Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has disclosed that more than K56 billion in public funds has been distributed across the nation over the past six years — and has called on government agencies, provincial administrations, districts, and public institutions to show tangible results for the money spent.

Speaking during the launch of the Reset PNG@50 blueprint at the University of Papua New Guinea, PM Marape said the figure represents total funding released by his administration since 2019 to all sectors of government, including provinces, districts, departments, provincial health authorities, universities, and colleges.

“K56 Billion Is Not a Small Sum”

“In the last six years under my watch, we have released K56 billion to provinces, districts, departments, PHAs, and tertiary institutions,” the Prime Minister said. “That is not a small sum. Every leader, administrator, and public servant must ask: what have we done with it?”

He said the amount represented the government’s commitment to decentralising service delivery and ensuring every level of government had access to resources.

“But I ask again — what has been achieved? Where are the results? The money is being released, but are we seeing improvement in schools, hospitals, and roads?” he questioned.

Accountability and Transparency Come First

PM Marape revealed that recent administrative reviews had uncovered serious gaps in financial reporting and compliance, including agencies and authorities that failed to submit expenditure reports for several years.

He shared a recent example involving a senior official whose contract renewal he was forced to reject after discovering a five-year failure to provide expenditure reports.

“I had to cast a deciding vote against his reappointment,” he said. “He was a friend, but he had failed to report how public funds were used for over five years. Friendship cannot override accountability.”

The Prime Minister said his government would no longer tolerate poor financial management and that every public officer entrusted with funds must report transparently.

New Oversight and Monitoring Mechanisms

PM Marape announced that the Government is strengthening systems to ensure value for money through the establishment of the National Monitoring and Coordination Authority, which will oversee project implementation and expenditure tracking.

“The time of writing cheques without seeing results is over,” he said. “This new authority will check where the money goes, what it delivers, and whether it benefits the people.”

He urged provincial administrators, district development authorities, and departmental heads to uphold financial discipline and transparency.

“Money must move from paper to the ground. If it doesn’t reach the people, then it has failed its purpose,” he said.

A Call for Integrity and Leadership

PM Marape reminded leaders and officials that their positions are a privilege and responsibility, not an entitlement.

“If a minister or superior asks you to do something against the law, stand for what is right,” he said. “The country’s laws come first — not politics, not personalities.”

He warned that any official found mismanaging or misusing public funds will be held accountable under the Government’s anti-corruption framework.

“Our people have waited too long for change. Let’s not waste this opportunity. We owe it to them to deliver results,” he said.

Delivering for a Population of 10 Million

The Prime Minister linked financial accountability directly to the recent census figures, which revealed that PNG’s population now stands at 10.18 million.

“With over 10 million citizens to serve, every kina matters,” he said. “The K56 billion we’ve spent must translate into better services — not lost in bureaucracy, corruption, or inefficiency.”

He said the Reset PNG@50 blueprint will guide the next phase of reform, focusing on evidence-based planning, fiscal discipline, and measurable outcomes.

“We Must Reset Our Hearts and Our Systems”

PM Marape concluded by calling for a moral and institutional reset across the public sector.

“Policies and plans are good, but without delivery, they are wasted effort,” he said. “This is not just about money — it’s about conscience. Let us reset our hearts, our systems, and our commitment to the people.”