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August 2023

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COMMUNICATION SUPPORT

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Satellite phones will be used to improve communications between Buka and communities impacted by Mt. Bagana eruption, strong winds and rain.

Five satellite phones from National Information Communication and Telecommunication Authority or NICTA were given to the Disaster Office in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville as part of continued disaster relief exercise.

Chairman of NICTA Board, Noel Mobiha said this is the first time NICTA has come on board to support government department’s response to disaster.

South Bougainville MP who heads the Information Communication and Technology portfolio, Timothy Masiu said the satellite phones were given by NICTA with support of International Telecommunications Unit (ITU).

Communication Support by NICTA and Starlink

Masiu said the Star Link satellite services will also be deployed pending regulatory processes by NICTA and Digicel PNG will also support by strengthening network coverage at Torokina and South Bougainville

The loaned service will be used for three months on Bougainville and the satellite phones will be returned to NICTA for other emergency response in other parts of the country.

“NICTA is looking at improving communications infrastructure and services to support the Rabaul Volcanological Observatory (RVO) for real time data transmission,” said Masiu.

A team from RVOC was also in Buka last week to assist. The observatory has deployed monitoring devices but need strong communications network for real time relay of information to the RVO Base in Rabaul.

SOE Controller, Esther Usurup thanked NICTA and Mr Masiu for the communication equipment and services that will come as this was urgently needed .

Masiu also announced that a K100,000 funding from his electorate will be given to support the Disaster office specifically for the Emergency Team to continue relief assistance to South Bougainville.

Communication Support

For more stories on the Mt Bagana disaster relief efforts click the links below for our other stories.

Related: SOE Extended

https://insidepng.com/soe-extended/

Bagana Assistance

https://insidepng.com/bagana-assistance/

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News

RAPID POPULATION GROWTH A CONCERN

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Population growth has increased considerably since the last census was conducted, and has placed even greater pressure on the government to deliver essential services.

Labour and Employment Minister Kessy Sawang made this statement last week, when announcing the release of the population estimates for 2021.

She commended the National Statistical Office, UNFPA and the Australian Government for supporting this initiative, saying with the population estimates for 2021 now available, it is time to conduct the population and household census.

“I am pleased that the Minister for Finance and Implementation, Rainbo Paita has confirmed that this will be done next year,” Sawang said.

Labour and Employment Minister Kessy Sawang on Population Growth
Labour and Employment Minister Kessy Sawang

Population data is of vital importance, as it helps the government make budget plans on how and where to spend government funding, to achieve minimum standards of services such as health and education, and infrastructure services.

“This data allows informed consideration of the redrawing of electoral boundaries, assessment of the conduct of the last general elections and even fiscal equalisation grants from national to subnational government,” Sawang added.
However, the Minister was alarmed at the implied average annual rate of population change of 4.9% between 2011, when the last Census was conducted and 2021.

“An average annual population growth of 4.9% places Papua New Guinea amongst the fastest growing population in the world.”
The minister further added that her Ministry has commenced using the population estimates to better understand the labour market and employment.

“Our country has a significant challenge to deal with a rapidly growing young population and that this is now an even greater priority. The implications of the new population growth rate for economic growth are stark it reveals that average income per person, after adjusting for inflation, has been falling since 2016,” Minister Sawang said.

Average income per person outside of the mineral and petroleum sectors has been falling for even longer, since 2012.

Using the 2023 National Budget forward estimates, which are conservative, the outlook is for this to continue over the period up to 2027.

The Labour Minister said if this trend is not reversed we will not meet the targets and aspirations in our development plans and strategic goals leaving people with a poorer quality of life.

“This underscores the need to implement the MTDP IV carefully and in a coherent and robust manner to achieve its goals of moving our economy onto a higher, inclusive and sustainable growth path,” Sawang added.

The minister said this must be a call to action.

“We must urgently reinvigorate and concentrate our efforts to create income and jobs, especially for our young adults and for women. We need to grow our economy outside of the mineral and petroleum sectors as only they can provide the opportunities to absorb the large number of our youths.”

