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Julie Badui-Owa

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Supply of Medical Drugs

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Medical Supplies

Nine urban clinics in Lae Open will be supplied medical drugs from the Lae City Authority (LCA). Whilst the procurement and supply of medical drugs is a concern for the National Treasury and the Department of Health, Lae City Authority wants to ensure urban clinics have medical supplies.

In ensuring this happens, LCA CEO Robin Calistus delivered the supplies to Nursing Officer, Sr. Manzia Bomie on behalf of local MP, John Rosso.

The K100,000 worth of medical drugs will be distributed to Butibam, Buimo Road, Buimo CIS, Milford Haven, Malahang, Tent City, Taraka, Centre of Mercy and Sir Bob Sinclair clinics.

Sr Bomie from Butibum Clinic thanked authorities for the support and said the supplies will complement the work of medical officers.

“This supply will sustain the clinics until the next supply from Area Medical Store is received in November,” said Sr. Bomie.

In Parliament this week, Bulolo MP Sam Basil Junior questioned the government on the issue of shortage of vaccines for babies.

“It was reported yesterday (on Post Courier Tuesday 10 October 2023) that there was shortage of vaccines for children,” Basil stated.

Narrowing the concern down to his district, Basil said mothers in Bulolo are finding it hard to bring babies to Bulolo for immunisation because of the recent floods in Morobe.

“How will mothers take their children to the hospitals? These are basic drugs and vaccines for the children”, Basil asked.

However in responding Prime Minister James Marape said at no time his government will compromise the health of the children and its people.

“I have been told by the Health Department that there are supplies in stock and where areas of demands are they will be dispensing those supplies to,” Marape said.

Meanwhile Local MP and Deputy Prime Minister, John Rosso said, he is working closely with Health Minister Dr Lino Tom to ensure that health reforms including the efficient procurement and distribution of medicine for the country is given the priority attention it requires.

The Morobe Provincial Health Authority (MPHA) is responsible for ANGAU Memorial Hospital and all health services in Morobe.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/collaboration-for-cleaner-lae/

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Collaboration for Cleaner Lae

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Lae Independence

One of the busiest bus stop area’s located in the heart of Morobe’s capital city, Lae, for the first time after four decades was decorated beautifully with PNG’s Red, Black and Gold colors, welcoming the celebration of the country’s 48th Independence Anniversary Celebration on the 16th of September 2023.

This was initiated by the Kumul Metropolitan Services, a registered organization established by unemployed and dedicated youths in Lae led by Ezra Tali, a young father of one.

In an interview with Inside PNG, Mr. Tali said the original purpose of forming the group was to create space and give hope to young men and women to address issues concerning them and their Metropolitan city of Lae.

On 15th September 2023, the eve of the 48th Independence Anniversary Day, the team worked diligently throughout the night to clean up the town, ensuring a pristine atmosphere for the Independence celebrations.

The following morning, under the leadership of George Mal, they beautifully decorated the main bus stop in town with PNG colours.

“Maintaining a secure environment was our utmost importance. We also have youths from Lae’s Hanta area who joined and helped us the youths from the town area to make this year’s Independence Anniversary Day Celebration special.” Tali said, “Our job is voluntary and we the youths of Lae Top-Town are united to help the responsible authorities, especially the Lae Metropolitan Police Command in ensuring a safe and clean environment for all citizens.”Group leader,” Mr. Tali said,

Lae Independence
Lae Independence Weekend

During the celebrations on 16th September, security was provided to Lae residents and visitors by the Kumul Metropolitan Services in collaboration with Lae’s Metro Police Reservists throughout the day.

After the celebration, the Kumul Metropolitan Service team and the Police Reservists headed by Officer In Charge Sergeant Joseph Wilson, gathered to commemorate the Independence Anniversary and their partnership of almost seven months.

Kumul Metropolitan Services Team Leader, Ezra Tali said the youths have been working hand in hand with the Lae Reservist policeman to maintain cleanliness and safety in the bus stop area where we are stationed under a blue tent called ‘Unity Tent’.

