By ESWIN PLESIO
THE outgoing Minister for Information and Communications Technology, Timothy Masiu says strengthening communication, building capable institutions and ensuring government policies are put into action have been among his biggest priorities during his six years leading the ICT Ministry.
Speaking at the ministry’s handover and takeover ceremony in Port Moresby on Monday (27/07/26), Mr Masiu said lasting progress comes from building systems that continue to serve people long after leaders have moved on.
He said one of the key initiatives during his time in office was pushing for the establishment of a Department of Communication to improve how government communicates with citizens across the country.
Mr Masiu also urged officers across the ministry and its agencies to give their full support to incoming Minister, Robert Naguri so that important reforms and ongoing programmes continue without interruption.
Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary, Steven Matainaho credited Mr Masiu’s leadership for creating a strong working relationship between the ministry and the department, saying open communication played a major role in improving service delivery.
Reflecting on their first years working together, Matainaho said the outgoing minister quickly moved to strengthen the department’s foundations, including relocating its offices and putting systems in place that allowed staff to work more effectively.
He said Mr Masiu expected regular updates and maintained close communication with departmental leadership, ensuring decisions made at the political level were carried through to implementation.
“The strength of our relationship was communication, real-time communication,” Matainaho said.
“We discussed challenges, worked through them together and carried out what needed to be done. Because of that consistency, the sector has continued to move forward.”
Matainaho said effective service delivery depends on strong communication from political leaders through to departmental management and technical officers, adding that when those links are maintained, government programmes are delivered more efficiently.
He thanked Mr Masiu for his leadership and mentorship over the past six years and said the department would continue building on the foundation that had been established while supporting the incoming minister to advance Papua New Guinea’s digital transformation.