The minster also highlighted the need to support private sector growth, to provide more job opportunities.

“We can do this by lowering the cost of doing business and providing coherent, sensible and stable policies,” Sawang said.

“I will seek stronger coordination with my fellow Ministers to advance appropriate education, training and skills development programs that will prepare our people to enter the formal workforce and that will build national productivity to lift economic growth.”

Recent: https://insidepng.com/appeal-on-lae-kabwum-road-project/

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News

NEC Sidelines Goina as Inquiry Continues

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NEC Sidelines Goina

Chief of PNGDF, Major General, Mark Goina is now suspended and Deputy Commander, Commodore Phillip Polewara is now Acting PNGDF Commander.

Prime Minister James Marape as Chairman of the National Executive Council said the NEC decision will allow the General Board of Inquiry into the killing of two PNGDF members, the wounding of a soldier and a civilian to continue.

Prime Minister James Marape [Supplied Image]

“Therefore to affirm the integrity of the GBOI, and also the dignity of the Commander, NEC took a decision to suspend the Commander under Section 6 (3) (b) of the Defense Act 1974 for three months, or until such time the GBOI delivers its findings,”said Marape.

Goina’s suspenssion today follows a brief report to cabinet by Defense Minister, Win Barki Daki on the shooting death of Leading Seaman, Eric Gwale and Corporal Watata Kutegen on 4th July 2023 at Kupiano.

The two were part of 40 soldiers who underwent training for the Corporal Qualifying Course but were killed on the final exercise.

NEC sidelines Goina
The two soldiers who were killed early last month.
NEC Sidelines Goina

Initial PNGDF investigations into their killings revealed that they were shot by high velocity ammunitions fired from within 40 meters.

Three soldiers were identified and one has confused to firing the live ammunitions because he had it in his possession.

The Terms of Reference for GBOI covers the shooting incident and expands into any contributing factors which may have led to arms contamination in a training situation.

“As a government we owe it to our men and women of the Defense Force, and especially those who died or were wounded and their loved ones, to find out what went wrong, and how do we fix this wrong. We therefore welcome the General Board of Inquiry that was set up by the Defense Minister,” said Marape

The GBOI is a legal process that will run independently and deliver its findings.

The government will pick up on the recommendations from the GBOI and will address all the issues that come out of the findings.

Related: https://insidepng.com/two-pngdf-soldiers-killed-during-training-exercise-in-kupiano/

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Health

Fighting TB

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Story by Tonny Herok

The Heart of Mary Health Centre, situated along the picturesque north coast of Madang province, plays a pivotal role in providing healthcare services to the local population.

Managed under the umbrella of Catholic Health Services, this facility caters to a substantial populace ranging from twenty to thirty thousand residents.

Main Entrance Fighting TB
Back Yard Fighting TB

This coverage extends over certain segments of the Sumkar district, encompassing the geographic span from Rempi to Banab.

At the forefront of healthcare concerns in the area is Tuberculosis (TB), a challenge that the health center grapples with on a daily basis.

Miriam Bagg, an experienced Community Health Worker (CHW), supervises the TB clinic at the health center. With a steadfast commitment spanning 29 years, Bagg has devoted her tenure to tending to the clinic’s needs.

Sister Miriam sheds light on an issue that has become particularly pronounced in recent times. Since 2021, the clinic has been confronted with a notable problem – a surge in the rate of lost follow-up cases.
This predicament unfolds as patients undergoing TB treatment fail to return for their subsequent appointments, with some individuals relocating to different areas altogether.

Attributing this trend to a lack of educational awareness within the community, Sister Bagg underscores the urgency of imparting knowledge about safeguarding oneself from TB and the critical importance of consistent treatment.

She emphasizes that enhancing community understanding can significantly impact patient adherence to treatment regimens.
In a resounding call to action, Sister Bagg appeals to both the Catholic and Provincial Health Authority to intensify their efforts in bridging this gap.