“The tent at the Bus Stop not only serves as our shelter, but is also a SME area that helps sustain us through the little sales of sausages, bananas, soft drinks, and water to all residents and visitors. We are extremely grateful for the continued support from everyone who buys from our tent. Your contribution enables us to carry on with our important work to help police ensure a safe, clean and healthy town.,” Tali said.

The youths called on the general public to be mindful of their rubbish when entering and leaving the Top-Town area. They also called on other youths in Lae to unite and take ownership in making Lae a better place for all.

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Clean Water for Nasuapum Village After 40-Years

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Clean Water

Nasuapum Primary School and its surrounding villages in Wampar LLG has had no access to clean water supply for more than four decades.

However, this is coming to an end with a groundbreaking ceremony for the clean water project at Nasuapum Primary School.

This water project is predicted to not only provide access to clean water for the students at Nasuapum Village, but will extend to benefit nearby villages in the area.

The water service once completed is expected to last for over 50 years, relieving the need to find clean water and providing a sustainable solution to the long-standing water crisis.

The initiative is implemented by the Huon Gulf District Development Authority (DDA), headed by the DDA Chairman and Huon Gulf MP, and Minister for Community Development Jason Peter, in approving K1 million for Water and Sanitation Projects for Schools and Villages across Huon Gulf District. The funding will ensure that more schools and villages in the district will have access to clean water in the future.

Wampar was chosen as the location for this crucial project due to its history of water scarcity since the establishment of the villages.

The pilot projects for the water and sanitation program will focus on Nasuapum Primary School in Ward 16 and Bobong Elementary School in Ward 18. With a total of K10 Million already submitted to the National Planning, additional funding is expected to be granted under the Water and Sanitation (WASH) program for the continuous development of this project.

The water crisis in Nasuapum Primary School and its surrounding villages has had a severe impact on the daily lives of the residents. Lack of access to clean water has affected the health and wellbeing of the community, especially the children attending the school. With the implementation of this water project, the community will finally have access to safe and clean water, leading to improved health, hygiene, and overall quality of life.
Huon Gulf District Development Authority said that the the water project is a significant milestone that marks the beginning of a brighter future for Wampar and the Huon Gulf district.

The locals of Nasuapum village and the Nasuapum Primary School Administration commended the Huon Gulf MP and DDA for the water project.

According to Huon Gulf DDA, they hope the project will serve as an example for other districts across Papua New Guinea to prioritize water and sanitation issues and ensure that every citizen has access to this basic necessity.

As the Nasuapum Primary School and its surrounding villages celebrate the end of their long-standing water crisis, the entire community was filled with hope and gratitude. The DDA said the water project was not just a solution for the present but a promise for a brighter and healthier future.

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Lae-Kabwum Road Launching Preparation

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Lae Kabwum Road

Kabwum District Administrator, Ezekiel Nigo has called on the locals of Kabwum District to put their political differences aside and focus on building the new road that would link four Districts, Tewai-Siassi, Kabwum, Finschhafen and Naweab to Morobe’s Capital City, Lae.

The Lae-Kabwum Road is a priority project of the Morobe Provincial Government. The road will start from Hobu to Samanzing of Nawaeb District and continues to the Sarawaget Range and over to Indagen Village of Komba LLG in Kabwum District.

A trekker with a GPS Device

According to the Provincial Support Improvement Program Coordinator and Lae-Kabwum Road Committee Secretary, Sebastian Singery, 34 trekkers from Nabak in Nawaeb District, Burum in Finschhafen District, and Indagen in Kabwum District left Lae and walked to Indagen to carry out the feasibility study.

PSIP Coordinator, Sebastian Singery

The trekkers were transported by vehicles to Suguza gap in the Nabak LLG of Nawaeb District. They then took a hike up to Samanzing village, overnight and crossed the Sarawaget Range with GPS devices for the Lae-Kabwum Road.
They were then joined by the Lae-Kabwum Road Committee and Kabwum District Administrator, Ezikiel Nigo last weekend.

Kabwum District Administrator, Ezikiel Nigo

“Transportation into Kabwum is very challenging. The people travel by sea on cargo and passenger boat and small out board motors. Just last month, around 9 to 10 small out-board motor sunk. It’s quite risky. Another mode of transport used is by the third level airline. Currently, there’s only one third level airline company operating and the cost is so high.” said Singery.

