World Bank pledges ongoing support
28 Jan 2026
During his first official visit to the province, World Bank Division Director for Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, Mr Han Fraeters, praised the people of Kulungere for their commitment and hard work in delivering what he described as a “life changing project” for their communities.
Speaking at the official opening ceremony of the Kulungere Road, Mr. Fraeters said he was honoured to represent the World Bank and to witness first-hand the determination of residents in building the critical infrastructure themselves.
“The road is very important to you. It is already changing your lives and the way you work,” he said. “For me, it is an honour to represent the World Bank and to be able to help you achieve this through financing. But I want to congratulate you — because this is not the World Bank building the road. This is you building the road, and this is you doing all the difficult work.”
Mr. Fraeters, who travelled the challenging terrain to reach Kulungere, said the experience made it clear just how demanding the construction had been for local communities, many of whom worked for months to carve the road through rugged landscapes.
“Coming here, I can see how difficult it is to build a road like this. I am really impressed, and I admire all of you for doing this work and making this happen. This is your project. This is your road.”
While congratulating the community, Mr. Fraeters emphasised that the new road marks only the beginning of broader development opportunities for the region. He noted the province’s growing ambitions in the cocoa industry and the need to support emerging agricultural enterprises. During his visit, he observed local initiatives including a poultry abattoir, further underscoring the potential of the region’s economy.
“Much more is needed — more roads, more services, more support for agriculture and the livelihoods of the people here,” he said. “You have big ambitions, and we want to encourage that. Please continue to let your administrators and local leaders know what else is needed for your development.”
Mr Fraeters reiterated the World Bank’s commitment to responding to community driven priorities, stressing that development works best when it is shaped by the voices of the people. “Development works well when people express what they need. When you tell us what will work what will bring jobs for your young people, what will improve education, health, and livelihoods — we will be ready to fund it,” he said. He added that the World Bank relies on continuous feedback to improve its support.
“We will always want to know from you what works and what doesn’t, so we can be better. The World Bank works for you.” Mr. Fraeters encouraged community members to view infrastructure not just as construction projects, but as building blocks for long-term economic and social transformation.
“Think of the road in terms of the jobs it creates what it takes to bring your children to school, what schools require to function, and what your health centers need. Think of development as a whole picture,” he urged.
World Bank Pledges Ongoing Support He assured the people of East New Britain that the World Bank stands ready to continue working with them through all levels of government.
“Your local government will bring your needs to the national level, and the national government will bring those needs to us. Our role is to provide the financing required to improve your lives,” he said. Mr Fraeters closed his remarks by expressing gratitude for the warm reception and shared hope of returning to the province in the future. The opening of the Kulungere Road marks a major milestone for the community, symbolizing both progress achieved and progress yet to come.
Speaking at the official opening ceremony of the Kulungere Road, Mr. Fraeters said he was honoured to represent the World Bank and to witness first-hand the determination of residents in building the critical infrastructure themselves.
“The road is very important to you. It is already changing your lives and the way you work,” he said. “For me, it is an honour to represent the World Bank and to be able to help you achieve this through financing. But I want to congratulate you — because this is not the World Bank building the road. This is you building the road, and this is you doing all the difficult work.”
Mr. Fraeters, who travelled the challenging terrain to reach Kulungere, said the experience made it clear just how demanding the construction had been for local communities, many of whom worked for months to carve the road through rugged landscapes.
“Coming here, I can see how difficult it is to build a road like this. I am really impressed, and I admire all of you for doing this work and making this happen. This is your project. This is your road.”
While congratulating the community, Mr. Fraeters emphasised that the new road marks only the beginning of broader development opportunities for the region. He noted the province’s growing ambitions in the cocoa industry and the need to support emerging agricultural enterprises. During his visit, he observed local initiatives including a poultry abattoir, further underscoring the potential of the region’s economy.
“Much more is needed — more roads, more services, more support for agriculture and the livelihoods of the people here,” he said. “You have big ambitions, and we want to encourage that. Please continue to let your administrators and local leaders know what else is needed for your development.”
Mr Fraeters reiterated the World Bank’s commitment to responding to community driven priorities, stressing that development works best when it is shaped by the voices of the people. “Development works well when people express what they need. When you tell us what will work what will bring jobs for your young people, what will improve education, health, and livelihoods — we will be ready to fund it,” he said. He added that the World Bank relies on continuous feedback to improve its support.
“We will always want to know from you what works and what doesn’t, so we can be better. The World Bank works for you.” Mr. Fraeters encouraged community members to view infrastructure not just as construction projects, but as building blocks for long-term economic and social transformation.
“Think of the road in terms of the jobs it creates what it takes to bring your children to school, what schools require to function, and what your health centers need. Think of development as a whole picture,” he urged.
World Bank Pledges Ongoing Support He assured the people of East New Britain that the World Bank stands ready to continue working with them through all levels of government.
“Your local government will bring your needs to the national level, and the national government will bring those needs to us. Our role is to provide the financing required to improve your lives,” he said. Mr Fraeters closed his remarks by expressing gratitude for the warm reception and shared hope of returning to the province in the future. The opening of the Kulungere Road marks a major milestone for the community, symbolizing both progress achieved and progress yet to come.