She emphasizes that effective outreach is pivotal to ensuring those afflicted with TB receive the necessary support.
As she succinctly puts it, “People are dying because we are not reaching out for them.”

It is her conviction that a concerted educational campaign, bolstered by the engagement of these health authorities, holds the potential to save lives and curb the spread of TB.

In a region where Heart of Mary Health Center stands as a beacon of hope and care, addressing the challenges posed by TB stands as a crucial objective.

With collaborative efforts and proactive interventions, in fighting TB, the health center envisions a future where TB’s impact is minimized, and the health and well-being of the community are secured.

Heart of Mary Health Centre Fighting TB

Recent: https://insidepng.com/coastal-protection-biodiversity-in-alexishafen/

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Arts & Culture

Fashion for Peace: Creating designs that foster peace

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Fashion for Peace

FASHION FOR PEACE is the theme for the 2023 PNG Fashion and Design Week.

This year, PNGFDW is working in close collaboration with final-year Art and Design students from the University of Papua New Guinea, promoting greater recognition and opportunities for the youth who graduate from this course into the real world.

The announcement was made by founder of PNG Fashion and Design Week Ltd, Janet Sios, who aims to highlight challenges faced by the students and utilize the fashion industry as the bridge to explore raw PNG talent and help build careers in fashion.

“We went through the Student Representative Council (SRC) and hosted a runway for them on the 29th of June at the University and it has opened up our eyes to the potential of the students that they could tap into such an industry.”

Mrs Sios explained that the creative industry is worth more than five billion in the whole world and Papua New Guinea is yet to reach and utilize its full creative potential.

Sios and her team have in the past eight years led awareness and advocacy campaigns for sustainable growth, addressing challenges such as intellectual property, market access, financing for small businesses and the preservation of PNG’s cultural heritage through fashion design.

“The creative arts students need to be aware of what we are doing in the industry, creating a culture creative industry in Papua New Guinea.”

With a vision to develop a thriving and progressive creative economy in Papua New Guinea, Sios explained that the fashion and design space is very much inclusive and not limited to models and fashion designers.

Theme: Fashion for Peace

“This is not just for models and designers only; jewelers, photographers, videographers and makeup artists can also join this sector and earn an honest living.”

“That is why we continue the work that we have started eight years ago, to bring awareness on how we manage ourselves in bringing this industry forward.”

“Fashion For Peace is a very important serious topic for us”

“Our country is going through a lot; our young people are lost.

“We feel that such a platform can be a powerful tool to bring the messages of positivity.”

“We’ve challenged the designers and models to create designs that reflect the various aspects of peace,” explained Sios.

In accordance with the theme, “Fashion for Peace” UPNG Final-Year Student designer, Enoch Nalong named his ‘collection “Oneness in Nature” which exemplifies the serenity of being one with nature bringing forth a sense of peace.

Enoch is the only male out of seven student designers who will showcase their designs alongside other established and emerging designers.

They are:

  1. Anna Amos – AA Tribal
  2. Wandid Amini Korimbo – Wiska/Niugini Native
  3. Elizabeth Omeri – Denani
  4. Kenny Ng – Kenny PNG
  5. Natasha Tamanabae – Baiwa
  6. Dr Jim Kari – Kari Designs
  7. Elizabeth Wong – ELIZZ
  8. Kathryn Turbarat – JeyMal Designs
  9. Esther Sione – Tehine Designs
  10. Janet Sios/Aunty Faye Collaboration (International designer)
  11. Iki Haangana (International designer)

The PNG Fashion and Design Week show will take place on Saturday (August 19) at the Stanly Hotel in Port Moresby.

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News

Appeal on Lae-Kabwum Road Project

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Lae-Kabwung Road Committee

A call has been made to Planning Minister and Finschhafen MP, Renbo Paita, Deputy Prime Minister.and Member for Lae, John Rosso and the Prime Minister, James Marape to attend the launching of the Lae-Kabwum Road Project on the 31st of August 2023.

The call by a committee of Lae-Kabwum Road Project wants to see the road connect five electorates and link up more than two hundred thousand people.

