Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has strongly condemned the recent vandalism of public infrastructure in Wewak, East Sepik Province, describing the act as unacceptable and a betrayal of the very people such infrastructure is meant to serve.
Speaking ahead of his official visit to launch major developments at Boram Airport, the Prime Minister expressed disappointment over the destruction of public assets and issued a firm call for accountability and reform.
“I want to firstly apologise to the general public of this country, especially the people of East Sepik, for the vandalism that has taken place in Wewak,” Prime Minister Marape stated.
He emphasised that public infrastructure — including airports, roads, schools, health facilities and police establishments — belongs to the people and must be protected. “These public assets belong to you. Wherever you are living, there is a public asset there — airport infrastructure, public roads, educational infrastructure, health infrastructure, even police infrastructure — they are yours to start with. So protect them, keep them safe,” he urged.
The Prime Minister confirmed that law enforcement authorities have been directed to investigate and take action against those responsible. “Police have been asked to deal with those who have caused such vandalism to public assets,” he affirmed.
Despite the setback, Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to developing East Sepik, particularly through the planned airport extension and construction of a new terminal at Boram. “We will do an airport extension and a brand-new terminal. This remains a good place for commerce, trade and economy. Not just agriculture, fisheries and forestry — but more importantly tourism,” he said.
He noted that East Sepik holds special national significance as the home province of the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, whose legacy continues to inspire national unity and pride. “The place where the Father of our Country is buried will remain a star attraction for local and international tourists,” the Prime Minister stated.
Prime Minister Marape further outlined the Government’s broader economic and youth empowerment initiatives in the Province, including support for SME development, second-chance education pathways, and major agricultural expansion programs. “We have offered second-chance learning. We have made accessible pathways to SME and micro, small and medium enterprises,” he said.
He highlighted that in 2019 the National Government cleared the path for a K300 million European Union-supported programme for East Sepik, providing the Province with a significant head start in agricultural expansion.
“In fact, we have a K300 million head start over many other cocoa-growing provinces. By now, the programme in East
Sepik should have matured,” the Prime Minister noted.
He called on Provincial leadership to take greater responsibility in guiding youth towards productive economic engagement.
“We can only do so much at the national level. Provincial leadership must sustain these activities. The youths are under your care — put them on the right roads,” he stressed.
Prime Minister Marape encouraged young people in East Sepik and across the country to take advantage of opportunities provided through SME participation, district and provincial contracts, national project sub-contracting, and labour mobility programs including seasonal work opportunities in Australia.
“Don’t be restless. Pick up second-chance learning. Educate yourself. Some of you can go and work in Australia. Many districts and provinces are already sending youths abroad to work. You can go into SME. The pathways are there,” he urged.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed that nearly a billion Kina worth of infrastructure projects are planned for East Sepik and neighbouring regions, reinforcing the Province’s strategic importance in the national economic agenda.
“As we honour the legacy of our founding leaders, we must also honour the infrastructure we are building for future generations,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Development cannot thrive in an environment where public property is destroyed. Discipline, responsibility and unity must define our next chapter.”
Prime Minister Marape will travel to East Sepik this week, including visits to Maprik, Yangoru and Angoram, culminating in the official Boram Airport Development launch in Wewak.
The Marape-Rosso Government is working in partnership with the National Airports Corporation and Asian Development Bank, in relation to the Boram Airport Development project.