PM begins maiden road trip

Prime Minister James Marape has departed Port Moresby at 2:30am this morning.

The departure marks the start of the Connect PNG maiden drive-through from Port Moresby to Lae and Mt. Hagen.

The convoy is under full Police and Protocol escort as it begins the 4-day inspection of the Trans-National Highway.

Works department secretary Gibson Holemba says the trip will assess road works and engage with communities along the corridor.

Senior ministers and project teams are traveling with the Prime Minister for the journey.

The first scheduled stop was at Laloki Billboard where the Prime Minister took the opportunity to capture the moment on camera to symbolize the launch on the Hiritano Highway.

More than 50 vehicles with supporters gathered to witness the historic start of the Connect PNG drive.

The Prime Minister said the program is about connecting all provinces by road and boosting economic access.

The convoy is now traveling the Hiritano Highway towards Gulf Province.