PRIME Minister Hon. James Marape has revealed that the monumental K450 million Waigani National Court Complex (WNCC) will be inaugurated next year (2025), coinciding with Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence anniversary celebrations.
This state-of-the-art facility, constantly funded by the government since taking office in 2019, promises to be a cornerstone for justice in Papua New Guinea.
It symbolizes not only the country’s progress over the past 50 years but also its commitment to strengthening its legal infrastructure for the future, and the government’s commitment to law-and-order as its No.1 priority after 2025.
“In 2025, as we celebrate 50 years of independence, we will also open the new Waigani National Court Complex. This will be a momentous occasion in the history of Papua New Guinea and will be a huge boost towards addressing our law-and-order problem,” PM Marape said.
He made this announcement following a high-level meeting with Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika and Chief Magistrate Mr. Mark Pupaka, where he received their 2025 National Budget estimates. Chief Justice Salika provided a comprehensive update on the progress of the WNCC, underscoring the significant advancements made on the project.
Stage One of the project, which includes arrivals, registry, and administration buildings, was successfully completed in June 2023. Stage Two, which focuses on the completion of the court buildings, holding cells, and Judge’s chambers, wrapped up in May 2024, with minor works continuing through the end of this year.
Sir Gibbs outlined the transition phase in 2025, saying: “The Judiciary will then enter the transition phase into the new building, comprising the final fit out of the Data Centre and commissioning of all ICT networks and infrastructure. This will be followed by organizational training and systems operations familiarizations, and a phased decanting process into the new building.”
He added that 2025 would also see several key operational milestones, including the set-up of an Interim Facility Management team, the fit-out of the café and catering facilities, the establishment of a temporary library, and the purchase of critical equipment, furniture, and fittings to ensure the complex is fully operational.
“With the main construction contract generally completed by the end of this year, 2025 will see the Judiciary begin the transition into the new building for operation later next year,” Sir Gibbs said,
