solan Mirisim, to accept the machinery on behalf of the State.
In response, Minister Mirisim commended the Gulf Governor’s initiative and called on other provincial leaders to follow suit.
“This is the way forward,” Minister Mirisim declared. “If all governors can procure their own machinery, then road construction can be done locally and more efficiently. We save costs, create jobs, and roads are delivered faster.”
He explained that delays and cost overruns often occur when contractors are brought in from other provinces. By having equipment on the ground, provinces can immediately begin work on missing links and priority roads under the Connect PNG agenda.
Minister Mirisim also highlighted Gulf Province’s growing importance as a major transport hub.
“Three or four of the national road corridors will pass through Gulf, linking Kerema to the rest of the country and into Port Moresby. These machines are arriving at the perfect time.”
He confirmed that road works will begin next week using the new equipment, including efforts to complete the 30-kilometre missing link between Menyamya and Kerema.
The aim is to complete that section by PNG’s Independence Day on September 16.
Another key project is .he missing link from Malalaua to Kaintiba.
“I’ve instructed the Works Secretary to immediately meet with the Gulf Governor and his team to deploy the machines on at least two or three roads. This is a priority,” Mr Mirisim said.
He concluded by reaffirming the National Government’s commitment to support Gulf with funding, technical expertise, road design, and safety standards.
“This is the best example of partnership – where the province provides the machines and the National Government provides the support to deliver world-class roads,” he said.
The event signified the Gulf Provincial Government’s proactive approach to infrastructure development and its alignment with the national goal to connect all Papua New Guineans through the Connect PNG program within the next decade.
This is a way forward for Gulf to own and operates its own machineeries to reconnect its washout roads it had before. Also, building new roads into other parts of Gulf for people to have easy access to economic and social services.
I commend Governor Sir Chris for his foresight in this investment for Gulf.
To build another missing link from Malalaua to Kaintiba
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