PNG has nothing to show after K156 billion spent since Marape took office, Nomane claims

Papua New Guinea Opposition Leader James Nomane has raised serious concerns over what he describes as massive public spending with little tangible development to show for it since Prime Minister James Marape took office.

Mr Nomane said citizens across PNG continue to face worsening living conditions despite what he claims is K156 billion in government expenditure over the past seven years, arguing that essential services have not improved in line with the spending.

He questioned the handling of national funds, alleging that a significant portion of the money remains unaccounted for. “Where is this K156 billion?!” he said, further claiming that the Prime Minister himself had acknowledged K56 billion was unaccounted for.

According to him, the country’s debt position has deteriorated sharply over the same period, rising from K33.7 billion in 2019 to K66.2 billion under the current administration.

Mr Nomane said debt servicing alone is now placing heavy pressure on the national budget, stating that K3.5 billion was used to pay interest in 2025, money he argued could have supported health, education, and law and order.

He also pointed to the state of the health system, highlighting scenes at Fairfax Harbour in Port Moresby where citizens have reportedly been seeking treatment aboard a visiting foreign medical ship. “After K156 billion and still no world-class hospital,” he said.

On the rising cost of living, Mr Nomane called on the Government to immediately remove taxes on fuel imports, arguing that such measures would provide faster relief to households than additional budget allocations requiring parliamentary approval.

He further criticised the country’s economic structure, saying PNG remains heavily import-dependent with weak domestic production and limited export growth despite years of high expenditure.

“One hundred and fifty-six billion kina spent since 2019. National debt has doubled, and Papua New Guinea is going backwards,” he said.

“Our people are still worse off, looking for solutions on foreign ships docked on our shores. This is a crying shame,” Mr Nomane added.