DIRECTIVE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF WORKS AND HIGHWAYS AND RELEVANT STATUTORY BODIES TO ENSURE YOUR PARTICIPATION AND THE PARTICIPATION OF CONTRACTORS IN A JOINT INSPECTION OF THE MAGI HIGHWAY FROM BAUTAMA ROUNDABOUT, CENTRAL PROVINCE, TO EAST CAPE, MILNE BAY PROVINCE, FROM 21-22 NOVEMBER 2025
This press release serves as a directive to the Department of Works and Highways and relevant Statutory Bodies to ensure your participation and that of contractors, sub-contractors or firms engaged by the Independent State of Papua New Guinea under the Connect PNG Program to participate in the Joint Inspection to assist with information and allow entry to all Ombudsman Commission officers whilst performing the Commission’s functions under Section 219 of the Constitution.
The Ombudsman Commission requires the participation and co-operation of the following Departments, Statutory Bodies and contractors:
- Department of Works & Highways;
- National Procurement Commission;
- Kana Construction Ltd;
- Eda Civil Works;
- Global Construction Ltd;
- Bena Construction Ltd;
- Covec PNG Ltd;
- Clean Green Energy Ltd; and
- Other stakeholders involved in road & bridge projects along the Magi Highway.
It is imperative for all Government Departments and Statutory Bodies under the Commission’s jurisdiction to understand that failure to co-operate may result in legal ramifications for those involved.
Section 23 of the Organic Law on the Duties and Responsibilities of Leadership provides as follows:
“A person to whom this Law applies who obstructs, or fails to co-operate to the best of his ability with, the Ombudsman Commission, or other authority or a tribunal in any investigation or proceedings under or for the purposes of this Law (whether in relation himself or some other person) is guilty of misconduct in office.”
The Commission urges the Secretary of the Department of Works and Highways, Deemed Departmental Heads of Statutory Bodies and the relevant construction firms to issue clear instructions to your respective employees regarding this matter.
Contractors stationed along the Magi Highway must be made aware that they are required by law to facilitate access for Ombudsman Commission officers conducting official duties in the joint inspection without unnecessary delay or hindrance.
The effectiveness of the Ombudsman Commission depends heavily on co-operation from all sectors within the government and statutory bodies. The Commission appreciates your immediate attention to this directive, as ensuring compliance will uphold the integrity of its investigative processes and contribute positively towards governance in Papua New Guinea.
APPOVED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION