For three decades, the promise of a Central City at Bautama has been little more than a series of groundbreaking ceremonies and stalled dreams. But yesterday, the dust finally began to rise in earnest.
Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Lands and Physical Planning, John Rosso, joined Central Governor, Rufina Peter at Bautama to move past the rhetoric of the past and launch three tangible projects which are, the Bautama Boom Toll Gate, a new Provincial Market, and a Residential Estate.
For the ordinary grassroots workers of Central Province who have long been guests in Port Moresby, this launch represents more than just infrastructure. It is a push for a home they can actually afford.
While this week’s launch marks a fresh start, the ghosts of past plans linger over the site. Former Governor, Robert Agarobe was a fierce advocate for this decentralization, often arguing that Central Province was a “stolen city” because it lacked its own administrative heart.
Agarobe’s vision was grand, a K2.5 billion city that would house the provincial government, a hospital, and a wharf, finally giving the province its own identity. While leadership has changed, the core mission remains, moving the people of Central out of the shadow of the National Capital District (NCD).
During the keynote, Rosso challenged the modern definition of affordable. He noted that while high-end developments target the wealthy, the backbone of the workforce is being left behind.
“People get confused about what affordable means,” Rosso said.
“There must also be options for low-income earners, which is under K100,000.”
He broke down the harsh reality of urban development, explaining that simply connecting power, water, and roads to a single 450-square-meter block costs a minimum of K100,000.
“Our bus drivers, taxi drivers, waitresses, and workers who cannot afford K700,000 homes should have access to allotments in the K50,000 to K100,000 range. That is where government must heavily subsidize infrastructure programs,” he added.
While the idea of Bautama is old, the additions launched this week are specific steps to make the city functional:
The Boom Toll Gate is designed for internal border security and revenue collection to fund provincial services.
The Central Provincial Market is a space dedicated to and for Central farmers to sell produce without the hassle and struggle of traveling into Port Moresby markets.
Residential Estate is the first phase of a housing project aimed at middle and low-income earners, being built in partnership with private developers like YFIG Builders.
The road to this moment has been long. Records show groundbreakings for a Central City as far back as 1995, 1998, and 2007, with much of the early funding vanishing without a trace.
Governor, Rufina Peter acknowledged this history of missed opportunities but insisted the time for delay is over. With K27 million already expended on these priority works and an estimated K300 million needed for the full city vision, the focus is now on transparency.
Rosso concluded with a plea to the traditional landowners to not sell their futures for a quick Kina.
“We must find solutions… so [landowners] do not lose their land. We need the right mix to support landowners, uphold honest government, and put roofs over our people in the name of development.”
