The National Capital District Commission (NCDC) has called for stronger municipal management, improved service delivery and closer cooperation with the private sector as Port Moresby enters a new phase of growth following Papua New Guinea’s 51st Independence Anniversary.
In his Independence message, NCDC City Manager Ravu Frank said Port Moresby’s role as the centre of government, commerce and international engagement placed the capital at the heart of PNG’s economic development.
He said the 51st anniversary was an opportunity to reflect on the country’s progress over five decades while shifting the focus towards implementation, reform and a more sustainable future.
“Following the historic 50th Independence Anniversary, our attention now turns to the next chapter of our national development,” he said. “The focus must now move from reflection to implementation.”
For Port Moresby, Frank said this meant strengthening the systems and processes that support the city’s economic and commercial environment. NCDC will continue to improve the efficiency of approvals and regulatory processes, strengthen accountability and enhance municipal services across the capital, he said.
Effective planning, permitting and compliance processes are particularly important for businesses and investors, whose operations depend on a predictable municipal environment.
Frank said NCDC’s goal was to build a capital city that is “clean, healthy, safe and planned”, supported by effective services, responsible development and accountable administration.
The Commission is also focused on cleaner public spaces, better management and safety of markets and communities, and building a more professional and responsive organisation.
Shared responsibility for the capital
Frank stressed that improving Port Moresby could not be achieved by NCDC alone. Businesses, residents, churches, community organisations, government agencies and development partners all have a role in maintaining an orderly, safe and well-managed city, he said.
“A well-managed city requires the cooperation of residents, businesses, churches, community organisations, government agencies and development partners,” he said.
Frank said cleanliness and safety depended on cooperation within communities, while orderly urban development required compliance with laws, regulations and planning requirements.
“Cleanliness begins with how we manage our homes, businesses and public spaces. Safety is strengthened when communities work together and respect one another. Orderly development depends on compliance with laws, regulations and planning requirements.”
The call for shared responsibility comes as Port Moresby accommodates a growing concentration of commercial, government and community activity.
For businesses, the quality of municipal administration can directly affect the operating environment through development approvals, public infrastructure, market management and the condition and safety of commercial areas. Frank said NCDC would continue to fulfil its responsibilities, but the capital’s development required “shared ownership” of the city.
Applying ResetPNG@50 to city management
Frank also highlighted the National Government’s ResetPNG@50 initiative, which provides an opportunity to examine PNG’s development experience over its first 50 years of Independence and identify areas for improvement and reform. He said NCDC was applying the same forward-looking approach to its own operations.
“Within NCDC, this means continuing to strengthen our systems, improve service delivery and build a professional and responsive organisational culture,” Frank said.
For NCDC, the focus on efficiency and accountability forms part of the broader challenge of ensuring Port Moresby can support economic activity and future investment. Frank also acknowledged the Motu Koitabu people, the traditional landowners and indigenous people of the land on which Port Moresby is established.
He reaffirmed NCDC’s commitment to preserving and promoting Motu Koitabu culture and traditions, including annual support for the Hiri Moale Festival.
As part of the 51st Independence celebrations, NCDC is also facilitating and supporting activities across Port Moresby. Frank encouraged residents and families to participate responsibly in the celebrations and mark the national anniversary in a spirit of unity, respect, pride and peace.
He said NCDC remained committed to improving its performance, strengthening municipal services and working with all sectors of the community to develop a capital capable of supporting future generations.
“As we celebrate 51 years of Independence, let us also recognise that the quality of our capital city is a shared responsibility," he said.
