Tehobuin–Sipotavai road commissioning
29 Apr 2026
A significant milestone has been achieved in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) with the official opening of the 6.8 kilometre Tehobuin–Sipotavai Road Rehabilitation Project in the Taonita Tinputz Constituency of North Bougainville (29 April 2026).
The project has positively impacted more than 2,000 people in the surrounding Tehobuin and Sipotavai communities, which currently produce an estimated 180 metric tonnes of cocoa per annum. The improved road will greatly enhance access to markets and essential services for cocoa growing communities.
The Tehobuin–Sipotavai Road is one of three roads funded under Component 2 of the Papua New Guinea Agriculture Commercialization and Diversification (PACD) Project, aimed at easing critical market access constraints for cocoa farmers in Bougainville. The other two PACD funded roads have been completed in East New Britain Province.
The road rehabilitation was undertaken by Raibro Construction Ltd at a cost of K8.039 million over a 15-month period. The scope of works included the construction of 4.8 kilometres of road base pavement, 2 kilometres of concrete pavement on steep sections, two concrete causeway ford crossings over existing rivers, and improvements to longitudinal and cross drainage systems to ensure all weather access for farmers.
The road was officially opened by Hon. Francesca Semoso, North Bougainville MP and ABG Member for Taonita Tinputz Constituency, together with National Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) Deputy Secretary Mr Francis Daink, who jointly cut the ribbon.
The ceremony held at Tehobuin was attended by clan representatives, cultural groups, community leaders, Taonita Tinputz Constituency representatives, ABG Department of Primary Industry (DPI) officials, Raibro Construction representatives, National DAL officers, PACD Project Coordinating Unit in Port Moresby, and the PACD Cocoa Project Manager and team.
The PACD Project Management Unit (PMU) also welcomed members of the Industry Coordination Committee (ICC) to AROB, who held their meeting earlier in the week on Tuesday, 28 April, and were invited to witness the road opening. The ICC plays a key role in fostering collaboration, decision making, and innovation across PACD project implementation.
Addressing the ceremony, Hon. Semoso congratulated the people of Taonita Tinputz on the long awaited development. “For over 50 years there was no proper road in Sipotavai. For the first time, we are seeing real development in North Bougainville. This road will bring other developments such as electricity, hospitals, schools, and business opportunities,” she said.
Hon. Semoso thanked the National Government, Cocoa Board of PNG and the PACD PMU for selecting the road for development and encouraged communities to continue growing cocoa, with greater emphasis on the involvement of women and mothers.
DAL Deputy Secretary Francis Daink shared similar sentiments, encouraging farmers to increase cocoa production and urging young people to turn away from social issues and engage in cocoa farming to meet the production targets set by the ABG.
“The road is now here. Look after it and carry out regular maintenance so it will serve you well for many years and future generations,” Mr Daink said.
The road is already making a significant impact. Community members shared that for many years mothers struggled to reach town or local health centres. Today, access has improved, allowing people to reach services more quickly and safely.
Villagers can now access hospitals, pharmacies, markets, and schools with ease. Previously, banana bunches, market produce, and even sick relatives were carried on foot over long distances. With vehicles now able to reach closer to villages, the burden has been reduced especially for the elderly and mothers.
This road is more than gravel and concrete; it is a vital connection to opportunity, improved livelihoods, and a better future for the people of Tehobuin and Sipotavai.
The project has positively impacted more than 2,000 people in the surrounding Tehobuin and Sipotavai communities, which currently produce an estimated 180 metric tonnes of cocoa per annum. The improved road will greatly enhance access to markets and essential services for cocoa growing communities.
The Tehobuin–Sipotavai Road is one of three roads funded under Component 2 of the Papua New Guinea Agriculture Commercialization and Diversification (PACD) Project, aimed at easing critical market access constraints for cocoa farmers in Bougainville. The other two PACD funded roads have been completed in East New Britain Province.
The road rehabilitation was undertaken by Raibro Construction Ltd at a cost of K8.039 million over a 15-month period. The scope of works included the construction of 4.8 kilometres of road base pavement, 2 kilometres of concrete pavement on steep sections, two concrete causeway ford crossings over existing rivers, and improvements to longitudinal and cross drainage systems to ensure all weather access for farmers.
The road was officially opened by Hon. Francesca Semoso, North Bougainville MP and ABG Member for Taonita Tinputz Constituency, together with National Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) Deputy Secretary Mr Francis Daink, who jointly cut the ribbon.
The ceremony held at Tehobuin was attended by clan representatives, cultural groups, community leaders, Taonita Tinputz Constituency representatives, ABG Department of Primary Industry (DPI) officials, Raibro Construction representatives, National DAL officers, PACD Project Coordinating Unit in Port Moresby, and the PACD Cocoa Project Manager and team.
The PACD Project Management Unit (PMU) also welcomed members of the Industry Coordination Committee (ICC) to AROB, who held their meeting earlier in the week on Tuesday, 28 April, and were invited to witness the road opening. The ICC plays a key role in fostering collaboration, decision making, and innovation across PACD project implementation.
Addressing the ceremony, Hon. Semoso congratulated the people of Taonita Tinputz on the long awaited development. “For over 50 years there was no proper road in Sipotavai. For the first time, we are seeing real development in North Bougainville. This road will bring other developments such as electricity, hospitals, schools, and business opportunities,” she said.
Hon. Semoso thanked the National Government, Cocoa Board of PNG and the PACD PMU for selecting the road for development and encouraged communities to continue growing cocoa, with greater emphasis on the involvement of women and mothers.
DAL Deputy Secretary Francis Daink shared similar sentiments, encouraging farmers to increase cocoa production and urging young people to turn away from social issues and engage in cocoa farming to meet the production targets set by the ABG.
“The road is now here. Look after it and carry out regular maintenance so it will serve you well for many years and future generations,” Mr Daink said.
The road is already making a significant impact. Community members shared that for many years mothers struggled to reach town or local health centres. Today, access has improved, allowing people to reach services more quickly and safely.
Villagers can now access hospitals, pharmacies, markets, and schools with ease. Previously, banana bunches, market produce, and even sick relatives were carried on foot over long distances. With vehicles now able to reach closer to villages, the burden has been reduced especially for the elderly and mothers.
This road is more than gravel and concrete; it is a vital connection to opportunity, improved livelihoods, and a better future for the people of Tehobuin and Sipotavai.
