Special audit of Connect PNG infrastructure program to begin in March

Thursday, 27 February 2025, 9:24 am

Acting Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu is seen signing the agreement for audit work into the Connect PNG Programme Project to commence in March while watching attentively is Mr Barry Egu, Principal Internal Auditor of the Internal Audit Branch of the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council.

Acting Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, and Brisbane-based engineering firm Norths Projects Ltd have signed an agreement to begin a Special Audit on the government’s largest project, the Connect PNG Programme.

The agreement, signed on Tuesday, officially begins the audit, which will begin next month.

Pomaleu expressed his satisfaction with Deloitte and Norths independently conducting this audit, which will be managed by his office through the Internal Audit Branch.

The audit will begin in March, with inspections of Phase One projects across eight provinces.

The Connect PNG Programme, launched in 2020, aims to improve the country’s road connectivity to boost economic growth, social development, and national unity.

This audit is the first since work began in 2022. It will ensure proper use of public funds, evaluate project performance, identify irregularities, and assess the long-term impact.

Pomaleu has urged provincial governments to cooperate with the audit team to ensure smooth progress.

"I call for collaboration from all the respective agencies, provincial governments, project managers, and contractors concerned with the progress of this project for a successful outcome of this special audit work. The outcome of this work will not only benefit the government of the day but the people of Papua New Guinea as well," Mr Pomaleu said.