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Six New Ministries

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Six New Ministries

Vanimo Green MP, Belden Namah has spoken against a Bill passed in Parliament that will allow the creation of six new ministries.

Namah who is the Chairman of the Permanent Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Immigration in the Marape/Rosso government says he disagrees with the new bill.

“Mr. Speaker I am totally against this Bill. Basically because we are here creating jobs for ourselves and not worrying about our people. That is literary what it is,” Namah responded in Parliament.

Namah said recently four new ministries were created but these minsters do not have departments.

“As we speak, Mr. Speaker we don’t not have Departments for these four new ministers that is existing. We have policy makers but where are the drivers? We need to establish departments by way of policy and legislations, “Namah continued.

Member for Chuave, James Nomane is in support of the Bill because of the country’s growth. But says instead of creating new ministries, the Prime Minister should spilt up the ministers.

He gave examples as Finance and Trade or Education and Sports.

“The biggest word that comes out of this Bill is efficacy. We have to effectively allocate and utilize resources for the development of this country,” Said Nomane.

Six New Ministries
Chuave MP James Nomane speaking in support of the new bill.

However, the bill was passed yesterday with 83 members voting for the Bill.

Members who joined Vanimo Green MP, Belden Namah and voted against the Bill include Opposition Leader, Joseph Leland, former Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, Ambunti Drekikier MP Johnson Wapunai and Central Governor Rufina Peter.

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Pacific Partnership

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Disaster Response

Pacific Partnership 2023 will focus on community education, knowledge exercises covering disaster response and humanitarian assistance in Port Moresby and Wewak.

The team is accompanied by a Japan Maritime Self Defence Force singer, who will perform in a variety of community engagements.

Arriving in the country, this week, Pacific Partnership is an annual deployment of United States Navy who work alongside governments in the area of humanitarian aid or preparedness towards disaster assistance.

Teaming up with Papua New Guinea Defence Force, the team from the US Navy’s Pacific Fleet will undertake missions in Port Moresby and Wewak, East Sepik Province.

PNGDF Chief of Force Preparations, Colonel Craig Solomon said PNG and the United States are bonded by a common interest to promote a stable and secure Indo-Pacific by working on readiness for potential hazards and responses.

The Papua New Guinea Defence Force is looking forward to collaborating with the U.S. Navy and our allies to conduct another successful round of Pacific Partnership,” said Colonel Solomon.

The US Navy are in the country at the invitation of Government, and features nearly 1,500 personnel, from Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Returning to Port Moresby following last year’s visit to West New Britain, Pacific Partnership enables participants to work together to enhance disaster response capabilities and foster new and enduring friendships in Papua New Guinea.

Pacific Partnership Mission Commander ,U.S. Navy Capt. Claudine Caluori, said her team is keen to exchange knowledge, skills, and relations that will endure long after the mission departs.

“Pacific Partnership empowers nations to enhance their infrastructure and ability to respond to disaster emergencies,“ said Captain Caluori.

As part of the program for 20023, the mission team will conduct missions throughout Southeast Asia and the South Pacific Island Countries.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/ready-for-work-pacific-australia-labour-mobility-palm/

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Fokker Services Resume to Madang

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Fokker Services Resume to Madang

Air Niugini’s Fokker jet services into Madang province has resumed today.

The airline company announced a downgrade of its services to Dash 8 operations yesterday after sections of the Madang airport runway was damaged by the earthquake over the weekend.

Following successful repair works conducted on the runway by the National Airport Corporation, Fokker jet services have resumed.

Meanwhile in Western Highlands all Fokker and Boeing 737 flights into Mount Hagen remains downgraded to Q-400 services due to repair works at the Kagamuga runway.

In a previous statement released by Air Niugini in September, the airline company stated that the National Airport Cooperation aims to have the runway improved within two months by taking advantage of the favorable weather before the start of the festive season (peak period).

With the temporarily closure of Wapenamanda airport in Enga, Kagamuga remains the busiest airport in the Highlands Region serving hundreds of people from Southern Highlands, Western Highlands, Enga, Jiwaka and Chimbu provinces.

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Ready for Work

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PALM

The ten women from Bougainville selected to undergo the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme will commence work at an Australian berry farm.

Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Jon Philp said the ten are the first lot of women to represent their region (Autonomous Region of Bougainville).

“These remarkable women are, we hope, the first of many Bougainvilleans who will travel to Australia under the scheme,” said Philip.

The Bougainville Labour Mobility initiative is a collaboration between the Autonomous Bougainville Government, the PNG Government, and Australia, to increase the number of Bougainvilleans participating in the PALM scheme.

Shirley Philips from North Bougainville is one of the ten women undergoing this program. Philips said through PALM, workers from across the Pacific are developing skills and make an income to send back to their families.

“They are filling workforce shortages across industries in Australia, including in agriculture, food processing, and aged care” said Philips.

Since work began in January 2023, more than one hundred Bougainvilleans have been selected to join the PNG LMU work-ready pool.

Labour mobility is an important driver of economic growth and one of the most effective ways to support individuals and their communities.

Labour mobility also provides vast benefits to Australian employers and host communities and strengthens people-to-people links.

