Marape sets 90-day deadline for new national housing policy

Prime Minister James Marape has issued a strict three-month ultimatum to the reappointed Housing and Urbanization Minister, Dr Kobby Bomareo, to deliver a comprehensive National Housing Policy and an actionable work program.

The directive, announced following the Minister’s swearing-in, mandates that a clear roadmap for land and housing accessibility be presented to the public by April 2026. The move is part of a final push by the Marape-Rosso administration to fulfill its 2019 "Take Back PNG" housing promises before the 2027 General Elections.

The Prime Minister said the upcoming policy must prioritize formal-sector employees in both the public and private sectors.

"Minister Kobby Bomareo receives his own portfolio with specific instructions: he must deliver a clear housing policy and program within the first three months," Marape said.

"Since 2019, it has been our intention to make land and housing programs available and accessible for every Papua New Guinean. This work program must show our people exactly how they can secure a home."

The policy is expected to align with the 2026 National Budget, which recently introduced significant relief measures for first-time homebuyers.

Dr Bomareo returns to a ministry currently undergoing a massive structural shift. The National Housing Corporation [NHC] is presently reviewing the 30-year-old NHC Act of 1990.

Under the proposed reforms, the NHC aims to transition from a mere developer into a regulatory authority capable of controlling the volatile rental market and managing the informal real estate industry.

Managing Director of the NHC, Abel Tol, recently said the corporation is targeting the rehabilitation of prime properties in Port Moresby and other centres, alongside the ongoing Durand Farm housing project, which aims to deliver 500 units.

The reappointment of Dr Bomareo, the Member for Tewae-Siassi, marks his return to the Cabinet following a brief hiatus.

Bomareo had previously resigned to contest the Morobe Governor’s seat, left vacant by the late Luther Wenge, but was unsuccessful in that bid.

His return to the Housing portfolio is seen as a strategic move to provide continuity to a department that has faced criticism for slow implementation.

With the 90-day clock ticking, the Minister faces the dual challenge of fixing a chronic housing shortage and stabilizing a real estate market where prices in Port Moresby and Lae continue to outpace average wages.