Port Moresby - Capital city of an independent Papua New Guinea

Welcome to Port Moresby (POM), Papua New Guinea's capital city


(Steve Sims' pic tells it all in the faces of these beautiful ladies that Port Moresby is not one of the worst cities to live as reported. It is a city of friendly people who come from all over PNG to put a smile on your face. So, welcome to POM CITY!)

In September 1975, Port Moresby became capital city of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea. New government buildings were constructed at Waigani to house government departments, including a spectacular National Parliament Building, which opened in 1984 and blends traditional design with modern building technology. The PNG National Museum and National Library are also located at Waigani.

(A beautiful sunset in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea's capital city - pic by Steve Sims)

Unfortunately, several of these government buildings have now been abandoned due to long-term neglect. Chief amongst these are Marea Haus (known to most locals as the "Pineapple Building") and the Central Government Offices. Nearby buildings such as Morauta Haus and Vulupindi Haus are now starting to show significant signs of decay due to a lack of maintenance, including crumbling fire stairs, grimy restrooms and elevators that are always out of service.

Modern Port Moresby, is rapidly changing to suit the 21st century - Fairfax harbor looking toward the freeway - pic by Steve Sims)

The population of the Port Moresby area has expanded rapidly since independence. In 1980 the census registered 120,000; by 1990, this had increased to 195,000.
The city is often covered by a smoke haze that is created by the numerous small fires lit beside the road or in the bush by its inhabitants. These are left to burn out without intervention by the local fire department.

(A modern Port Moresby looking down from Burns Peak - pic by Steve Sims)

In 2004, Port Moresby was ranked the worst capital city in the world to live in the Economist Intelligence Unit's ranking of 130 of the world's capital cities . High levels of rape, robbery and murder and large areas of the city controlled by gangs of thugs, known locally as "rascals", were cited. According to a 2004 article in the Guardian newspaper, unemployment rates are estimated to be between 60 and 90% and murder rates three times that of Moscow and 23 times the rate in London.

*** If we, the people of Papua New Guinea learn to respect the laws of our country, our neighbors, and foreigners alike, I believe from the bottom of my heart that we can change the image of our capital city (POM) and ultimately major cities around our nation. But first, let's change our attitudes toward respecting a fellow human being regardless of their race, gender, ethnicity, and status. If we have RESPECT from the bottom of our hearts, then POM city will become a peaceful place to live, enjoy life, do business, meet friends, and enjoy leisure time with our families and ultimately, we will no longer live in fear on our own land.