Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has called for calm and understanding following a private exchange between Minister for Commerce and Industry Hon. Win Daki and Chimbu Governor Hon. Noah Kool after Wednesday’s Parliamentary session.
The Prime Minister said he has spoken to Minister Daki and clarified that the matter arose from a private conversation that was misinterpreted and taken out of context, and should not be seen as reflective of Government policy or the Pangu Pati’s position.
“I have asked Minister Daki to release a Statement clarifying the level of conversation he had with the Chimbu Governor. He has indicated that the Statement was taken out of context. The discussion was about how questions relating to Chimbu Provincial Government should be raised directly by the Governor himself, rather than by other Members of Parliament,” said Prime Minister Marape.
He emphasized that Minister Daki does not speak for the Government or the Pangu Pati in such private discussions.
“A private conversation between the Minister and the Governor should not be mistaken as the Government’s position. I speak for the Government, and let me make it very clear — Chimbu is an integral and valued part of Papua New Guinea,” the Prime Minister stated.
Prime Minister Marape highlighted Chimbu’s enduring contributions to the country’s growth and development, noting its strategic role in the Highlands region, from its Human Resources to Agriculture and Infrastructure.
“Chimbu is a great contributor to our country — from Sports and Education to Coffee and Trade. The Highlands Highway runs through Chimbu, and we are now connecting Karamui road into Kundiawa and further through to Mount Wilhelm, and into Madang. Chimbu’s land and people are central to our national economy,” he said.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed that every District and Province receives its fair allocation of development funding under the Government’s DSIP and PSIP programs, and that Chimbu continues to receive its due support.
“There is no systematic lack of support to Chimbu. Since 2019, our Government has invested over K30 million in the Chimbu Limestone Project, over K60 million for the Karamui-Kundiawa Road, and K5 million for the Kundiawa Water Supply project. We have also supported the Chimbu Provincial Hospital, which serves the entire Highlands region,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape expressed personal respect and appreciation for the Province and its people, recalling his past decisions upon taking office in 2019 to appoint leaders from Chimbu to Cabinet roles as a sign of inclusiveness.
“When I took office in 2019, I appointed four leaders from Chimbu as Ministers — including Hon. Kerenga Kua (Sinasina-Yongomugl MP), who did not even vote for me. This shows the level of warmth and fairness I hold for the people of Chimbu,” he said.
He reiterated that the Government’s development agenda continues to recognise Chimbu’s potential and importance, particularly in economic diversification and connectivity.
“We are working with the Chimbu Provincial Government to improve the Kondom Agaundo Assembly building, and we will continue to partner with the Province to ensure its infrastructure and services are strengthened,” he added.
The Prime Minister concluded by urging Leaders to maintain unity and respect in public service, emphasizing that Chimbu’s place in the national family remains firm.
“The Governor has every right to express his feelings, and I apologise for any misunderstanding caused. Chimbu remains a vital part of our country. Our Government will continue to stand with the Province and its people in development and progress,” said Prime Minister Marape.