Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has given his Full Support to the National Capital District Commission’s ambitious Vision to transform Port Moresby into a safe, modern, inclusive, and future-ready Capital City ahead of the PNG Chiefs’ entry into the National Rugby League (NRL) in 2028.
The Vision, presented by NCD Governor Hon. Powes Parkop and NCDC Management at City Hall today, outlines a comprehensive Programme of City Improvements designed to prepare Port Moresby for NRL 2028 while laying the foundation for long-term Growth and Transformation through to 2040. Prime Minister Marape said Port Moresby, as the Nation’s Capital, must be prepared not only as the Home of the PNG Chiefs, but also as the National Stage that showcases Papua New Guinea to the world. “Governor Parkop, we will not reinvent the wheel. We will ride with your Plan,” Prime Minister Marape said. “This must be One Plan. It is a National Outcome we are engaging upon. It is a big, monumental National Outcome — not just for Sporting Visitors, but for ourselves here in Port Moresby.”
The Prime Minister said Sports had a unique ability to unite Papua New Guinea, and the PNG Chiefs concept was designed to become a national rallying point for all Citizens. “The concept of the Chiefs is a concept to unite our country into one focal point,” he said. “Sports has the greatest emotional ability to gravitate the fascination of our people into one focal point. Politics can divide, but Sports can bring our people together.” Prime Minister Marape said Port Moresby would continue to serve as the nation’s Premier Host City for major National and International Events, including NRL Matches, Regional Conferences, International Summits, and future Sporting Events. He said the City must, therefore, continue evolving to meet the demands of a Growing Population and an increasingly Connected World. “We cannot continue living in the City of the 1990s or early 2000s,” Prime Minister Marape said. “We must maintain the authentic character of our City of the past, but also build the new City we want for the future.”
The NCDC Vision includes Initiatives aimed at improving Public Safety and Security, modernising Transport Systems, enhancing Tourism and Cultural experiences, upgrading key Public Infrastructure, creating more Recreational and Community Spaces, promoting the Motu Koita heritage, improving Traffic Management, strengthening Communications and City Branding, and enhancing the overall Liveability of the Capital. Among the Concepts presented were improvements to Public Transport and Mobility, development of Modern Parking Facilities, revitalisation of Public Markets and Commercial Precincts, upgrades to Sporting Facilities, enhanced Policing Infrastructure, Tourism and Cultural attractions, Fan Zones, and long-term planning initiatives to ensure Port Moresby remains a competitive and attractive Regional City. Prime Minister Marape welcomed discussions around Partnerships with International Investors and Development Partners, particularly in areas relating to Transport, Energy, Infrastructure, and Smart-City Solutions. He said the National Government would work closely with NCDC to identify practical pathways to support the implementation of Priority Projects. “As we detail the Policies and Plans required, we can make adjustments where necessary so that we deliver the Outcomes our people expect,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape said he had already encouraged Government Leaders to support the City’s transformation agenda and to work collectively towards achieving the goals outlined in the NCDC Vision. “So in 2028, we are ‘game- ready’. Then in the years that follow, we are ready for bigger opportunities that will continue to place Papua New Guinea on the World Stage,” he said. The Prime Minister said the transformation of Port Moresby was not only about Infrastructure and Sporting Facilities, but about creating a cleaner, safer, more welcoming and more liveable Capital City for Residents, Businesses, Visitors and future generations.
He said Port Moresby’s Cultural Diversity remained one of its greatest Strengths. “When you talk about PNG Diversity in Culture, Port Moresby houses that Diversity,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Our 800 Languages and Tribes all come together in the Nation’s Headquarters, co-existing as One. We have a wonderful story to tell.” The Prime Minister said the PNG Chiefs franchise would provide unprecedented international exposure for Papua New Guinea and create new opportunities to promote Tourism, Investment, National Pride, and Unity. “PNG has finally made it to the NRL,” Prime Minister Marape said. “When Jarome Luai’s face is seen in Sydney, Brisbane, Auckland or Port Moresby, the message must be clear: Port Moresby is safe, PNG is ready, and this is the home of the Chiefs.”
Prime Minister Marape gave his full backing to Governor Parkop and NCDC, saying the National Government would work alongside the City Authority, relevant Ministers, State Agencies, Development Partners, and the Private Sector to ensure all Stakeholders were aligned behind One Common Vision. “Governor, I give 100 per cent Full Support to your Plan,” he said. “Let us allocate responsibility based on One Plan, instead of two, three, four or five Plans.” Prime Minister Marape said the NCDC Vision must embrace the Motu Koita people, Moresby North-West, Moresby South and all Communities across the City, ensuring Development preserves Cultural Heritage while creating opportunities for future generations.
He said Port Moresby must continue its journey towards becoming a City that is safe, green, inclusive, connected, and planned for all. “This is our Nation’s Capital. This is our Home. We all have a duty of care and love for our City,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Let us prepare Port Moresby for 2028, and beyond 2028, let us build a Capital City that Papua New Guinea can proudly present to the world.”
Joining the Prime Minister at the occasion were Minister for Sports Hon. Kinoka Feo, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Moresby South MP Hon. Justin Tkatchenko, NCD Governor Hon. Powes Parkop, NCDC officials, and other dignitaries.