PNG PM Marape Announces Major Housing Push, Targets Settlements

Eliminating unplanned settlements in Papua New Guinea has been placed firmly on the Government’s agenda, with Prime Minister James Marape outlining a new urban reform strategy.

Central to the plan is the establishment of an Urbanisation Office, which will coordinate housing, land access and city planning reforms throughout PNG.

 PNG PM Marape Announces Major Housing Push, Targets Settlements

Mr Marape said the country must confront its land challenges directly, noting that inefficient systems have contributed to the rapid growth of informal settlements.

He said stronger coordination between national and provincial governments would be required to unlock land for proper development and reduce overcrowding in urban areas.

The Government is also considering voluntary resettlement arrangements for residents struggling to sustain livelihoods in towns, with support from provincial authorities.

In Port Moresby, land identified in the northeast corridor will be developed into new residential areas, delivering thousands of allotments to meet growing demand.

The Prime Minister said the initiative aims to create organised communities with proper services, moving away from unplanned settlement patterns.

“Our goal is to eliminate unplanned settlements by 2030, or no later than 2035, and replace them with organised, serviced communities where our people can live with dignity,” he said.

“Government cannot ignore the land issue any longer. This is one of the most critical development challenges we face, and we are taking decisive action to fix it.”