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25/08/2026

18/08/2026

to Opportunity: Kaeok Drives Lowarlai-Kompiam Link Under Connect PNG

PNG Online News | 18 August, 2027

THE long-awaited Lowarlai–Kompiam Road is gaining renewed attention under the Government’s Connect PNG Programme, with Minister for Transport and Coffee Hon. Miki Kaeok, prioritising the corridor as an important link for rural connectivity and economic development.

The road upgrading and construction works are being carried out by South Pacific Construction and Engineering Limited (SPC) under the supervision of the Department of Works and Highways.

The project is expected to deliver significant benefits to communities across Lowarlai, Baiyer and Kompiam, improving the movement of people, goods and services while providing better access to markets and creating opportunities for local economic activity.

For communities that have long faced difficult road conditions and limited transport access, the upgrading of the corridor is expected to make a practical difference to everyday life.

Farmers and rural producers will have improved opportunities to transport their produce to markets, while families will benefit from better access to schools, health facilities, government services and other essential facilities.

The road also has a wider strategic significance beyond the immediate communities it serves.

Through improved connectivity around Baiyer–Lumusa, the corridor can strengthen links toward the Sepik and Madang, helping connect communities and local economies with broader regional markets and development opportunities.

Minister Kaeok’s focus on the road comes as the Government continues to position road infrastructure as a key driver of economic growth and national integration under Connect PNG.

Reliable transport infrastructure is particularly important for rural Papua New Guinea, where poor road access can increase the cost of doing business, restrict market participation and limit access to essential services.

The Lowarlai–Kompiam corridor therefore represents more than a road project. It is an investment in connectivity, mobility and the economic potential of rural communities.

For local people, a better road means easier movement, safer transportation and stronger connections to markets and services.

For farmers and businesses, it can mean reduced transport difficulties and greater opportunities to participate in the formal economy.

And for the Government, it forms part of the wider effort to build an interconnected Papua New Guinea where infrastructure reaches communities beyond the major urban centres.

As construction and upgrading works progress, expectations are growing that the Lowarlai–Kompiam Road will become an important development corridor linking communities, markets and regional economies.

When the road project is delivered, it will create better connections—and better connections create opportunities.

Connecting communities. Opening markets. Driving rural development. Building the road to a stronger Papua New Guinea.

18/08/2026

A call for personal change, peace, unity and education took centre stage at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) last Friday as the UPNG Kandep Students Association launched its Peace and Motivational Christmas Awareness Program.

The program, held at the UPNG New Lecture Theatre (NLT), was hosted by the UPNG Kandep Students Association under the leadership of president Lakari Limestone and the 2026 executive team.

The dual program featured the Patron Orientation Night and the official launching of the Peace and Motivational Christmas Awareness Program, aimed at motivating, inspiring and empowering people in Kandep District, particularly those who have had limited access to formal education.

The association president Limestone told PNG SUN that university students had a responsibility to take the knowledge, skills and experiences gained through higher education back to their communities and use them to educate and empower others.

The message of personal transformation was emphasised during the program, with participants reminded that meaningful change in families, communities, districts, provinces and the nation must begin with individuals.

“True change begins with you and me,” he said, drawing on Romans 12:2 and its message about the transformation of the mind.

Mr Limestone said its mission was to promote peace, unity, education, positive mindset transformation and community development among the people of Kandep.

He continued students could serve as a bridge between education and their communities by using their education not only for personal advancement but also to serve and uplift their people.

A key highlight of the Patron Orientation Night was the appointment of Enga Provincial Deputy Administrator and Chairman of the Enga Provincial Health Authority, Kenneth Andrew, as Patron of the UPNG Kandep Students Association.

An academic Mr Kolly Alange was also officially appointed Assistant Patron.

Mr Limestone welcomed the appointments, saying it was privileged to work with leaders who supported youth empowerment and community development.

He said the partnership would focus on unity, peace, education and the future of the people without political interference.

Another significant highlight was the official endorsement and signing of the Peace and Motivational Christmas Awareness Program by UPNG President Epharaim Kliwolo and newly appointed Patron Kenneth Andrew.

He further said their endorsement marked an important milestone and demonstrated support for its commitment to promoting peace, unity, education and positive mindset transformation among the people of Kandep.

He thanked everyone who attended, supported and contributed to the success of the program.

The president also encouraged its members and the wider community to choose peace over conflict, unity over division, education over ignorance and positive transformation over old ways of thinking.

“Be friendly to everyone and an enemy to none,” he said.

It said the change people wanted to see in their families, communities, district, province and nation must first begin with themselves.

“Romans 12:2-Transform your mind, transform your life, and transform your community.”

17/08/2026