The PSIP Coordinator said the Morobe Provincial Government had to charter a chopper to transport the Road Committee to Indagen last weekend because the only third level airline company wasn’t operating.

“We couldn’t make it on the small plane so we had to hire the chopper. And a trip from Lae to Indagen in Kabwum District and back cost us almost K25 thousand.” said Singery.

The Morobe Provincial Government gave K1 million for the preparation of the road project including the launching that would take place in Indagen this Thursday, (31st September 2023). The Provincial Government has allocated another K2 million for the Lae-Kabwum Road, but that is yet to be received.

The Lae-Kabwum Road Project is one of Morobe’s biggest economic corridors and will bring in government services into the rural population of the FISIKA region.

Morobe’s Members of Parliament including Finschhafen MP and National Planning Minister, Renbo Paita, Lae MP, Tewai-Siassi MP and Housing Minister, Kobby Bomareo and Deputy Prime Minister, John Rosso were invited to attend the launching.

Prime Minister, James Marape was also given an invitation to attend following a commitment of K100 million he made in 2019 during the 100 Year Anniversary Celebration of the Lutheran Church.

According to the Lae-Kabwum Road Committee, they are still waiting for the Prime Minister’s commitment.

Meanwhile, the committee called on the Prime Minister to attend and fulfill his commitment.

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

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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.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/court-declares-jason-peter-huon-gulf-mp/

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Court Declares Jason Peter Huon Gulf MP

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The Waigani National Court today declared Jason Peter as sitting MP. He was declared as the Member elected for Huon Gulf District. This follows a Election Petition filed by former MP, Ross Seymour. Jason Peter will continue his role as the Minister for Community Development, Youths, and Religion.

Huon Gulf MP, Jason Peter said, “I thank God our heavenly father for this victory. God himself have plans for me before I was chosen as your MP.”
He further said, “I would like to express my deepest appreciation to my Hausman boys of West Taraka and Salamaua LLG “Ol Yapmarn” Morobe LLG and Wampar LLG Rural and Urban with each and every one of you who believed in me and supported me throughout this challenging process. Your unwavering support and trust in my abilities have been pivotal to achieving this victory. Thank you for your constant encouragement and for placing your faith in me to represent your interests.”

The MP also extended his appreciation to his legal team who worked tirelessly to present their case convincingly. “Your dedication, expertise, and attention to detail played a crucial role in the success of this election petition.”

The Minister further acknowledged his opponent, Former MP Brian Ross Seymour. “While we may have had differing views and campaigned on different platforms, I appreciate his participation in this democratic process. I believe that healthy competition fosters robust discourse and ultimately benefits our community.”
Jason Peter said the District will now focus on serving the people of Huon Gulf. “I am fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead, and I wholeheartedly accept the responsibilities that come with being your elected representative and Minister. I pledge to continue advocating for your needs and aspirations, working towards creating a better future for all.”

The MP urged everyone in their community to unite and work together, irrespective of political affiliations, to ensure the district’s progress and redevelopment. “Let us put aside our differences and unite in pursuing common goals, fostering harmony, and uplifting the lives of our fellow citizens.”

Related: https://insidepng.com/tag/salamaua-high-school/

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PM Marape Clarifies Defense Coorperation Agreement at Tutumang Haus

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Morobe Governor, Luther Wenge today presented the petition from the students of the University of Technology to Prime Minister, James Marape at the Tutumang Provincial Assembly Haus in Lae, following a sitting protest on Monday at Unitech concerning the signing of the Defense Cooperation Agreement between Papua New Guinea and the United States.

PM Marape received the petition as part of his two-day official visit to Lae.

When addressing the members of the Provincial Assembly, Marape acknowledged the petition presented by the governor saying, “The National Government will not do anything unconstitutional. The people have the right to express themselves concerning government decisions.”

He thanked the students for the petition and said, “I appreciate the maturity of the students and the people in 2023. During the previous successive governments, we burn vehicles, we fight and argue.”

The Prime Minister further clarified the Defense Cooperation Act to the Chamber saying it’s not new.

