Barely a five-minute drive from the 50 million dollars conference venue for the just-concluded Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Papua New Guinea’s capital, a makeshift squatter settlement is tucked away from visiting world leaders, Reuters reports.
The Wanigela settlement in Port Moresby looks out directly over APEC Haus, but might as well be a world away.
With the South Pacific nation’s rainy season looming, Wanigela’s thousands of residents are packed together in overcrowded and dilapidated dwellings with no sanitation and unreliable electricity supplies.
For all the hope and promise the APEC summit would put PNG on the world stage – and attract investment that will translate into jobs and infrastructure – many are questioning how such an international event will benefit their everyday lives.
“The government says APEC is going to improve our lives, but I don’t know, because our politics is not trustworthy,” said Bradley Kalau, 31, who has been unemployed for two years. “We find it very difficult because of a lack of education. It’s hard to find jobs and put bread and butter on the table.”
Close to half of Moresby’s population of around 310,000 live in informal or squatter settlements, according to a 2015 study by the Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility.
The impoverished communities suffer from chronic unemployment and are prone to crime and gang violence, laying bare the socio-economic problems that will persist long after the APEC leaders depart.
Kalau lives in a small wooden stilt-house perched on the rocky shores of Ela Beach, around a kilometer from an upmarket resort that hosted numerous APEC delegations.
He lives under one roof with his wife and 30 other relatives spanning four generations, including siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews.
“The style we are living right now, it can change,” Kalau’s younger cousin Junior Kalau said. “Everything. Us getting jobs. We need our own house.”
PNG, roughly the size of California, has more than 7.3 million people scattered over its mountainous interior and hundreds of small islands.
While rich in minerals, timber, fish and energy resources, most rural people live subsistence lives and annual per capita GDP is around $3,600 a year, according to the IMF.
Moresby’s shanty settlements, some decades-old, are mostly home to migrants from other parts of PNG who move to the capital to escape rural poverty and seek better access to social infrastructure including education and healthcare.
But a severe shortage of jobs and affordable housing has seen settlement populations swell out of control, with multiple families often sharing one roof, mostly pooling incomes from odd jobs and selling produce at street markets.
Many in gainful employment are also forced to live in ramshackle settlement dwellings.
Despite holding down a respectable civil servant’s job with the national postal service, Banian Masiboda said “reasonable housing” remained out of reach.
Masiboda said too many people attracted by the “bright lights” of Port Moresby arrived unprepared.
He said many questioned the wisdom of spending big on APEC when then were more immediate priorities to address at home.
At the meeting, the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Japan did announce a $1.7 billion plan to ensure most of PNG had access to electricity by 2030.
Still, the view among many in the settlements was that APEC catered to the political ambitions of the elite while neglecting the masses. That was only reinforced when security personnel forced their way into parliament to demand unpaid wages, just two days after the summit ended.
“We did not look after own backyard first, but then we boldly stood up and said ‘Yes, we can host APEC’,” Masiboda said.
The forum’s chairman, PNG Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, said in his closing remarks at APEC that the region had to focus on reducing trade barriers to ensure prosperity for all people.
“APEC leaders continue to focus on efforts trying to reduce inequalities,” he told reporters in Port Moresby on Sunday.
In the nearby squatter settlements, communities feel the gap between rich and poor is as great as it’s ever been.
“If we feed our own mouths, there won’t be any crime,” Bradley Kalau said.
“We feel left out. We are rich in our natural resources, but we are beggars in our own country.”
