Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has officially welcomed Hon. Vincent Ambane Kumura, the newly elected Member for Usino-Bundi seat in Madang Province, to Government ranks.
The seat became vacant following the passing of former Member, Jimmy Uguro in February 2024.
During a meeting at the Office of the Prime Minister in Waigani, Port Moresby, Prime Minister Marape congratulated Mr. Kumura and praised his commitment to Public Service.
The Prime Minister highlighted that Mr. Kumura represented a new generation of leaders who take proactive steps to serve their communities without waiting for government funding.
“These are the type of leaders that Papua New Guinea needs,” Prime Minister Marape said. “They use their own resources to help their people until government support becomes available.”
Prime Minister Marape found a personal connection in Hon. Kumura’s path to politics, drawing a comparison to his own. He pointed out that both him and the new Member of Parliament chose to work directly with their communities on the ground before seeking a place in government.
“He reminds me of myself,” PM Marape said, as he reflected on the eight years he spent after university serving his community in Hela Province from 1993 to 2001, a time he says prepared him for his own election in 2007.
The Prime Minister noted that Hon. Kumura also returned to his village in Usino-Bundi after completing his education in the United States, dedicating 11 years to working with his people through his foundation before entering politics this year.
Addressing concerns raised by the new Member, Prime Minister Marape assured him of the government’s support.
He stated that over the remaining 18 months before the 2027 National General Elections, the government will work closely with the new MP to address pressing issues, including improving road access within the district.
The Prime Minister emphasized the need to extend infrastructure improvements beyond major highways.
“Just because the Ramu Highway runs through the electorate does not mean that the district roads leading to the people in the villages are in good condition,” he said.
“Other roads to remote pockets of the electorate like Bundi and Gamai areas must also be fixed.”
In addition, Prime Minister Marape committed to addressing the benefits from the Ramu Nickel Mine. He plans to check existing agreements to see where the governnment can secure more benefits for the local people, while ensuring compliance to relevant laws of the country and the project agreement. He also mentioned that he would be looking into the Yandera project in Madang Province.