– Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has underlined his government’s commitment to Infrastructure Development Grants (IDG), ensuring that mining and resource-hosting communities receive essential funding for infrastructure development in preparation for major resource projects.
Addressing Parliament today in response to Vice-Minister for Mining and Bulolo MP Hon. Sam Basil, on IDG, the Prime Minister emphasised that IDG funding is crucial to support key infrastructure such as roads, power supply, schools, and health facilities in communities that will host major mining developments, including Wafi-Golpu.
“Infrastructure Development Grants are designed to ensure that project areas and their surrounding districts are prepared for the impact of major resource developments. These funds must be used solely for infrastructure projects and nothing else,” Prime Minister Marape stated.
Since the introduction of IDG funding for Morobe Province, the government has allocated K100 million annually for infrastructure development in the project area. While the full amount may not always be remitted each year due to budget constraints, the Prime Minister confirmed that over K100 million has already been transferred to support infrastructure projects in Morobe.
“These funds are intended to improve access roads to the Wafi-Golpu project site, establish essential services, and enhance local economic activity before the actual mine construction begins,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape acknowledged concerns regarding the disbursement and utilisation of these funds, stating that the government will conduct a reconciliation of all IDG payments made to the Morobe Provincial Government.
The Prime Minister called on Morobe leaders, including Vice Minister Basil, and other provincial representatives, to work closely with the National Planning and Mining departments to ensure that IDG funds are transparently allocated and spent on critical infrastructure projects.
“I want to ask the Morobe Provincial Government to sit with me, the Planning and Mining departments, and all relevant stakeholders to reconcile exactly how much funding has been transferred and ensure that these funds are used for their intended purpose,” he said.
The Prime Minister outlined the priority areas where IDG funding should be directed, including:
• Upgrading access roads to the Wafi-Golpu project site
• Extending power supply to the mining areas
• Developing schools and health facilities in project-affected communities
• Supporting local businesses to prepare for participation in the mine’s construction and operational phases
“This government is already investing in the future of Wafi-Golpu and ensuring that the landowners and Morobe Province are ready to participate in the economic benefits of this project,” he emphasised.
Prime Minister Marape confirmed that an additional K100 million has been allocated in the 2025 budget to continue supporting infrastructure development in the Wafi-Golpu area.
The Community Benefit Agreement (CBA), which will be finalised once negotiations on Wafi-Golpu are concluded, will provide a clear framework for how IDG funds will be distributed and utilised. He called on all Morobe leaders to unite and collaborate to ensure IDG funds directly benefit landowners and project-affected communities.