On behalf of the Board, Management and staff of the National Capital District Commission, and under the leadership of the Governor of the National Capital District, Hon. Powes Parkop, I extend warm greetings to the residents of Port Moresby and to all Papua New Guineans as we commemorate our nation’s 51st Independence Anniversary.

As the national capital, Port Moresby holds an important place in Papua New Guinea’s journey as an independent nation. It is the centre of government, commerce and international engagement, and it is home to people from every province of our country.

The 51st anniversary of Independence provides an opportunity to reflect on our progress as a nation, acknowledge the challenges we continue to face, and renew our commitment to building a stronger and more sustainable future.

Independence is not only a commemoration of the events of 16 September 1975. It also carries an ongoing responsibility to protect the institutions, communities and values upon which our nation has been built.

For NCDC, this responsibility is reflected in the way we manage and develop our capital city.

As the municipal authority, our mandate is clear: to work towards a capital city that is clean, healthy, safe and planned, supported by effective services, responsible development and accountable administration.

Following the historic 50th Independence Anniversary, our attention now turns to the next chapter of our national development.

The National Government’s ResetPNG@50 initiative provided an important opportunity to review our experiences over the past five decades, recognise areas of progress and identify where improvements and reforms are required.

As we enter our 51st year of nationhood, the focus must now move from reflection to implementation.

Within NCDC, this means continuing to strengthen our systems, improve service delivery and build a professional and responsive organisational culture.

It means improving the efficiency of our approvals and regulatory processes, maintaining cleaner public spaces, improving the management and safety of our markets and communities, strengthening accountability, and ensuring that the services entrusted to NCDC are delivered effectively.

A reset in our approach must also extend beyond the Commission.

A well-managed city requires the cooperation of residents, businesses, churches, community organisations, government agencies and development partners.

Cleanliness begins with how we manage our homes, businesses and public spaces. Safety is strengthened when communities work together and respect one another. Orderly development depends on compliance with laws, regulations and planning requirements.

NCDC will continue to perform its responsibilities, but the successful development of Port Moresby requires shared ownership of our city.

As we commemorate 51 years of Independence, we also acknowledge the traditional landowners and indigenous people of the land on which our capital city is established, the Motu Koitabu people.

NCDC remains committed to supporting the preservation and promotion of Motu Koitabu culture and traditions, including through our annual support for the Hiri Moale Festival.

As the municipal authority for the nation’s capital, NCDC is also facilitating and supporting a number of Independence activities across Port Moresby.

I encourage residents and families to participate responsibly in these celebrations and to commemorate our national anniversary in a spirit of unity, respect, pride and peace.

As we celebrate 51 years of Independence, let us also recognise that the quality of our capital city is a shared responsibility.

NCDC remains committed to strengthening its performance, improving municipal services and working with all sectors of our community to build a capital city worthy of our nation and future generations.

On behalf of the Board, Management and staff of the National Capital District Commission, I wish everyone a safe and peaceful 51st Independence Anniversary.

May God bless Port Moresby and may God bless Papua New Guinea.

MR. RAVU FRANK

CITY MANAGER

NATIONAL CAPITAL DISTRICT COMMISSION