PRIME Minister James Marape has made a vigorous call on the government agency heads to deliver on policy reforms and performance outcomes.
The Prime Minister issued the call yesterday (February 17) in a series of meetings with key Government Agencies from the Mining, Petroleum, Forestry and Climate Change sectors of the country.
PM Marape emphasized to the various government agencies on the importance of getting PNG onto the right track and solid foundation for the future with the nation celebrating 50th anniversary of Independence in 2025, as they each made presentations on their achievements, challenges and the way forward.
The Prime Minister said so much time has been squandered and opportunities missed in the past before his government took office in 2019.
He said the country was placed in a difficult position as he took on leadership to get things in order and chart a brighter future for the country.
Upon receiving reports from the Mining Sector, particularly in conversations with heads of the Mineral Resources Authority of PNG and the Department of Mineral Policy and Geohazards Management, PM Marape emphasized on reviewing key legislations relating to the Mining Sector of the country and delivering at the earliest on major mining projects on the pipeline like Wafi-Golpu and Frieda River thus getting them off the ground, as well as having Porgera mine into full operational status.
He also stressed on the need for focus on smaller projects such as Mt Kare, Oro Nickel, Simberi and Limestone projects earmarked in Central Province, as well as other parts of the country.
“PNG’s potential in the Mining Sector is huge and if fully tapped into, we can substitute some of our material imports with what we produce in-country, enabling greater gain for our country and our people,” PM said.
“Gold and Copper refinery are areas we are looking into, as well as local supply of cement from our Limestone projects.
“As we take a review of some of our Mining laws and regulations in our country, we want to ensure the best outcome for our country as our mining resources are extracted from our land,” Marape said.
In discussions with the Petroleum Sector, the Prime Minister stated that PNG’s priority for the sector remains upon cleaner energy.
He said with the State Negotiation Team working hard in recent years on various mining and petroleum projects, achieving landmark agreements for the country so far, more potential petroleum projects are on the pipeline and his government is putting in every effort to ensure PNG landowners get what they truly deserve, whilst also ensuring investors get a return on their investment.
PM said the government has worked tirelessly on projects like Papua LNG, P’Nyang, Pasca and Wildebeest, as well as on PNG LNG and others over recent years, in ensuring the best for the country.
He highlighted significant meetings in recent months with heads of global leaders in the petroleum sector during various international engagements, setting a solid foundation for the sector for the future.
In the Non-Resource or Renewable Sector, which has seen record consistent growth of more than 4 percent over the past four years, PM Marape stated it is a vital sector for the country, given the Government’s focus on renewable resources and conservation of natural resources for the future generations of the country.
As he received reports from the National Forest Authority and the Climate Change Development Authority, Marape stated that his government will continue to take a strong stand on forest conservation, as well as climate change mitigation efforts.
He highlighted the fact that this is part of acknowledging the vision of the country’s forefathers in ensuring the conservation of the country’s natural resources, as reflected in the National Goals and Directive Principles of the National Constitution.
“When our forefathers drafted the Constitution of this country, conservation of our natural resources and getting the best for our country from our resources was important on their minds. And so, me and my government stand on that.
“That is why I continue to take a strong stand and the world must hear and know that PNG has unique rainforest land, and that the developed nations who have a large carbon footprint must honour their commitments in terms of shutting down fossil fuel energy sources and preserving our forests.
“In fact, our founding father Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare was very passionate about this and so we must be reminded that Articles 5 and 6 of the Paris Agreement are part of his contributions towards addressing climate change issues in the world, given PNG’s status as a rainforest nation,” PM said.
Marape reiterated on him being virtually interviewed live on BBC World News last year (2024) where he spoke on climate change-related issues and explained why PNG was not attending the Conference of the Parties (COP29) Meeting which was at the time held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
He expressed a strong stand for forest conservation, as he clarified PNG’s decision not to be present at COP29, with Marape saying his government will not tolerate empty promises and inaction at COP anymore, while people in PNG and the smaller Pacific Island nations continue to suffer the devastating consequences of climate change.
“We’ve been talking a lot about climate change-related issues. There’s no commitment on the table, especially by those who hold the biggest carbon footprint. Those who hold the biggest carbon footprint whether they are nations or industries, there is no serious commitment towards shutting down fossil fuel energy sources and preserving our forests,” he said.
PM Marape also reminded PNG’s Forestry and Climate Change Sectors on his statement during the BBC interview that PNG is willing to attend COP30, which will be hosted in Brazil (a rainforest nation like PNG) this year (2025), where he hopes that climate change-related conversations for forest conservation, shutting down of fossil fuel energy sources and related topics will be seriously taken and due diligence given and appropriate action taken.
The meetings at Melanesian Haus were part of PM Marape and his Government’s continued efforts to continue strengthen Government Departments and Agencies in various Sectors of the country and to ensure key deliverables and outcomes are achieved accordingly and on a timely basis.
The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of enabling Government support for these important sectors of the country to ensure key deliverables are successfully undertaken.
“It is my government’s priority that we set the right path for our nation today with the manpower and resources we have.
“I urge all Government Departmental Heads and Agencies to truly play their roles effectively and efficiently. There is no room for complacency and delay in implementation of key deliverables.
“Where government organizational heads cannot perform and deliver as expected, I will not hesitate to remove or make changes accordingly.
“I have a role to play and I have set the vision and pathway for us. And we all must work in one accord to achieve results for a better future for our country.”
