Parkop says Kumul Haus will transform Port Moresby waterfront

National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop says the Kumul Haus development marks another important step in transforming the nation’s capital and unlocking the potential of the city’s waterfront.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony today, Governor Parkop said Kumul Haus is part of the wider Portside Gardens development and will help attract further investment into the city.

He said the project represents years of work and planning by stakeholders.

“It’s been a long time. We have gone through so many challenges, but arriving here at last is a great moment for us to mark this very important occasion,” Governor Parkop said.

He said the waterfront site is a key landmark and future developments must reflect the image of the capital city and the country.

“It is a very important landmark of our city and our country, and whatever we do here must really be outstanding,” he said.

Governor Parkop said the National Capital District Commission has taken a strong position to ensure the development is of high standard.

“It should be a landmark that defines KCH, all the state-owned enterprises, but importantly our city and our country,” he said.

He said he is now looking forward to final approval of the project plans so construction can begin.

“I am really looking forward to the final plans and to approve those plans so that work can start sooner rather than later,” he said.

Governor Parkop also used the occasion to promote Port Moresby as an investment destination, highlighting its natural environment and cultural diversity.

“Which city in the world has this type of harbour? Our harbour is outstanding and unique,” he said.

He also pointed to the city’s landscape and people.

“We have these rolling mountains, we have our indigenous people, the Motu-Koitabu, who are very resilient and welcoming people,” he said.

Governor Parkop said Port Moresby’s cultural diversity is one of its strongest assets.

“We have thousands of tribes, cultures, traditions, songs and dances all in one city. We are privileged,” he said.

He said Port Moresby continues to record strong development activity, including housing, infrastructure and commercial projects worth billions of kina in recent years.

According to figures from the National Capital District Commission, housing approvals between 2019 and 2026 totalled over K2.6 billion, while infrastructure projects accounted for K1.36 billion and economic activity projects K1.17 billion.

Governor Parkop said the city contributes about 30 percent of Papua New Guinea’s Gross Domestic Product and remains the country’s main gateway.

He said developments such as Kumul Haus and the Portside Gardens precinct will help drive future growth.

“Kumul Haus to Portside Gardens is a journey of transformation for our city,” he said.

He congratulated Kumul Consolidated Holdings, State-Owned Enterprises Minister William Duma, and all stakeholders involved in the project, describing the groundbreaking as a major milestone for both the city and the country.