The Boluminski Highway has been officially opened, following upgrades to the road which is now completely sealed for the first time from Kavieng to Namatanai.
Over 32 kilometres of the highway between Pinatgin and Loloba Village was restored through the Papua New Guinea Australia Partnership and the PNG Department of Works in 2018.
Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Bruce Davis, speaking at the opening ceremony at Bopire highlighted the importance of key infrastructure in the country’s development.
“Not only does infrastructure play a critical role in driving economic growth, it plays a key role in lifting the quality of life of the local population.
“Roads play a major role in connecting people to services, to their leaders and government and to one another. Enabling communities to better connect is important not only for families and friends to see one another, but also vital for communities to interact for cultural, business and social reasons.”
The 265-kilometre stretch of high-quality road links the island’s capital Kavieng in the north to Namatanai in the south.
The Boluminski Highway is an important economic corridor for New Ireland for hundreds of communities living along the highway.
The ceremony marked the first time the highway has been completely sealed since its original construction in 1900.
The project has provided major benefits to businesses, service delivery and healthcare. It has also improved the quality of life for locals living along the highway and enhanced tourism opportunities within the province.
Governor of New Ireland, Sir Julius Chan, also noted the importance of the highway for the future of New Ireland.
“This Highway is the road we will walk together, the road that will lead us into the future in which all the clans, olgeta lain, all the cultures of New Ireland are working together for the common good. Today is the dedication of a Highway – a path to the future – that has been over a hundred years in the making,” said Sir Julius.
(Prime Minister Peter O’Neill cutting the ribbon to officially open the Boluminski Highway, witnessed by Governor Chan, Australian High Commissioner Bruce Davis and government officials)