Latest
-
US company eyes Uzbek mining sector for future investments
-
ICJ rules against Armenia’s requests concerning trials in Baku
-
Iran releases currency exchange rates for April 26
-
Uzbekistan looks to skies with French-backed cable car plans
-
Iran’s Amirabad SEZ shines with boost in export performance
-
World Bank reveals total loan amount to Azerbaijan over 30 years
-
EIB backs renewable energy expansion in Poland
-
Kyrgyzstan sets exciting new timeline for Kulanak HPP launch
-
Azerbaijani oil price goes up
-
Azerbaijan rides Belt and Road wave to power up ties with China
-
Azerbaijan's top insurance companies by savings dynamics in 3M2025 revealed
-
President Ilham Aliyev's successful visit to China marks new level in Beijing-Baku relations - Wang Zaibang
-
Iran shows significant increase in revived industrial enterprises
-
Azerbaijan tallies electricity output from household waste in 2024
-
WTO reveals forecasts for GDP growth for CIS countries in 2025–2026
-
TechnipFMC reports lower Q1 2025 revenue in surface technologies
-
Azerbaijan ranks local insurers on payment dynamics for 3M2025
-
Saipem reports steady offshore drilling performance in Q1 2025
-
Kyrgyzstan sees growth in service sector in 1Q2025
-
Azerbaijan ranks local insurance companies for payment volume in 3M2025
-
TechnipFMC’s subsea revenue drops in Q1, yet operating profit climbs
-
Türkiye’s Erdogan expected to visit Azerbaijan
-
Iran ready to mediate in resolving crisis between India and Pakistan - MFA
-
TechnipFMC sees significant adjusted net income growth in Q1 2025
-
German version of historical Azerbaijani movie takes stage in Berlin
-
Earthquake of magnitude 4.3 hits off coast of Türkiye
-
Next trial date for persons accused of many crimes against Azerbaijani people announced
-
Azerbaijan's top insurance companies by savings growth in 3M2025 revealed
-
Victim: Armenian army was shelling residential areas, attacking villages, killing people, taking people prisoner and torturing them - TRIAL (PHOTO)
-
Azerbaijan Railways, OSCE explore cooperation in transport and logistics
-
Azerbaijan's insurance market sees major growth in 1Q2025
-
President Ilham Aliyev’s visit to China signals new stage in bilateral ties - political analyst
-
Dust of empires, tracks to the future: the great game reloaded
-
Kazakhstan's KMF receives EBRD loan to promote women-led MSMEs
-
Azerbaijan highlights interest in OSCE cooperation on mine clearance in liberated
-
Azerbaijani parliamentary delegation leaves for Italy to attend Pope Francis' funeral (PHOTO)
-
AZAL launches direct flights from Baku to Ahmedabad, India
-
Greece boosts Russian gas purchases in Feb. 2025 as EU imports surge
-
OSCE praises Azerbaijan's leadership in climate agenda - SecGen
-
OSCE stands ready to engage in demining work in Azerbaijani and Armenian border territories - SecGen
-
Azerbaijan's Baku Port, OSCE discuss cooperation on green project
-
Azerbaijani MPs set to participate in NATO PA seminar in Türkiye's Antalya
-
OSCE reaffirms its commitment to strengthen partnership with Azerbaijan - SecGen
-
I highly appreciate agreement on text of draft peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia - OSCE's SecGen
-
Azerbaijan Investment Holding hosts supervisory board meeting (PHOTO)
-
Azerbaijan, OSCE debate work on reconstruction in liberated territories - MFA
-
Minsk group structures no longer serve any purpose - FM
-
Dev't of logistics corridors via Azerbaijan supports trade growth with Asia - AGB Energy Group
-
Uzbekistan needs political and economic solutions for access to sea - PanAsia Group
-
Azerbaijan, OSCE discuss post-conflict situation in South Caucasus - FM
-
Afghanistan loses premium market status for Russian oil products - expert
-
Azerbaijan to celebrate 150th anniversary of national press - decree
-
Azerbaijan empowers Intellectual Property Agency with new authority - decree
-
Azerbaijan appoints national coordinator for UN World Urban Forum's 13th session - decree
-
Saipem’s revenue in Energy Carriers sector up in Q1 2025