Districts included in this project are Kabwum, Finschhafen, Tewai-Siassi, Nawaeb and Lae Open.

The FISIKA Region has a high quality of agricultural products including coffee, livestock and fresh produce of immense economic value.

Committee Chairman Robert Ayang said the road was supposed to be built years back.

“The link has been missing for 137 years since the first Lutheran missionaries arrival in the country and through Morobe. There is currently no road. The only mode of transport used is air by the third level airline,” said Ayang.

The construction of the Lae, Finschhafen, Sialum and Wasu or the FISIKA road will open doors for major economic developments for Morobe.

A team of engineers from the Morobe Provincial Government are in Kawbum District with GPS machines, funded by the Morobe Provincial Government.

Lae-Kabwum Road Project

Mr. Ayang said, the team covered Burum-Kuwat in Finschaffen District and are now in Kawbum District. Ayang also confirmed that walking is another mode people use, especially from Lae to Indagen in Kabwum and as further to Wasu in Tewai-Siassi District. Mr. Ayang, said the mode of walking has caused a lot of lives due to no road. This includes those that lost their lives when walking from Lae to Indagen in Komba LLG, Kawbwum to attend the 100 Year Anniversary Celebration of the Lutheran Church in 2019.

The committee had already sent invites to the Morobe MPs and the Prime Minister to attend the launching in Indagen, Kabwum District. They’ve called on their Leaders and the Prime Minister to accept the invite and attend the launching. Chairman Ayang said, “In 2019, the Prime Minister, James Marape went to Indagen village to celebrate the 100 Year Anniversary Celebration with the people of Kabwum and made a commitment of K100 million.” Ayang said the PM’s commitment follows an act dramatized by the locals on how people died when walking from Lae to Indagen to celebrate the 100 Year Anniversary Celebration of the Lutheran Church. Ayang said, “To date, nothing has been done concerning the Prime Minister’s commitment, the people of FISIKA Region are still waiting.”

Committee Chairman Robert Ayang on the commitments made by Prime Minister James Marape.

Meanwhile, the Secretary of the Lae-Kabwum Road Project, Sebastian Singery said the office of National Planning has a copy of the Project concept through a submission made by the Provincial Support Improvement Program(PSIP) office in 2021. He said eight districts of Morobe have roads linking to Lae, except for Kabwum and Tewai-Siassi District. Singery called on the MPs and the LLG leaders of the FISIKA Region to unite and work together with the committee for in order to connect the missing link that would benefit the people of FISIKA.

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Environment

Coastal Protection & Biodiversity in Alexishafen

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Alexishafen Mangrove

Story by Constantine Alibob

A determined effort to safeguard their coastal areas and promote environmental sustainability, David Bai, a respected community elder and landowner from Alexishafen, has announced plans to plant mangroves along the offshore region.

The strategic decision to plant these vital trees is anticipated to yield numerous benefits for both the local community and the surrounding ecosystem.

David Bai emphasized that the initiative to plant mangroves is born out of the recognition of their multifaceted advantages.

Situated along the coastal areas, the community acknowledges the significance of mangroves in preventing erosion and fostering a nurturing environment for reproduction.

He elaborated that the mangrove planting endeavour will be executed over a six-month period, with an ongoing commitment to continue this effort thereafter.

The benefits of mangroves are manifold. Notably, the decaying leaves of mangrove trees play a pivotal role in preventing soil erosion and fortifying the land.

These trees also contribute to the enhancement of aquatic life by providing a suitable habitat for various species of fish and other marine life.
Moreover, mangroves serve as a reservoir for a diverse array of species such as mud shells, mud crabs, and more.
An intriguing aspect of the initiative involves the sustainable use of mature mangrove stems. These stems are selectively harvested for their exceptional strength and durability, making them an ideal material for constructing houses.

This practice not only demonstrates the resourcefulness of the community but also highlights the symbiotic relationship they maintain with their natural surroundings.
Mangroves reproduce through a fascinating process, involving the cultivation of seeds.

