North Fly MP questions Marape on city’s cleanliness, lease buildings

Prime Minister James Marape was asked today during the second parliament session to provide update on what immediate measures the Government is taking to clean Port Moresby city and to fund an immediate upgrade of the public spaces.

North Fly MP, James Donald directed his two questions to the country's prime Minister regarding relocation of the Prime Minister and NEC office.

"I note that the office of the Prime Minister and the NEC Council have vacated the rent-free Sir Manasupe Haus and have now relocated to a new privately owned building," he said.

Mr Donad requested why this move was made and what the annual rental cost of the new building is.

The Nort Fly MP also asked assurance from the Prime Minister if the National Security of the country is not comproised by renting other property.

Prime Minister James Marape responded to MP Donald that the annual lease requirement of state to pay to private proprietors amounts to over K450 million every year. Since taking office, PM has initiated a policy called Build, Operate, Lease, Transfer.

"We will lease, pay in and in time, state will own the buildings that are leased," PM Marape said. "We had a recent right in the doors of our Parliament."

PM Marape said there was a recent city-type building in the doors of parliament and instead of having a Parliament that is accessed only by those designated and others for work, there would be a commercial station right in the face of Parliament and Courthouse and in this case, the Office Allocation Committee decided to lease the entire nine-floor building.

"The Prime Minister's Office Department has taken full possession of the entire building to make sure security and every other aspect of keeping our Department of National Interest safe, the Department has taken control under this lease and payout arrangement." PM said.

Marape commended NCD Governor Powes Parkop for a wonderful job in keeping the city clean.

"With the NRL coming on board in 2028, we want to present what must be a livable, a better city so that we all can be proud of and let's all assist in the process." Marape said.