Progress on a vital cocoa infrastructure project in North Bougainville under the Papua New Guinea Agriculture Commercialization and Diversification (PACD) Project has been welcomed by Prime Minister James Marape, reaffirming his government’s commitment to empowering rural farmers and rebuilding essential market links. The 5.8-kilometre Teobuin–Sipotavai feeder road in Tinputz, North Bougainville originally built in the 1950s by local cocoa cooperatives—is now undergoing full rehabilitation through a K6.9 million contract awarded to Raibro Construction Ltd. The project, which commenced in November 2024, is expected to be fully completed by September 2025. Funded by the Government of Papua New Guinea with support from the World Bank and delivered through the Cocoa Board of PNG under the PACD Program, the road serves one of the highest cocoa-producing areas in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, directly benefiting over 2,000 farmers. “This is more than a road project—it’s a bridge to prosperity for our rural cocoa farmers,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Through PACD, we are connecting remote communities to the economy, reviving agriculture, and restoring dignity to hardworking families.” The Prime Minister emphasized that the road will dramatically reduce transport barriers, improve access to markets, and enable farmers to increase income through higher cocoa sales. He acknowledged the legacy of the original road, built by local initiative nearly 70 years ago, and said the Government now has a duty to honor that legacy by ensuring modern, all-weather access. “We are rebuilding what our people built before independence—this is the meaning of PNG at 50: restoring what matters most,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Feeder roads like this are national assets that unlock rural potential.” Prime Minister Marape also commended the Cocoa Board, the Department of Agriculture, Bougainville administration, and local farmers for working together to revive not only infrastructure but also cocoa production across the region. “The Teobuin–Sipotavai road is a lifeline for Bougainville’s future. It is our duty to extend this lifeline across all rural districts, ensuring our farmers are connected, productive, and proud contributors to PNG’s development.” The PACD Project supports a wide range of initiatives in Bougainville, including nursery support, cocoa budwood gardens, extension services, and training for farmers across the region.