Presenting a seed as an example, David Bai explained, that after germinating for one or two months, these seeds are released and eventually find their way into the surrounding water bodies. While some seeds are transported by currents to distant offshore areas, others settle in their immediate vicinity.
This natural process plays a significant role in rebuilding soil quality through the decomposition of fallen leaves.
Regrettably, the flourishing mangrove ecosystem in the vicinity of Alexishafen has suffered setbacks due to pollution originating from various sources. Manufacturing companies, particularly oil spills from fishing vessels, have contributed to the decline of mangrove populations.

Alexishafen Mangroves

Furthermore, infections from the environment have also contributed to the diminishing numbers of these vital trees.
In cases where suitable soil conditions are lacking for optimal growth, certain mangrove species have been pushed to the brink of extinction.
The success of the mangrove planting initiative hinges upon the recognition of various soil types, including mud, sand, reefs, and other substrates that can sustain different mangrove species.
This acknowledgment underscores the community’s commitment to restoring and preserving their local environment for generations to come.
As David Bai and the community of Alexishafen embark on this transformative journey, their efforts stand as a testament to the power of collective action in preserving ecosystems, mitigating erosion, and promoting biodiversity.

Related: https://insidepng.com/from-determination-to-transformation/

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SOE Extended

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The Bougainville House of Representatives has voted unanimously to extend the State of Emergency (SOE) on the island region for two more months.

President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government, Ishmael Toroama presented an comprehensive report on the SOE in the parliament and recommended for an extension in a special session that convened today.

Toroama said a team from the Rabaul Volcanic Observatory Center arrived in Buka to establish a seismic monitoring system at Piva Station at Torokina.

The arrival of the RVOC team comes following an Australian Government initiative to install the monitoring instruments.

“I take this time to thank the Governments of Australia, New Zealand and USA for their generous support. On an international front of our political independence journey, we are open to humanitarian assistance through such strategic alliance,” said Toroama.

The initial SOE was declared on 16 July 2023, following the eruption of Mt. Bagana in Wakunai and Torokina Districts.

Regional Member for Bougainville, Peter Tsimalili Jnr told Inside PNG, continuous rain on the island has made it a little more difficult for effective humanitarian response.

“We now have been hit by torrential rains so the whole of South Bougainville does not have access to Arawa or Buka for store food. So now they are reaching out again for operation on the ground to provide support to South Bougainville, said Tsimalili Jnr.

SOE Extended; State of Emergency

Key action plays outlined by SOE Controller, Esther Usurup and was presented in Parliament by President Toroama include;

  • Establishing a central operations hub at the Buka District headquarters, led by Emergency Controller Esther Usurup-Harou, Deputy Chief Secretary, Operations.
  • Setting up evacuation centers at Piva Station and Wakunai district areas, equipped with essential relief supplies such as food, water, medication, tents, and basic necessities.
  • Temporarily suspending classes from 03 August to 17 August 2023 in impacted areas of Torokina and Wakunai District, following the guidance of the Bougainville Education Board and the Education In Emergency Committee.
  • Collaborating with the Rabaul Volcanological Observatory (RVO), a subsidiary of the National Department of Mineral and Geohazards, to establish a seismic monitoring system at Piva Station in Torokina District.
  • Finalizing the Bougainville Disaster Risk Reduction Management Plan, which outlines strategies for resource allocation and community response to natural and human-induced disasters

With the extension of SOE, two more evacuation centers were declared in Kopani Ward in Panguna District, and Soroken in Kunua District.

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Calls Against Orders

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Strong calls have been made against an operational order issued by Police Commissioner, David Manning for the use of lethal force.

The order issued on 13th August 2023 read;

“The approach to stepping up use of force including lethal is part of reconceptualizing policing in the country. The focus is more on reactive as opposed to community policing”.

But Chairman of the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defense, Belden Namah said such order issued by our police had resulted in the Bougainville War.

“I do not want to see a repeat of Bougainville anywhere else in the country. I have fought in that theater and I know what happened. I can tell you, it is a very painful experience,” said Namah.

