Marape: K56 Billion spent, but where are the results?
Prime Minister James Marape has revealed that more than K56 billion has been spent by the Government over the past six years and has called on all public servants and leaders to show results for the money used.
Speaking at the launch of the Reset PNG@50 plan at the University of Papua New Guinea today, Mr Marape said the funds were released to provinces, districts, departments, health authorities, and schools since 2019.
“In the last six years under my watch, we have released K56 billion to provinces, districts, departments, PHAs, and tertiary institutions. That is not a small sum. Every leader, administrator, and public servant must ask: what have we done with it?” he said.
The Prime Minister said the money was meant to help improve schools, hospitals, roads, and services, but the country is still not seeing enough results.
“The money is being released, but are we seeing improvement in schools, hospitals, and roads?” he asked.
Mr Marape said reviews have found that many government agencies have failed to report how they spent their funds. He gave an example of a senior official whose contract he refused to renew because the person did not provide spending reports for five years.
“He was a friend, but he had failed to report how public funds were used for over five years. Friendship cannot override accountability,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the Government will now tighten monitoring and reporting systems through the new National Monitoring and Coordination Authority, which will track all projects and spending.
“The time of writing cheques without seeing results is over. This new authority will check where the money goes, what it delivers, and whether it benefits the people,” he said.
Mr Marape reminded leaders that their positions are a responsibility, not an entitlement, and urged them to always follow the law.
“If a minister or superior asks you to do something against the law, stand for what is right. The country’s laws come first, not politics, not personalities,” he said.
He warned that anyone found misusing public money will be dealt with under the government’s anti-corruption laws.
With the latest census showing PNG’s population has passed 10 million, the Prime Minister said every kina must count.
“With over 10 million citizens to serve, every kina matters. The K56 billion we’ve spent must translate into better services, not lost in bureaucracy, corruption, or inefficiency,” he said.
Mr Marape said the Reset PNG@50 plan will help guide the country to improve planning, financial discipline, and delivery of services.
He urged public servants to work with honesty and purpose.
“Policies and plans are good, but without delivery, they are wasted effort. This is not just about money, it’s about conscience. Let us reset our hearts, our systems, and our commitment to the people,” Mr Marape said.