Prime Minister, James Marape has assured the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) of his Government’s full support on addressing socio-economic issues facing the capital city.
The issues include land grabbing and evictions, proliferation of informal settlements, access to and unlocking land resources, legislation and governance, unreliable PNG Power Supply, Water Supply and Sewage problem, Safety and Security, provision of conducive environment for additional investments, GST Revenue sharing and affordable housing for low-middle income earners.
With senior officials from his Office and the Department of Prime Minister and NEC, PM Marape visited the City Hall last night to establish dialogues around the issues and find solutions to address them in collaboration with NCDC, its management and political leaders.
PM Marape was invited by NCD Governor Powes Parkop.
Led by Governor Parkop, City Manager Ravu Frank, his NCDC staff and NCDC board members including Moresby North-West MP Lohia Boe Samuel and Moresby North-East, John Kaupa were on hand to welcome PM Marape to the City Hall.
A presentation was made to PM Marape and his officials on NCDC’s take on the problems affecting the city and their solutions.
Agreeing in principle the solutions proposed by NCDC, PM Marape said the conversations must be amplified at higher levels.
Admitting that the National Government has been putting attention on other provinces, leaving NCDC to be working in isolation, PM Marape assured that NCDC must be given autonomy and all the resources needed to govern the city so he can concentrate on other centres.
NCD is the capital city and that its problems are the State’s responsibility, he said.
“We have to tick off NCDC properly (with powers and resources) so it takes off,” said PM Marape.
Given the tight fiscal Budget which is being prepared, PM Marape wants funds set allocated for land acquisition next year to create 10,000 housing allotments for low-middle income earners.
PM Marape also threw his support behind the Amazing Port Moresby campaign.
He said his government would intervene with policies and legislations.
Welcoming PM and his team, Governor Parkop said the city achieves developments which contribute to national outcomes.
He said the city would remain steadfast on its Amazing Port Moresby Campaign, an international Branding for the city.
He further said most of the issues affecting the city are inherited from the provinces.
Governor Parkop stated that NCDC manages the city for the National Government, adding the Prime Minister is the chief steward.