-
People and weapons were transported from Armenia to Karabakh - victim (PHOTO)
-
Azerbaijan, UAE set to supercharge green energy co-op (PHOTO)
-
Russian foreign intelligence chief meets Syrian special services rep in Azerbaijan's Baku
-
Azerbaijan, OSCE discuss status and prospects of cooperation
-
Saipem marks strong growth in asset-based services in Q1 2025
-
Azercosmos stands ready to provide GEO/LEO satellite services across region - official
-
Russia, Iran boost strategic relations with multi-billion dollar deals
-
Technical fuel differences complicate exports to European market - Azerbaijani SGS expert
-
Saipem reports increase in Q1 2025 revenues
-
Azercosmos, Supernet charting path for possible joint ventures
-
Presentation of the book “Əlifba. A Cultural Alphabet” held in Rabat (PHOTO)
-
Baku demands accountability for anti-Azerbaijani acts in Armenia and France
-
China set to dominate global acrylonitrile production over next 5 years
-
Territory of today's Armenia used to be named Azerbaijan for centuries - Youtube channel VMedia
-
Central Bank of Azerbaijan holds presentation on draw-up of issue prospectuses
-
South Caucasus is one of key regions on OSCE agenda - secretary general
-
The time has long come to abolish the OSCE Minsk Group and all institutions related to it - President Ilham Aliyev
-
Central Bank of Azerbaijan revokes license of Premier Credit Bank
-
Azerbaijan invites private sector reps to boost their business growth initiatives
-
Oil market volatility hits record high levels - Viento's director
-
Azerbaijan, Latvia boost permits for int'l freight transport
-
Swiss SkyCues company plots to further expand its activities in Azerbaijan
-
German companies can offer technical know-how and investment models to support Azerbaijan’s clean energy transition
-
EBRD funds renewable energy and inclusive business in Kazakhstan
-
Yelo Bank accelerates customer service with SIMA Signature
-
Azerbaijan is reliable partner in ensuring Europe's energy security - Kaja Kallas
-
Azerbaijan and the European Union have significant opportunities for cooperation in the field of renewable energy - President Ilham Aliyev
-
EU constitutes major trade partner for Azerbaijan - FM
-
We expect Armenian and French authorities to react to burning of Azerbaijani and Turkish flags - FM
-
EU, Azerbaijan agree to resume negotiations on new partnership and co-op agreement
-
Azerbaijan’s third international airport in liberated territories set to open soon - FM
-
EU supports Azerbaijani and Armenian efforts to achieve sustainable peace - Kaja Kallas
-
EU welcomes humanitarian support from Azerbaijan to Ukraine - representative
-
Azerbaijan greets EU High Representative’s return after years away - FM
-
Azerbaijan-EU cooperation in demining needs to be expanded - FM
-
President Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva visit Church of Immaculate Conception of Blessed Virgin Mary in Baku, offer condolences over death of Pope Francis (PHOTO/VIDEO)
-
Azerbaijan expects Armenia's concrete steps on points of peace treaty text - FM
-
Future holds potential for more productive EU-Azerbaijan partnership - FM
-
Turkmenistan, Pakistan carving out fresh paths for energy collaboration
-
We aim to develop joint satellite system of Turkish states - Kazakhstani project director
-
Practical work starts on basis of Azerbaijani-Chinese deals - AZPROMO (Exclusive)
-
Azerbaijani FM holds expanded meeting with Kaja Kallas (PHOTO)
-
Turkish astronaut wishes Azerbaijan to participate in upcoming microgravity research
-
Uzbekistan's traditional fuel consumption to keep rising in coming years - PanAsia Group
-
Uzbekistan curbs fuel oil imports, betting on environmentally friendly fuel - PanAsia Group
-
Global diesel shortage becomes real threat - REDBRIDGE Energy
-
Georgia's ex-PM Irakli Garibashvili set to terminate his political career
-
Uzbekistan, Malaysia discuss launch of direct flights and tourism cooperation
-
