Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has warmly commended senior leaders of Enga Province for demonstrating unity, maturity and statesmanship in their collective stand to end gun violence and restore lasting peace in the province.
Responding to the Post-Courier front-page story headlined “Enga’s New Era – Ipatas and Pundari Unite to End Gun Violence and Killings”, Prime Minister Marape said the image of Enga’s leaders standing together sent a powerful message not only to the province, but to the entire nation.
“As I woke up this morning in Davos and read the Post-Courier headline, the smile and unity reflected on that front page brought me genuine warmth,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“It reminded me that leadership, humility and unity remain the strongest weapons we have against violence.”
The Prime Minister particularly commended Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas, Police Minister Hon. Sir John Pundari, and former Kandep MP Don Polye for stepping forward together to place peace above political differences.
“Greater is the man who makes submission to his fellow men,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“God blesses humility. The Bible tells us, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.’ What we are witnessing in Enga today is leadership guided by that spirit.”
Call for Unity and Responsible Political Conduct
Prime Minister Marape appealed strongly to the people of Enga — particularly those who operate anonymously or seek to stir division between leaders — to allow the current leadership to do its work.
“Elections will come, and every citizen has the constitutional right to contest,” he said. “But between elections, we must allow leaders to govern. Enga is fortunate to have four senior national leaders working together.”
He acknowledged the collective leadership of:
• Hon. Sir Peter Ipatas – Governor of Enga
• Don Polye – former Kandep MP
• Hon. Sir John Pundari – Minister for Police
• Hon. Miki Kaeok – Wapenamenda MP
“When leaders are united, the people must also unite. When leadership stands together, the province moves forward together.”
Peace Essential for Development and Prosperity
Prime Minister Marape emphasised that peace and law and order are fundamental for Enga to fully benefit from major national investments and resource developments.
He highlighted the renewed Porgera Mine operations under the new SML 11 framework, which now deliver significantly improved benefits to landowners, Enga Province and the State.
“Greater benefits are now secured for Enga under the new Porgera arrangement,” he said.
“But guns and violence will block prosperity. Peace is the gateway to development.”
The Prime Minister outlined major government investments already delivered or underway in Enga, including:
• K600 million Enga Provincial Hospital, completed by the National Government
• University of Enga Programme, now operating alongside the technical college campus
• Porgera Tax Credit Scheme projects to drive long-term provincial development
Major Road Connectivity Programme
Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to opening up Enga through critical road infrastructure under the Connect PNG Programme, including:
• Porgera–Tari road corridor
• Magarima–Kandep–Laiagam corridor, including Mendi–Laiagam access
• Rehabilitation of the Wabag–Mt Hagen Highway
• Wapenamenda–Wabag–Baiyer link roads
• Wabag–Kompiam Road
• Wabag–Maramuni Road — marking the starting point of the Sepik Highway
• Completion of the Enga Ring Road network, connecting to Baiyer
“These roads will open up Enga, stimulate agriculture and commerce, improve service delivery, and ensure mining revenue sustains the province while contributing to the national economy,” Prime Minister Marape said.
Strong Support for Police Minister Pundari
Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed his full support for Police Minister Sir John Pundari in restoring law and order across Enga and neighbouring Highlands provinces.
“I will fully empower the Police Minister to protect our police officers,” he said. “We will ensure police resources, logistics and lawful firepower are available to deal decisively with those who choose to carry illegal guns.”
He said the campaign against gun violence must extend beyond Enga.
“I have asked Minister Pundari to also visit Hela and Southern Highlands. These three provinces must stand together to eradicate guns from our communities.”
A New Beginning for Enga
Prime Minister Marape described the unity shown by Enga’s leaders as a strong foundation for lasting peace.
“We cannot bring back the past,” he said. “But we can shape the future — by what we think today, what we decide today, and the actions we take together.”
He reaffirmed the National Government’s commitment to supporting Enga’s leadership and people.
“Enga is a vital resource province for Papua New Guinea. We need Enga to be peaceful, safe and stable. “This is a good start — and I stand ready, as Prime Minister, to support our leaders every step of the way.”