By ESWIN PLESIO
ORO Governor Gary Juffa has called for the Department of Works and Highways (DoWH) to regain the strength it once had, saying reforms introduced more than three decades ago continue to affect Papua New Guinea’s ability to build and maintain roads.
Speaking at the launch of the Kokoda Highway Scoping Study in Port Moresby on Wednesday (29/06/26), Mr Juffa said the 1995 public sector reforms was a major blow to the Department of Works, leaving it without the manpower needed to deliver infrastructure across the country.
He said the reforms saw almost 10,000 works officers leave the department, weakening its ability to build and maintain roads and other essential infrastructure.
“Works was one of the victims of those reforms,” Mr Juffa said.
“When the reforms came into effect, almost 10,000 Works officers walked off. As a result, the country’s efforts to build roads and other vital infrastructure were significantly affected.”
Mr Juffa, who chairs the Special Parliamentary Committee on Public Sector Reforms, said the committee is now reviewing the 1995 reforms because many Papua New Guineans believe they created problems that are still being felt today.
He said one of his priorities is to see the Department of Works rebuilt and properly resourced so it can once again serve communities across the country.
“I would like us to restore that somehow, so that the pride of Papua New Guinea, which is Works, is restored,” he said.
“We need to see Works back in every district, with engineers, road builders and infrastructure experts on the ground helping to build this country.”
Mr Juffa praised the current leadership of the Department of Works, describing it as one of the most professional government agencies in Papua New Guinea. He said the department has consistently responded promptly whenever concerns have been raised by Oro Province, demonstrating its commitment to serving the people.
Mr Juffa said a stronger Department of Works would be crucial in delivering major projects such as the sealing of the Kokoda Highway and expanding road links to isolated communities under the Connect PNG Programme.
He said rebuilding the department’s capacity would help ensure more Papua New Guineans have better access to roads, government services and economic opportunities.