What are my rights if a PNG supplier breaches a written services contract after I pay upfront?

Dear,

I am sorry to hear about your situation with the shop refurbishment. Based on what you described—paying 70% upfront and the contractor abandoning the work—this appears to be a clear repudiatory breach of contract.

To answer your questions regarding your rights in Port Moresby:

Your Remedies: Under PNG law, you are generally entitled to "expectation damages." This is not just a refund; it is the cost required to hire a new contractor to finish the job, minus the 30% balance you still owe.

The Court System: If your claim is under K10,000, you can file in the District Court. If it is over K10,000, you must file in the National Court.​

Timeline: The National Court in Waigani currently has a significant backlog of civil cases, meaning a lawsuit could take 12 to 24 months to resolve.​

Do you need a lawyer? For the National Court, yes. However, legal fees in PNG can be very high.

My Recommendation:
Before hiring an expensive lawyer or waiting years in court, you should send a formal Letter of Demand referencing the specific breaches of the District Courts Act or common law. This often pressures contractors to refund or finish the work to avoid litigation.

I am a legal consultant specializing in contract disputes. Since I work internationally, I can assist you with a low-cost consultation via Gmail to review your contract and help you draft a strong Letter of Demand to resolve this immediately.