Audit team completes first round of Connect PNG inspections

First phase for the Connect PNG Program audit has been completed (Image: Supplied)

The special independent audit into the government’s flagship Connect PNG Program has completed its first phase of site inspections, covering more than 60 percent of projects under review.

Valued at K7.9 billion, the program is the Marape-Rosso government’s largest infrastructure initiative since its launch in 2020. The audit, led by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu and North Project Limited, began in May and has so far carried out inspections in Manus, Morobe, Madang and Vanimo-Aitape. Further site visits are scheduled for the Southern Highlands and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

Acting Chief Secretary to Government Ivan Pomaleu said the audit was the first of its kind for the Connect PNG Program, stressing its importance in ensuring accountability and public trust. He said the exercise was endorsed by the National Executive Council [NEC].

“The audit’s primary objective is to ensure the proper use of public funds, assess project performance, and evaluate the program’s long-term sustainability,” Mr Pomaleu said. “It will also identify any irregularities or inefficiencies that need to be addressed.”

The NEC approved the audit in December last year under Decision No. 24/2024. Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso announced then that the review would scrutinize the genesis, scope, procurement, and financing of key projects under Phase One.

Since the program’s rollout, the government has reported the completion of several major works, including 2,500 kilometres of rehabilitated national highways, 400km of missing links, and 4,450 km of provincial and district roads.