Energo Trade predicts Georgia's boosted market rivalry via new oil refinery's construction
-
Azerbaijan rolling out Mugham TV Contest
-
Azerbaijan multiplies value added in non-oil and gas industry over recent years
-
Bulgaria's poverty and deprivation rates highlight ongoing economic challenges
-
Export of Russian petroleum products to Central Asia remains at high level - Energo Trade
-
Azerbaijan spotlights number of private entrepreneurs
-
President Ilham Aliyev receives OSCE SecGen (PHOTO/VIDEO)
-
Turkmenistan unveils trade turnover with Malaysia in 2024
-
Azerbaijani, Uzbek MoD representatives exchange views on mutual cooperation in Baku
-
Azerbaijan evaluates investment projects signed with Chinese companies
-
Azerbaijan highlights digital economy among its priorities
-
Uzbekistan, China discuss joint energy projects during Uzatom visit
-
Azerbaijan launches ticket sales for UFC Fight Night
-
Attracting foreign investments to Azerbaijan ranks among crucial tasks - official
-
Azerbaijani official reveals Global South-related strategic plans
-
President Ilham Aliyev receives European Commission VP Kaja Kallas (VIDEO)
-
Baku to host IATA's Aviation Energy Forum for the first time in the Caucasus
-
Azerbaijan's Baku to bring myriad NGOs for Global South Platform
-
Hungarian company gears up to expand space partnerships
-
Conference in Azerbaijan weighs impact of constitution and sovereignty on entrepreneurship (PHOTO)
-
People's Artist compares Azerbaijan's rapid progress to Armenian delusions (PHOTO/VIDEO)
-
Russian and Tajik prime ministers to discuss cooperation
-
Kazakhstan's Caspi Bitum begins output post-modernization
-
Azerbaijani oil price shows elevation
-
Chinese delegation eyes investment in Uzbekistan SEZ
-
FAO set to inaugurate its formal representation in Kyrgyzstan
-
Azerbaijan's Baku stages second day of Space Technology Conference (PHOTO)
-
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi enters Kazakhstan market
-
Azerbaijani currency to world currency rates for April 25
-
U.S. State Department's Erik Jacobs talks on further strengthening energy co-op with Azerbaijan (Exclusive interview)
-
Azerbaijan's State Reserves Agency procures new service vehicles
-
Eni reports Q1 2025 losses in refining and chemicals
-
Azerbaijan boosts agricultural output on most recent data
-
U.S. gas production rises in Mar. 2025 on stronger prices, GECF reports
-
Eni reports drop in refining margins, throughput in Q1 2025
-
European gas output declines for fourth straight month - GECF
-
KOBİA highlights impact of rising POS-terminal fees on retailers
-
Documents related to the shooting down of an Azerbaijani helicopter by Armenian armed forces examined in court (PHOTO)
-
Georgia's Tbilisi honors memory of great leader Heydar Aliyev
-
Azerbaijan slams Canadian foreign minister for bias
-
Plenitude delivers resilient earnings in Q1 2025
-
Trump refrains from using ‘genocide’ term in message on 1915 events
-
Azerbaijan reports no citizens injured in Türkiye earthquake
-
Romania pulling out all stops, doubling its imports from Azerbaijan in 1Q2025
-
Turkish MFA decries misleading claims about 1915 events, upholding historical facts
-
Kazakhstan's Khorgos station hits historic cargo milestone in 1Q2025
-
Victim recounts day of Shusha’s occupation: “At that time, bombs fell like rain”
-
Plenitude's renewable output rises, electricity sales up in Q1 2025
-
Iran's non-oil exports to Kazakhstan show surge
-
Documents on events preceding Shusha occupation examined at Baku Military Court (PHOTO)
-
Enilive sees drop in Q1 EBIT as biofuel margins tighten
-
Azerbaijan's ASCO holds seminar organized by American Bureau of Shipping (PHOTO)
-
Azerbaijan's finance ministry holds deposit auction on treasury balance
-
Azerbaijan reveals number of commercial entities conducting tax transactions
-
Eni reports strong Q1 2025 production growth in Kazakhstan
-
Kazakhstan's Turkestan region expands industrial powerhouse with exciting new projects
-
Azerbaijan's military to engage in 'KURTARAN-2025' exercise