The communities of Kutubu and Bosavi have celebrated a milestone development with the official launch of the Poroma–Kutubu Road Sealing Project on Wednesday 7, January 2026 in Kutubu district.
The 106-kilometre road project, valued at K370 million, opens a new phase of infrastructure development and connection.
The event was officiated by Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, Southern Highlands Governor Hon. William Powi, Defence Minister Hon. Dr. Billy Joseph, Works Secretary Mr. Gibson Holemba, and Mineral Resources Development Company Managing Director Augustine Mano. They were joined by landowners, local leaders, and communities in Kutubu.
MRDC Managing Director Augustine Sanga Mano described the road as a development for Kutubu that has long supported the nation.
“On behalf of the landowners of Kutubu, I thank the Defence Minister Dr Billy Joseph for prioritising this project and the Marape-Rosso Government for this development.”
Mr Mano highlighted Kutubu’s historic contribution to Papua New Guinea’s economy, noting that between 1992 and 2014, the Kutubu Oil Project produced up to 150,000 barrels of oil per day and paid 50 percent tax to the State.
“When the Panguna Mine was no longer operating, it was Kutubu oil that helped carry the nation. This was made possible through the sacrifices of the people of Kutubu and Bosavi,” he said.
To complement the road project, MRDC and its subsidiary Petroleum Resources Kutubu (PRK) are delivering long-term social and economic investments in Kutubu.
The recently commissioned K14 million Waro High School, now provides quality education in over 20 communities in Kutubu and Mt Bosavi.
PRK will also upgrade Pimaga Hospital to a Level Four facility, similar to the recent PRK-funded upgrade of Ialibu Hospital, to improve healthcare access for remote communities.
MRDC is collaborating with Santos and PNG Air to commence two flights per week from Moro Airport to enable reliable air transport for the district.
MRDC is also investing in tourism as an alternative economic driver. A new hotel in Moro is scheduled to open in April, while the Heritage Hotel in Kikori is expected to open in March this year.
“These investments will support SMEs, create jobs, and grow tourism in Kutubu,” Mr Mano said.
