Jiwaka commits K4m to executive housing project

An aerial view of the housing project under construction in Minj (Image: NBC News: John Wena Dilu)

The Jiwaka Provincial Government has moved to address the chronic shortage of institutional housing for senior bureaucrats by committing K4 million towards a new executive housing scheme in the province.

The project, funded through the Provincial Services Improvement Program [PSIP] grants, involves the construction of 13 high-covenant houses tailored for the province’s top-tier public servants and heads of national agencies.

Jiwaka Provincial Administrator Rick Kogen told NBC News that the initiative, spearheaded by Governor Simon Kaiwi, is a strategic move to attract and retain high-performing technical staff in the young province.

Currently, 10 of the three-bedroom executive design homes, procured from PNG Forest Products, are under construction at Minj. The site is strategically located near the proposed location for the new Provincial Government headquarters.

Kogen confirmed that these residences are earmarked for top management within the administration and heads of essential national functions, including the Internal Revenue Commission [IRC], Department of Works, Motor Vehicle Insurance Ltd [MVIL], Provincial Police Command [PPC] and National Court Registry and State Solicitor’s Office.

"The objective is to create a conducive working environment. To serve the people of Jiwaka effectively, our senior officers must have stable residency within the province," Kogen said.

The housing rollout is not limited to the provincial capital. Materials for three additional executive kits are currently staged in Minj, awaiting ground preparation for the North Waghi District.

These units are specifically designated for the North Waghi District Administrator, the LLG Manager, and the District Education Officer.

The Administrator said this housing scheme is a continuation of the provincial government’s commitment to institutional reform, following similar successful projects for the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary [RPNGC] in the province.

By investing in specialized housing, the Jiwaka government aims to move away from a commuter administrations towards a fully localized and present provincial workforce.