Papua New Guinea National Research Institute (NRI)

In Papua New Guinea (PNG), the full economic potential of land is not being realised because majority of the land is customarily owned and difficult to access due to complications surrounding customary land tenure such as ongoing and recurring disputes over boundaries and ownership. Apart from this, customary land titles (leases) are not considered as adequate for security (collateral) for banks to extend credit. This is a barrier to investment, income-earning opportunities, and furthermore, socioeconomic development.

The Department of Personal Management in collaboration with Papua New Guinea National Research Institute hosted the Public Service Housing workshop today at the APEC Haus.

Housing and proper shelter have been a continuing development challenge faced by all Papua New Guineans. Therefore, the workshop aims to gauge the views of relevant stakeholders on understanding the existing issues, identifying key challenges and suggesting options on the way forward to address the lack of housing in the public sector.

This is revealed in the National Research Institute (NRI) Spotlight Volume 16, Issue 6 titled “Public and Private sectors collaboration is needed to promote affordable housing in Papua New Guinea” by Dr. Lindsay Kutan, Senior Research Fellow at PNG NRI.

Dr Kutan highlights issues associated with affordable housing in PNG’s housing market. This includes unpacking the concept of affordability to embrace not only the economic aspect but also its implications on social welfare of households.