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

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Koiari LLG Focus on Capacity Building

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Koiari LLG

The Koiari Local Level Government in the Hiri Koiari District of Central Province has invested in a new Administration Building. This is part of their capacity building program.

The LLG Manager Alfred Kennedy said, the administration center which used to be at Sogeri, is now being built at 15 mile. Less than an hours drive outside of Port Moresby.

The new administration building is being constructed at the cost of K320 000. Funded by the Central Provincial Administration.

Koiari LLG Admin Building

The LLG president said this is part of their strategic plan to build their capacity at the LLG level, and to ensure a good working environment for their workers.

“With the increase in Population and their demand for basic services, we need to have a better plan to serve our people. But we must sit in a good office space to do our work, and serve the interest of our people,” Kenedy said.

Koiari LLG Manager Alfred Kennedy

The LLG president said, with the new administration building in place, there are plans to build staff houses, including a health center.

“People from this ward area have to travel to Sogeri to get treatment. We need a health center to cater for the people of 14 mile and 15 mile. And also neighboring wards.” Kennedy said.

With Hiri Koiari being one of the newly established District in the province, the LLG is working closely with their local MP to ensure that their development aspirations are achieved.

However, Kennedy highlighted the shortage of staff from the LLG office.

“Currently we have only three staff. We are planning to recruit more casual workers to assist us in data collection and other administration duties.”

With all these plans in place, however, work on the administration building have been delayed, due to funding constraints.

The Koiari LLG Manager said they are committed to have their administration center completed by November.

Koiari LLG

Recent: https://insidepng.com/pom-out-of-water-supply/

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Agriculture

Exposure Visit to Madagascar

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Vanilla Farming

An exposure visit facilitated by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has given one model vanilla farmer in East Sepik an insight into vanilla farming in Madagascar.

Nicodemus Mainga, a model farmer from East Sepik, was amazed. Mainga said the skills and knowledge he acquired, during the visit to Madagascar was invaluable.

He said he learned a lot about how Madagascar grows its top-quality vanilla, making them the best in the world.

“This visit was super helpful for me as a farmer. Now, I can share these techniques with my fellow farmers in Papua New Guinea. So we can also make vanilla as good as Madagascar’s. It’s a win-win for us, and I’m really happy I came to visit Madagascar,” Mainga said.

The exposure visit to Madagascar was arranged and supported by the FAO. A part of the European Union-funded STREIT PNG Programme, aimed at promoting the development of vanilla value chain in Papua New Guinea.

FAO Senior Agricultural Officer, Rabi Rasaily, says the exposure visit will improve their skills in vanilla production and processing. But most importantly to formulate good governing policies, regulations and standards that protect producers, traders and exporters rights. While contributing to quality assurance to establish trust on PNG vanilla with the international buyers.

The delegation from Papua New Guinea, included senior officers from Central Government agencies. Such as the Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM), the Spice Industry Board (SIB) under the Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL). As well as Provincial Government and Administration Institutions.

The focal point of this journey was Sava, a region synonymous with vanilla excellence. Nestled on the northern and northeastern coast of Madagascar known as Sava.

An area that has become the epicentre of vanilla cultivation, encompassing every aspect from farming to processing and export.

Vanilla Farming

The delegation’s itinerary took them through this green expanse. Immersing themselves in the heart of the world’s leading vanilla production and export hub. A hub which accounts for approximately 80% of the global vanilla market.

The delegation was impressed by the quality of Madagascar’s vanilla product’s. As well as the strong collaboration among different stakeholders in the sector.

They also learned about the challenges and opportunities faced by the vanilla industry in Madagascar. Such as climate change, threat of pests and diseases, price volatility, quality standards, traceability, certification, and market access.

Floyd Lala, Director of the National Authorizing Officer Support Unit at DNPM, reflected on the enlightening visit. “After visiting Madagascar, I’ve gained valuable insights into their success as the world’s leading vanilla producer”, he said.

Vanilla Farming
Vanilla Farming
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Airline Downgrades Services

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Air Niugini

Air Niugini flights into Madang province has temporarily been downgraded to Dash 8 services due to the airport runway being affected by the recent earthquake in Madang.

The airline company released a statement this afternoon following a notice from the National Airports Corporation (NAC) to commence repair work on the damaged runway.

Parts of Madang province experienced some level of damage during the 6.7 magnitude that occurred over the weekend.

Due to similar repair works at Western Highland’s Kagamuga airport, all Fokker and Boeing 737 flights to Mount Hagen have also been downgraded to Dash 8 aircraft.

Air Niugini says the airport runways have been shortened to allow the National Airport Corporation to carry out maintenance and repair works.

Air Niugini says while the situation is beyond their control safety of their passengers and aircrafts is their priority.

The airline company says it apologies for the inconveniences and will advise when jet operations into both Madang and Mt Hagen are resuming.

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Support Bilum Project

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Bilum Project

The Department of Implementation and Rural Development, commenced the lower highlands region leg of its, “Bilum” Digital Reporting System awareness project, yesterday in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province.