“There’s a Law passed in 1975 by the government called the Defense Visiting Force Act. This allows the country to enter into agreement and partnership with International Military Forces.”

PM Marape

Marape said there would be more agreements following the DCA when Parliament sits again. He said copies of the defence agreements with Indonesia and Australia will be made accessible to the public, however, the recently signed US pact would be accessible later.

The Prime Minister further stated that the signed agreement with US Defense Force will help strengthen PNG’s Military Force.

Marape said a session will be hosted tomorrow at the University of PNG by government officials to outline details of the DCA. The same session will be held with students from Unitech next week.

PM Marape and his delegation outside the Tutumang Haus, Lae, Morobe Province.

PM Marape’s visit to the Tutumang Provincial Assembly Haus today makes him the first Prime Minister to address the members of the Provincial Assembly of Tutumang.

He later moved with his delegation including the Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Lae, John Rosso, National Planning Minister and Finschhafen MP, Rainbo Paita and Minister for Community Development and Huon Gulf MP, Jason Peter to the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium for a public forum concerning the Wafi Golpu Gold and Copper Mine.

The PM will address the private sector tomorrow in a business breakfast, facilitated by the Lae Chamber of commerce and Industry, before returning to Port Moresby.

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Counterfeit Waswas Soap Seized by Lae Police

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287 cartons of counterfeit Waswas brand soap imported to Lae was seized by the Lae Police and Panamax Pacific Limited management on the weekend.

The counterfeit Waswas soap was loaded onto a 20-foot container, ready to be delivered to Mt. Hagen, Western Highlands Province by a trucking company when it got intercepted by the Police.

The operation was headed by Lae Metropolitan CID Officer In Charge, Leo Kaikas who produced a search warrant to open and search the container. This was done at the Panamax yard in Lae on Friday, 17th March 2023.

Lae Police and Panamex Management inspecting boxes of counterfeit soap.

Panamax Pacific Limited has been manufacturing Waswas soap for more than 20-years in Papua New Guinea. Waswas soap is a well-known and trusted brand to be found in most homes throughout the country.

According to Panamax Pacific Limited General Manager-Erich Illemann, it was brought to their attention that a significant counterfeit operation importing product impersonating the company’s Waswas brand was in progress.

“When I contacted PNG Customs in the morning, disappointingly, Customs have informed us it is beyond Customs control and beyond Customs jurisdiction. This is both ridiculous and an unacceptable response,” said Mr. Illemann.

Inside each of the 287 confiscated cartons contains 16 packs of 6-pack counterfeit Waswas soap worth K34,440 when sold in shops. This money is untaxed and directly impacts local manufacture and threatens local jobs.

Over the past few weeks, manufacturers in PNG are under extreme pressure from high costs and poor service delivery by the government. According to Panamax Pacific General Manager, Mr. Illeman, this additional threat compounds the situation threatening investment, manufacture and job creation in the country.

“Our industry (Soap Manufature) as well as many others is currently under pressure from Customs who have reclassified raw materials under different coding, changing previous duty-free status to one attracting duty, the same as for finished products,” said Mr. Illemann. “This undermines the case for local manufacture, which will reduce investment and subsequent employment with more reliance on imports compounding the Country’s Forex predicament,” added Illeman.

The popular soap product seen here is actually counterfeited which can make it hard for consumers to differentiate between the real product and its counterfeit equivalent.

The dangers of buying counterfeit products aren’t always obvious. There are economic impacts, legal implications, and health and safety risks to individuals who buy and use the fake products.

Each time you buy a counterfeit good, a legitimate company like Panamax loses revenue. This translates to loss profits, loss of jobs over time and contributes to the bad state of economy.

Meanwhile, Lae Metropolitan Commander, Chief Superintendent Chris Kunyanban said investigations are currently underway by Lae CID Police.

Kunyanban said, “If people starts doing counterfeit, the Government should have a very strict instreangent Law protecting the interests of the business houses in the country. Because that’s a national security issue on the economic aspect of things.”Lae Metsup added that, Forrex is the primary issue affecting local manufactures such as Lae Biscuit and Panamax. Kunyanban said the secondary issue affecting the manufacturers are counterfeit products.

