Prime Minister James Marape has thrown his full support behind the National Capital District Commission’s (NCDC) vision to transform Port Moresby into a safe, modern and future-ready capital city ahead of the PNG Chiefs’ entry into the National Rugby League (NRL) in 2028.
Speaking at City Hall on Friday (29th May), Mr. Marape endorsed NCDC Governor Powes Parkop’s “NRL Ready Port Moresby” plan, describing it as a national agenda that will prepare the city to host NRL matches and showcase Papua New Guinea to the world while driving long-term development through to 2040.
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Mr. Marape said the National Government would work alongside NCDC and other stakeholders under a single coordinated plan to ensure Port Moresby is ready for the opportunities and international attention that the PNG Chiefs franchise will bring.
The vision, presented by Governor Parkop and NCDC management, 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.
“Governor Parkop, we will not reinvent the wheel. We will ride with your plan,” Mr. 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 us here in Port Moresby.”
The Prime Minister said in a statement that sport has a unique ability to unite Papua New Guinea, and the PNG Chiefs concept was designed to become a national rallying point for 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.”
Mr. 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 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,” he 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 to improve public safety and security, modernize transport systems, enhance tourism and cultural experiences, upgrade key public infrastructure, create more recreational and community spaces, promote Motu Koita heritage, improve traffic management, strengthen communications and city branding, and improve the overall livability of the capital.
Concepts presented include improvements to public transport and mobility, development of modern parking facilities, revitalization of public markets and commercial precincts, upgrades to sporting facilities, enhanced policing infrastructure, tourism and cultural attractions, fan zones and long-term planning initiatives aimed at keeping Port Moresby competitive and attractive as a regional city.
Mr. Marape also welcomed discussions on partnerships with international investors and development partners in transport, energy, infrastructure and smart-city solutions.
He said the National Government would work closely with NCDC to identify practical pathways to support 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.
The Prime Minister said he had encouraged government leaders to support the city’s transformation agenda and work collectively towards achieving the goals outlined in the 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.
Mr. Marape said the transformation of Port Moresby was not only about infrastructure and sporting facilities but also about creating a cleaner, safer, more welcoming and more livable 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,” he 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,” he 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.”
Mr. Marape reaffirmed his support for 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.”
He said the vision must embrace the Motu Koita people and all communities across Port Moresby while preserving cultural heritage and creating opportunities for future generations.
“This is our nation’s capital. This is our home. We all have a duty of care and love for our city,” Mr. 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.”
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Joining the Prime Minister at the occasion were Sports Minister Kinoka Feo, Foreign Affairs Minister and Moresby South MP Justin Tkatchenko, NCD Governor Powes Parkop, NCDC officials and other dignitaries.