Talasea District Development Authority

Member’s Address by Hon. Freddie Reu Kumai, MP

Member for Talasea Open | Chairman, Talasea District Development Authority

Fellow people of Talasea—Bali, Vitu, and our mainland communities—good day to you all.

Talasea is one of Papua New Guinea’s newest electorates, but our ambition is not new: we want safe communities, quality services, honest administration, and opportunities for every family. Since being elected to the 11th Parliament in 2022, I have focused on building strong foundations—planning, accountability, and delivery—so that our district’s development is steady, transparent, and felt by our people. parliament.gov.pgddawatch.org

Programs - Goals - Vision - Plan

We launched a five-year Integrated District Development Plan (2022–2027) to guide investments across roads and transport, education, health, law and order, small business, and community development. This plan is our compass, aligning limited resources to the greatest impact and providing a standard against which you can measure us. I have tabled mid-term project reports and acquittals to national leaders and to you, the people, because service delivery must be matched by transparent reporting. ddawatch.org+1pmnec.gov.pg

In Parliament, I also accepted a wider national responsibility as Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, which underscores my commitment to accountable use of public funds—both in Talasea and across PNG. Good governance is not optional; it is the bedrock of development. Post Courier

Development can only take root where communities are safe. From day one I set law and order as a priority, working with provincial authorities and police to respond to urban and rural challenges. We will not tolerate vandalism of public assets—whether it is power lines or community facilities—because these services belong to all of us. Our approach is prevention, partnership, and swift enforcement. thenational.com.pgPost Courier

We have also raised tough issues on the national stage—from organ and tissue transplant policy to gender-based violence—because protecting life and dignity is fundamental. Our district’s voice will be clear, constructive, and persistent on matters of human security. Facebook+1

Talasea’s future depends on stewarding our land and natural resources with integrity. We are working with provincial leaders to crack down on land fraud and ensure resource owners understand their rights—whether under Incorporated Land Groups or other lawful arrangements. Development must respect customary ownership and deliver fair, transparent benefits. Post Courier

We continue to support schools with practical assets and infrastructure—from vehicles that keep learning accessible to staff housing that attracts and retains teachers. On health, we partner with church and community providers to extend services and tackle frontline challenges. These are long-term investments in our people’s capabilities and well-being. Facebook+1catholichealthpng.org

A district moves when its people and goods can move. We’ve backed maritime access for our island communities with the commissioning of MV Talasea to better serve Bali and Vitu, while continuing to improve feeder links that connect farmers and families to markets and essential services. Our economic agenda is simple: enable small enterprises, support agriculture and fisheries, and open safe, reliable routes to opportunity. ddawatch.org

Development is also about who we are. We are investing in youth programs and cultural initiatives—like reviving our stringband traditions—as a source of pride, unity, and positive pathways for young people. Strong culture builds strong communities. Post Courier

  1. Finish What We Start: Complete priority projects under the 2022–2027 Plan and keep publishing clear, comprehensible progress reports and acquittals. ddawatch.org+1

  2. Safer Communities: Strengthen community policing, protect critical infrastructure, and expand programs that prevent violence—especially against women and children. thenational.com.pgPost Courier

  3. Services That Reach Everyone: Continue investments in classrooms, staff housing, school logistics, and frontline health outreach, in partnership with churches and community groups. Facebook+1catholichealthpng.org

  4. Fair Land and Resource Governance: Work with provincial and national agencies to uphold customary rights, curb land fraud, and ensure transparent benefit flows. Post Courier

  5. Connectivity for Growth: Maintain transport links—including maritime services for our islands—and support local enterprise to turn access into income. ddawatch.org

  6. Accountable Leadership: Uphold high standards through the DDA and, nationally, through the Public Accounts Committee—because every kina must work for our people. Post Courier

My message is simple: Talasea will be known for delivery and integrity. We will keep reporting to you, listening to you, and adjusting our efforts to where needs are greatest. With faith, discipline, and unity, we will turn plans into practical change—village by village, school by school, family by family.

God bless Talasea. God bless West New Britain. God bless Papua New Guinea.

DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

Talasea District Hospital​

The new Talasea District Hospital in West New Britain Province is currently under construction at the Bola Health CentreThe project is underway, with the contractor, Pacific Development Contractors, already on site and machinery moved in. The hospital is planned as a level 4 facility and is a significant development for the district. (Click image to view media archives)

Education Sector Programs

Hon. Freddie Reu Kumai has led a major upgrade of Talasea’s schools, delivering new classrooms, teacher housing, water systems, and transport support. Funded through DSIP and partnerships, the program is creating better learning spaces and resources for students across the district.

Community Transport Improvement

Under Hon. Freddie Reu Kumai, Talasea has improved transport links with new school trucks, maritime services for island communities, and road upgrades. These investments aim to connect villages, support education, and boost local economic activity.

50th Independence Celebration Preparation