Prime Minister James Marape has announced a new land and housing initiative aimed at creating up to 10,000 allotments in Port Moresby.
The plan is part of a wider national effort to turn informal settlements into properly planned suburbs and give Papua New Guineans better access to land and home ownership.
Mr. Marape said the initiative followed a high-level meeting on Friday with NCD Governor Powes Parkop, City Hall officials, and representatives from the Department of Lands, Department of National Planning and the National Housing Corporation. The meeting focused on addressing the growing need for proper urban planning and affordable housing in the capital.
The Prime Minister said many people who have lived and worked in Port Moresby for years still do not have secure land or housing.
“Too many of our people who have worked and lived in Port Moresby for years, including second and third generation residents, still do not have proper access to land or secure housing,” Mr. Marape said.
“This must change. Papua New Guineans cannot be displaced in their own city.”
Mr. Marape said the National Government has directed the NCD administration to prepare a clear master plan for the city, with the goal of developing up to 10,000 allotments through a fair and coordinated land allocation process.
He said the Department of Lands has been instructed not to issue any more vacant State land until a clear programme is in place to ensure land is made available for working residents in the city.
The Prime Minister also welcomed a proposal by developer Parkside to build 2,000 Australian-standard homes at Gerehu Stage 7, saying the private sector would play an important role in developing properly planned suburbs.
Mr. Marape said the Government is also working with local banks and lenders to design a long-term housing finance scheme to make home ownership more affordable. The plan includes intergenerational housing loans of up to 49 years, allowing families to pass homes on to future generations.
He urged residents not to engage in illegal squatting or informal land deals and warned against building on untitled land.
Mr. Marape said people who have already been evicted or displaced from settlements will be the first to benefit from the programme. A new Urbanization Office, reporting directly to the Prime Minister, will coordinate relocation efforts with City Hall and other agencies.
The Prime Minister said the housing programme will begin in Port Moresby but is expected to expand to other parts of the country as part of the Government’s broader national development plans.
