NATIONAL Capital District (NCD) Governor Powes Parkop has described the release of the National Capital District Commission Organisational Capacity Assessment Report as a “critical milestone” in strengthening governance and service delivery.
Governor Parkop, joined by City Manager Ravu Frank and the executive team, received the report from Deputy Australian High Commissioner Adrian Lochrin at City Hall this week. Conducted by ABT Associates with support from the Australian Government, the assessment benchmarks NCDC’s performance against its Vision, Mission, Urban Development Plan, Corporate Plan, and service mandates.
Governor Parkop expressed gratitude to the Australian Government for its partnership, noting that the report provides evidence-based recommendations to guide institutional strengthening and reform. He stated:
“This report gives us the evidence we need to strengthen our systems, professionalize our workforce, and ensure Port Moresby sets the benchmark for governance across Papua New Guinea.”
Deputy Australian High Commissioner Adrian Lochrin reaffirmed Australia’s support:
“Australia is proud to support this important work. Strong institutions are the foundation of effective service delivery, and this assessment will help NCDC chart a path toward sustainable urban governance.”
City Manager Ravu Frank emphasized the practical value of the assessment:
“The assessment identifies where we are strong, where we must improve, and how we can transform NCDC into a modern, efficient, and accountable city administration.” Reflecting on decades of systemic challenges in public service delivery, often undermined by politicization and weak merit-based systems,
Governor Parkop highlighted the Commission’s recent reforms. Over the past three years, NCDC declared all positions redundant and required reapplication based on merit, laying the foundation for a professional, self-sustaining institution. He added:
“We must build a merit-based bureaucracy that endures beyond political cycles. Institutional continuity is the key to reliable service delivery and long-term urban resilience.”
With Port Moresby’s population projected to double or triple in the next 20 years, Governor Parkop stressed the need for resilient systems in water, power, roads, health, and education.
He noted that the timing of the assessment coincides with the development of NCDC’s 2040 Vision and Corporate Plan, ensuring the capital city is prepared to meet the challenges of urbanization and infrastructure demand.