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ABG signs Project Charter with Australia and National Government to upgrade Bougainville Trunk Road
The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has formally signed a project charter with the Government of Australia, through its Transport Sector Support Program (TSSP3), and the National Department of Works and Highways (DOWH) to commence major upgrades on the Bougainville Trunk Road.
The project will see the upgrade and sealing of the trunk road from Irung Bridge to Ramazon Bridge, including drainage, pavement, surfacing, safety, and ancillary works. The signing was witnessed by representatives from the TSSP3 program, the Australian High Commission, the ABG Chief Secretary, and the Secretary for the National Department of Works and Highways.
Dr Cate Rogers, Minister Counsellor for Economics and Infrastructure at the Australian High Commission in PNG, reaffirmed Australia’s continued support to Bougainville’s infrastructure priorities.
“Today marks a practical step in progressing a commitment by the Australian Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Hon Pat Conray, and that was a commitment to upgrade and seal an 8.4km section of Bougainville trunk road. Since that announcement, Australia, the Department of Works and Highways and the ABG have worked closely to refine the arrangements for implementation.”
“This investment moves beyond routine maintenance to upgrading the trunk road in line with national standards, improving durability, safety, and long-term serviceability. It also aligns with the broader work being explored by Australia, national DOWH and the ABG to progressively improve remaining unsealed sections of the corridor overtime,” she said.
ABG Chief Secretary, Kearnneth Nanei, welcomed the strengthened cooperation and emphasized the region’s priorities for improved connectivity through quality infrastructure.
He thanked Australia for its longstanding partnership throughout Bougainville’s peace and development process. Nanei also acknowledged the contributions being made under the PNG Connect Program, adding: “The road will have transformational impact; it is something that will transform connectivity and accessibility for people, farmers, business community.”
Secretary for DOWH, Mr Gibson Holemba, also acknowledged the partnership between his department, the Government of Australia and the ABG, and described the charter as a critical framework guiding infrastructure delivery in Bougainville.
“The Project charter is key in terms of how we want to administer projects in Bougainville in terms of the arrangements that we have now with the existing governance structure both the National Government and the ABG plus partners like TSSP,” he said.
He also acknowledged the ongoing challenge of road maintenance and thanked TSSP for its commitment through routine maintenance programs.
“This project charter is very key in how we want to administer projects in Bougainville in terms of the arrangements that we have now with the existing governance structure both the National Government and the ABG plus partners like TSSP.”
Secretary Holemba also honored the late Minister for Works, Hon. Solan Mirisim, describing him as a leader who “fought hard for Bougainville,” and announced that he had secured funds under the Connect PNG Program for Bougainville’s infrastructure projects.
“In the current budget he secured 0.5% of tax credit funding to specifically go to infrastructure projects for Bougainville so that's in the Appropriation Act in the budget that was passed,” Secretary Holemba said.
“Connect PNG program for 2026 is around another K40million for Bougainville to support the infrastructure investment in Bougainville; we are also working on a few roads - apart from the major one from Arawa to Toimanapu and then Toimanapu to Kangu wharf - Dekenai and Covec are able to complete it and seal it and those projects will be absorbed under the tax credit funding so there is consistent funding to complete the works.”
“Let's give them (Bougainville) the best they need and deserve.”
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