Pangu Highway

The new road linking Port Moresby to Lae will be named as PANGU highway.

Prime Minister James Marape revealed the name exclusively to this newsroom and said the name reflects the importance of unity among Papua New Guineans.

As the country prepares to commemorate 51 years of independence, Marape says what better way to name a highway linking three provinces, the National Capital District, Gulf and Morobe, than PANGU Highway.

Prime Minister James Marape said the name PANGU goes beyond politics.

“Where Papua and New Guinea divide is, we put a plug, the plug will be called Pangu highway. 

“Symbolizing it, as we step into 51st, in the midst of many issues, fragility in our own self, that Papua New Guinea must stand united.” PM Marape said.

Marape says Papua and New Guinea Union Party commonly known as PANGU was established on 13th June 1967.

It played a critical role in shaping the country’s path to independence and its ongoing governance.

“The name Pangu is a deliberate name, Papua and New Guinea Union, we must have a union, great leaders before us did not think rationalistic, but they came together.” PM Marape said.

The Prime Minister clarifies that the highway is not called PANGU because he is the current leader of the ruling party, rather it reflects unity despite differences.

“The road will be appropriately named Pangu Highway, not because Pangu government doing it. Yes, we're doing it, but it's just a symbolic of our two sides united.