Sincha Dimara
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Over 50 health workers and non-clinical staff from the West New Britain Provincial Health Authority presented a petition to the West New Britain Provincial Government on Thursday (April 14) morning.
Their concern is the continuous threat and harassment towards doctors, nurses and PHA staff as law and order issues in Kimbe spiral out of control.
Speaking on behalf of the PHA, Dr Yvonne Sapuri expressed to authorities that a handful of doctors, most of whom are specialists have left the Province in fear of their lives including their families. This follow countless attacks by thugs at their residents, at the hospital and even while on route to duty calls during the night.
Dr Sapuri said if this continues, doctors will not come and work in West New Britain. She said it’s not just a concern from health workers but as members of the public and civil society.
“We are representing everyone to raise this concern and stop the growing criminal attacks in Kimbe.”
“It’s affecting our health system and we have raised our concerns point by point in the petition for our leaders and provincial authorities to consider,” said Dr Sapuri.
In an earlier post on social media, Dr Sapuri said in the space of seven weeks’ specialist doctors left Kimbe because they believe the Provincial Government has failed to provide safety for all in the Province.
She said this has been a growing concern causing much disappointment and frustration over the never ending law and order problems.
As a result, the clinic was closed and has been for the past five days.
“Enough is enough, we cannot continue to serve the people while safety of our staff are not guaranteed,” said Dr Sapuri.
“There is so much criminal activities going on in Kimbe, we want our leaders to make a stand and come-up with solutions,” added Sapuri.
She said members of the WNBPHA want to work with the Provincial Government and stop this once and for all because the delivery of health services will be highly affected.
They protested peacefully to the Provincial Government building and presented their petition to Governor Sasindran Muthuvel, the Acting Provincial Administrator Leo Mapmani and other members of the PEC.
A hundred and twenty (120) students ranging from six to sixteen-year-olds are currently participating in a training for internet safety sponsored by CPL Foundation.
The Cyber Sawe PNG School Holiday Training was launched on Monday by the charity arm of CPL Group, CPL Foundation.
The training is supported by an Australian Community Computer Science organization, SecuriDay.
The Cyber Sawe PNG internet security workshop is a first-of-its-kind which focuses on raising awareness on the safe and informed use of the internet.
CPL Group CEO Navin Raju said, “CPL Group is keen to support our younger generation to
better understand internet/cyber safety to be able to protect themselves when surfing the
internet.”
He said one of CPL Group’s values is to be responsible to the people, communities and environment of Papua New Guinea.
“The internet is one environment that children need guidance in exploring.
“CPL Group takes pride in this contribution to nation building in nurturing young minds as one aspect of national and local development,” said Mr Raju.
Kids SecuriDay Team leader, Ms Heidi Winter who leads the seven member team of cyber experts said this is an awareness to build strong skillsets and showcase internet best practices on on how to efficiently utilize the Internet and hi-tech.
“We have workshop topics covered for children, teenagers and adults,” Winter said.
The topics of the training are designed to build confidence and teach individuals how to be tech savvy in internet security and computing.
The four days training started on the 12th of April and will end on Friday 15th April..
Over 300 applications were received highlighting the need for such training.
“We have documented all the applicants and do plan to have additional programs this year with the same content.,” said Mr Raju.
The people of Gunangi in Suai LLG in the Sinesine-Yongomugl District of Simbu have received financial support for their mini hydro power project.
A joint of funding K450,000 from the Sinesine-Yongomugl District Development Authority and Simbu Provincial Government was presented to the Community Project Team recently.
That is K350,000 from SSY DDA and K100,000 from Simbu Provincial Government.
The local communities contributed money to fund the hydro power project which began last year, however, despite their efforts, funding still fell short, affecting the progress of the project.
Sinesine-Yongomugl MP and Petroleum Minister, Kerenga Kua said the funding will help complete the first phase of the project.
Kua said such community driven initiatives will be supported for people, including schools and health facilities to benefit from.
The financial support from the provincial government through the leadership of Governor Michael Dua will help purchase another turbine for the hydro project.
The Chairman of the Perige Suai Hydro project thanked both the DDA and Simbu Provincial Government for their support toward the project.
In expressing his gratitude, the chairman said this will bring to the communities of Suai especially Gunangi the service of electricity after years of living in the dark.
He said government institutions like Suai High school, primary school and health services in remote Gunangi will become more improved with proper electricity supply.
More than 10,000 people will have access to electricity once the project is completed.
The mini power project initiative proves the people’s intent to improve their community standards and living conditions.
Now, they aim to put the funding to good use, complete the project and deliver it before July this year.