Prime Minister James Marape has issued a strong call for urgency and accountability in the public service, warning that the nation cannot afford complacency as it works to deliver the Medium-Term Development Plan Four (MTDP4).
Marape told department heads and agency leaders at APEC Haus today that reports on progress must be submitted by March 31 and presented to parliament.
“Your report card is presented to the floor of parliament for people to know what you and me have been doing correctly,” he said.
He stressed that inefficiency and repeating the same mistakes must end.
“We have no time to waste. We must work in haste.”
The Prime Minister highlighted Papua New Guinea’s high pay structure compared to neighboring countries, yet noted productivity remains low.
He urged civil servants to work harder and smarter, declaring: “We have intelligence, but we are devoid of men and women who can work for our country.”
Marape outlined his vision for Papua New Guinea to become a highly developed nation by 2045, with artificial intelligence helping to eliminate inefficiency, complacency, and corruption.
He also emphasized financial accountability, urging agencies to show results even under budget constraints.
“If 10 million was budgeted but only 2 million came, what have you delivered with this 2 million? It’s better than nothing,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Marape reminded public servants that elections may come and go, but governance responsibilities endure.
“Public service lives on. Let’s not let this aspiration die. Let’s work, work, and work for today and for the generations to come.”