Namah said there was no civil war going on or insurgency in the country to warrant any such order.

“What is happening in the Highlands are tribal flights which have been there for generations. People are just adapting new ways and new weapons to settle old scores. If the government is serious then address this issue at the tribal leadership level, said Namah.

The order from Commissioner Manning comes following an increase in reports of firearms and and live ammunitions being used in violet crimes in the Highlands.

The order also states that the authorization of use of force including lethal force re-enforces police functions and powers under the Arrest Act 1997.

But Namah rebuts that in his statement and said there is no basis whatsoever in the Arrest Act or anywhere to issue such dangerous orders.

“The rise in Law and order problem is because of ill-discipline, breakdown of command and control and lack of resourcing by successive governments,” Namah said.

Meanwhile, two weeks ago, police and defense personnel in a joint investigation exercise had arrested several men in Mt. Hagen who police believe have links to the domestic terrorism gang in Komo.

The same unit obtained search warrants and raided a property in Mt Hagen were they found a hidden storage of live ammunitions, police issued gas guns, armoured helmets and vests and unlicensed firearms.

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Agriculture

MARKET ACCESS FOR REMOTE COCOA FARMERS

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Cocoa farmers from a remote community living along the Sepik River are now connected to the leading cocoa industry players in the country and overseas and receive a premium price for their quality cocoa products.

With support from the EU-STREIT PNG Programme and PNG Investment Promotion Authority (IPA), MUPA Cocoa Cooperative Society, which comprised of 240 farmers from two villages in Yuat LLG of Angoram District in East Sepik Province, established a business link with Queen Emma Chocolate Company.

Recently, they sent their first shipment of quality beans to the chocolate-making company, achieving a considerably higher market price.

Director of MUPA Cocoa Cooperative Ltd, Sperian Kapia said the company is paying a higher rate for their dried beans at K630 per bag, which is more than the average price offered by intermediary buyers.

Their first shipment consisted of 40 bags of quality dried beans, fetched an additional K4,000 into the cooperative’s bank account.

The EU-STREIT PNG Programme is working on improving the access of local agricultural enterprises to domestic and overseas markets.

This includes organising exposure visits to national and international agri-food trade shows, where the Sepik-based agripreneurs can learn, interact, identify potential buyers, and forge new business opportunities.

Kapia was one of the Sepik cocoa model farmers who participated in the International Food Service & Hospitality Exhibition in Singapore in August 2022, where he initiated the market link with Queen Emma Chocolate Company.

“It was there that Queen Emma Chocolate’s representatives showed interest in our cocoa and invited me to visit their factory in Port Moresby. We reached to an agreement to supply the company with our unique cocoa dried beans,” said Kapia.

Kapia said with these support, they were also introduced to a new potential buyer from New Zealand, the Pacific Cocoa 380.

“The EU-STREIT PNG Programme assisted us in freighting 20 KG of our cocoa dried beans to New Zealand, where they tasted our cocoa, and has shown interested in the quality.”

Kapia said they have agreed to buy 15 to 20 tons of cocoa dried beans from MUPA.

This premium price paid for dried beans and extra income generated at the cooperative level, allows MUPA and affiliated fermentaries to pay a higher rate for wet beans, extending the benefits to farmers at the grassroots level, who produce and supply wet beans to fermentaries.

“The usual price for wet beans used to be lower, around K1.4 per KG, but thanks to the direct connection formed with the premium buyers, we are now able to pay farmers at a higher price, at K1.7 per KG of wet beans, which is 21 percent above the normal rate,” Kapia explained.

“This helps the parents in my community to pay for their kids’ school fees, buy utensils for their houses, and food to improve family’s diets.”

“With this support and market arrangement that gives us more money, we can also continue to support our farmers in terms of social development; we have school and want to support it in terms of infrastructure and educational material, also our health care.”

This connection and access to market is something different and promising for our farmers,” Kapia said.

Related: https://insidepng.com/eu-streit-program-partners-with-agri-enterprises/

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