Prime Minister James Marape has announced a series of strategic ministerial appointments aimed at accelerating Papua New Guinea’s Reset@50 national transformation agenda as the country enters its Jubilee year and the decisive 20-year development window ahead.
Speaking at Melanesian Haus following the swearing-in of three new Ministers, Prime Minister Marape confirmed the allocation of critical portfolios to ensure delivery in housing, mining, policing and infrastructure.
The new appointments are:
• Hon. Dr Kobby Bomareo, MP (Tewai-Siassi) — Minister for Housing
• Hon. Solen Loifa, MP (Menyamya) — Minister for Mining
• Hon. Sir John Pundari, MP (Kompiam-Ambum) — Minister for Police
• Hon. Peter Tsiamalili Jr, MP — Minister for Works and Highways
“These are not ceremonial appointments. They come with hard tasks and clear deadlines,” Prime Minister Marape said.
Prime Minister Marape said Dr Bomareo has been given a 90-day deadline to deliver a comprehensive national housing and land access programme designed to make home ownership achievable for working Papua New Guineans.
“It has been our intention since 2019 to make land and housing available to all Papua New Guineans, especially those who are employed in both the private and public sectors,” the Prime Minister said.
The Housing Ministry will now work directly with the Department of Lands to unlock land, fast-track titling and support affordable housing developments nationwide.
“This is not just about buildings. It is about making land and housing accessible to our people,” Prime Minister Marape said.
Prime Minister Marape said the appointment of Solen Loifa as Mining Minister is central to Government’s strategy to reset Papua New Guinea’s resource regime as major projects move forward.
Mr. Loifa will oversee the finalization of Wafi-Golpu, Porgera and other strategic developments, while also leading work on a new policy and regulatory framework.
“Before September 16, 2026, we want to announce to the country and to the investment community the regime under which mining, petroleum and other resource sectors will operate,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“We want investors to be happy, but we also want something closer to the blueprint of this Pangu-led Government — taking back more for PNG.”
Prime Minister Marape said the appointment of Sir John Pundari to the Police Ministry reflects the seriousness of the Government’s law-and-order drive.
“Sir John comes from a province that is rife with guns, rife with tribal fighting and criminal activity, extending into Hela and Southern Highlands,” he said.
“We felt he should take this problem head-on — remove guns, stop tribal fighting and restore order.”
The Prime Minister said the objective is to stabilize law and order within 12 months, particularly in the Highlands and urban centers.
“We want these matters resolved once and for all,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape confirmed that Peter Tsiamalili Jr has been moved from Police to Works and Highways to drive the Government’s signature Connect PNG infrastructure programme.
The Works Ministry now manages a K1.7 billion budget in 2026, covering roads, bridges, ports, jetties, airstrips, power lines and digital connectivity.
“This country must be linked by enabling infrastructure — roads, bridges, ports, jetties, airports, power lines and internet,” Prime Minister Marape said.
Mr. Tsiamalili was selected for his integrity and independence from business interests.
“We need a minister with a steady hand and no conflict of interest to drive this signature Pangu policy of leaving no region unconnected,” Prime Minister Marape said.
Prime Minister Marape said the Cabinet changes are part of a broader strengthening of Government as Papua New Guinea moves from its first 50 years into its most important development phase.
“We are stepping into our Jubilee year and a national reset. The next 20 years will define our country,” he said.
He warned that further changes may follow as Government tightens its focus on performance, discipline and the national interest.
“Our people expect results — not excuses. That is what this Reset@50 agenda is about.”