“Their products are not moving because the Chinese are actually circulating counterfeit goods. They cannot buy it from the local manufacturers. The government has to be very serious in protecting the economy of this country. If those people are involved in counterfeit and they are found, they have to be immediately fined, deported and blacklisted and they should not enter the country anymore.” More needs to be done by the government in order to allow legitimate businesses to thrive.

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Lae Police Maintains Law and Order in the City

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Member for Lae and Deputy Prime Minister, John Rosso said Police personnel conducting foot-beat patrols in the city, especially at Eriku, Top Town and the Market area has minimized petty crimes, and street vending, allowing members of the public to move around freely and safely.

Rosso applauded the police efforts in maintaining law and order in Lae.

“I would like to say thank you and appreciate the new reserve police men, approximately a hundred members who are currently doing foot-beat and attending to petty crimes and illegal vending in our city.

They have recently passed out from a comprehensive training program over 3 months. This is a partnership between the Lae City Authority and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary,” said Rosso.

Officer in Charge of Lae Metropolitan Command Reservists, Sargent Wilson Joseph says public support is needed to counter petty crimes and ensure a better, healthier and safer Lae.

“Street vendors threatening to attack our men because we’re depriving them from their illegal activities. It must stop because it won’t deter us from doing our job.”

“Also, people need to get proper licenses from LCA to do their sales. Illegal markets arising everywhere must stop. Some, are health and traffic hazards to the public,” says Sgt Wilson.

Since 2017, the LCA under the leadership of DPM Rosso has delivered up to 20 police vehicles, built three new police stations and provided continuous administration and logistical support to the Lae Metropolitan Police Command including funding the reserve police program.

“It’s comforting to see these men in blue in public places. All of them are volunteers who have raised their hands to fight crimes and keep our city safe and clean,” says Rosso.

Rosso added that LCA will continue supporting and partnering the law and justice sector to keep Lae city safe for its citizens including investors and visitors.

“Furthermore, my thank you to every single police men and women in Lae both regular and reserve.

DPM Rosso also thanked law abiding citizens of Lae for their support towards efforts in making Lae cleaner and safer.

“To the people who practice illegal activities, illegal street vending and harassment of our mothers and law abiding citizens you have no place in Lae as police will step up their efforts in fighting crime in Lae,” says Rosso.

Lae Metropolitan Commander, Chief Superintendent, Chris Kunyanban thanked DPM Rosso and LCA and other stakeholders for the police reservists’ program which has provided extra manpower to the command.

“Since their (LCA Reservists) introduction, they have performed extremely well during the Morobe Show, Christmas and New Year Operations.

“Another demonstration of their timely and worthwhile assistance is the extra personnel maintaining presence at Eriku, Top Town and Main Market bus stops. We have received heaps of praises from the public and well done LCA reservists,” says Chief Inspector Kunyanban.

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Teng Airstrip Taking Shape

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[Picture supplied by Maisen Hungito: (Manolos chopper dropping off PNGDF personnel at Teng airstrip construction site)]

The Teng airstrip constructed by the locals of Deyamos LLG of Morobe’s Kabwum District 49-years ago will be completed soon by Lae’s PNGDF Engineering Battalion Team.

Yesterday, a second troop of the Engineering battalion flew in by Manolos aviation to accompany their fellow comrades in preparation for the drilling and blasting of rocks.

The rocks obstructed the completion of the airstrip runway, which the PNGDF personnel from the Engineering Battalion at Lae’s Igam Barracks commenced drilling and will use explosives to blast the rocks in preparation for the construction.

The arrival of the Engineering Battalion Team motivated the local men, women, and children who helped with joyful hearts in clearing the runway to see the airstrip take its shape before the first plane lands to serve a population of over 2,000 from Deyamos’ 11 villages including Dawot, Timowan, Sei, Kautnon, Gongoman, Gomandat, Boulon, Hemon, Mumungam, Patak and Finon.

Nearby villagers from Teng, Dawot, Timowan and Kautnon have been working closely with the PNGDF personnel in clearing the airstrip since the first deployment of PNGDF personnel last week Wednesday.

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