The “Bilum” Digital Reporting System is an online platform. Incorporating the governance framework of the service improvement program (Provincial and District Services Improvement Program – PSIP & DSIP) to ensure districts and provinces maintain compliance.

Speaking during the opening of the workshop was Minister for Environment and Conservation and Member for Lufa District, Simo Kilepa. He said that the lack of good governance is one of the main contributing factors of corruption.

“Over the years, the SIP has done wonders to some provinces and districts. While there is no visibility of impact development and service delivery for others.
 
“I perceived that this Bilum Digital Platform project will also aid effective monitoring, evaluation and reporting of the SIP funds.

“All of this is part of good governance, addressing abuse and mismanagement of development SIP funds.

“I also think that the Bilum Digital Platform has the capacity to report on other development programs. Like Public Investment Programs, Section 119 and Section 114 reports. Though we have jurisdictional boundaries that guide these reports,” Kilepa said.

He added that the Bilum Digital Platform is leading the space. Capturing the development and service delivery data across the 22 provinces and 96 districts. Saying it will be the second biggest Integrated Information Management System to Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) in the country.
 
The Minister said DIRD Bilum Digital Platform is not just a digital tool – it is the embodiment of Government aspiration for a transparent, accountable and efficient Papua New Guinea – to improve our ranking. This platform promises to be the cornerstone for the future National Monitoring Authority under MTDP 4.

The reporting system hopes to strengthen accountability, transparency and ultimately improve service delivery in Papua New Guinea.

The awareness and familiarization workshop saw sub-national administrators from Eastern Highlands, Simbu and Jiwaka attend.

The Digital Platform Reporting system is funded by the GoPNG and Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade.

According to NGO group ACT NOW!’s DDA Watch website, out of the 96 districts in the country, Kilepa’s Lufa District is one of the 13 who has launched its Five Year District Development Plan for this parliament cycle.

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International

Marape Condemns Attack on Israel

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Marape Condemns Attack

PNG Prime Minister, James Marape has cautioned Israel on its response to Hamas, a Palestine faction of Islamic Militants who attacked Israel and killed 384 people and the wounding of 1,697 others at 11:30am PNG time.

Described as a surprise attack, the on-going conflict between the Israeli and Hamas includes the dispute over Al-Aqsa Mosque which is considered sacred to both Palestine and Muslims.

The PNG Government is issuing statements condemning the attack because it recently opened its Embassy in Jerusalem.

Marape who condemned the attack on Israel said war-related violence is out of place in this modern day and age.

“In a world where the modern family of nations are coming together under the United Nations charter and rules on human rights, any issues we may have with each other must be resolved through peaceful means,” said Marape.

Marape said if they engage in war and acts of terrorism the response equals to violence.

“Papua New Guinea has shown this since 2001 when we came together to sit at the table in the Bougainville Peace Process. We settled on a Peace Agreement and we are now working through this process to resolve our issues peacefully,” Marape added.

Hence Marape has encouraged Hamas and others aggrieved in matters in relation to the Nation of Israel to resolve these issues through negotiations that can lead to a peaceful outcome.

PNG Foreign Affairs Secretary, Elias Wohengu, echoed Marape’s comments describing the attack as barbaric, unproved and callous.

“The grim reality of this senseless attack is that the hard yards of tedious gains and achievements would be lost overnight, said Wohengu.

He added that the Middle East is experiencing unprecedented economic and commercial growth and expansion in the region triggered by winds of change and flowers of friendship and springs of peace.

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Housing Scheme Back on Track

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Duran Farm

The construction of houses at the Duran Farm Housing Estate in Port Moresby is set to commence, following the electrification launching of the Project recently.

Last week, Prime Minister James Marape, Housing Minister, Dr. Kobby Bomareo and dignitaries officially launched the project, by turning on the electricity to Duran Farm.

This signifies the start of the project, which will see over 2000 houses, being built at the cost of over K28 million.

Duran Farm

The Duran Farm Housing Project is a project undertaken by the National Housing Commission. The project aims to build affordable homes for middle class public servants.

Housing Minister, Dr Kobby Bomareo in his remarks thanked the Marape-Rosso Government. For their vision in providing affordable homes for the people.

The Minister said the Duran Farm project began in 2014, but has been delayed over the years, due to legacy issues and other management issues.

“We started very slow, we don’t have a proper board to protect some of our decisions. We have our management in place, but management were too slow,” the Minister said.

The Minister said this will not repeat under his leadership.

Five project developers have been appointed by the National Housing Corporation to develop the project.

Minister Bomareo challenged the developers to complete the project on time and on budget.

“We have our board already in place. Those developers who are not active, will have their contracts terminated,” the Minister said.

Prime Minister James Marape in his key note address highlight the need for Housing in the country.

He said that housing is an important need and every family needs to be housed.

“As a responsible government. We have made it our call to ensure there is a Housing program rolled out throughout the country. For our citizens to have a house, or land to build their house,” Marape said.

With the delay in the project over the years, the Prime Minister challenged the National Housing Corporation to provide a report on the project.

“We have failed our people big time, in as far as progress in this project. I want to commend the leadership today that we are getting up and get going,” Marape said.

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