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KPHL PARTNERS IHU SEZ

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Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited has partnered with the Ihu Special Economic Zone to help provide its Energy Solutions.

A memorandum of agreement was signed between the Ihu Special Economic Zone Development Company and KPHL recently in Port Moresby.

The Ihu Special Economic Zone was established in the year 2020, in the Kikori District of Gulf Province, designated for downstream processing.

Earlier this year, an agreement was signed between the Ministry of International Trade and Investment and KPHL, which allows KPHL to provide Energy Solutions for SEZs.

International Trade and Investment Minister Richard Maru said SEZs will not be viable unless they have access to affordable electricity.

He said this signing is a start of a new beginning.

“We don’t give SEZ licence unless you meet all the requirements. You must have Roads, Power, Wharf, Airports and Investors” Maru said.

According to Kikori MP Soroi Eoe, there are ongoing discussions with the department of Works and Highways to build a new road in the district.

“Power is a very important requirement, and there are plans to improve the airport,” Eoe said.

Kikori MP Soroi Eoe.

KPHL Managing Director Wapu Sonk said, KPHL is happy to collaborate with the Ihu SEZ Development Company to carry out feasibility studies on possible power generation solutions.

Managing Director for KPHL Wapu Sonk.

“We will look at the most appropriate power solutions for the Ihu SEZ, which could include renewable sources such as Hydro.” The Managing Director said.

Following this agreement, KPHL will carry out feasibility studies on potential sources of the generation of power, and make recommendations on those that are commercially viable. The Managing Director said, It will be the responsibility of the SEZ development company, Landowner, LLG and Gulf provincial government, and the Ministry of International Trade and Investment, to progress in the recommended options.

Related stories:

https://insidepng.com/sez-summit-a-success/
https://insidepng.com/all-set-to-host-the-sez-summit/

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News

CHURCH CALLS FOR POLICE MANPOWER

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A United Church Bishop from Hela province has called on the government and police commissioner to employ more police personnel in Hela to increase police man power in the province.

United Church Pioneer Bishop and Deputy Chair of Hela Council of Churches, Reverend Wai Tege, in an interview with Inside PNG, said there is a need for more police resources and man power to help address lawlessness in the province.

United Church Pioneer Bishop and Deputy Chair of Hela Council of Churches Reverend Wai Tege.

“The are less then 60 policemen stationed in Tari, but they cannot do anything. We need more policemen.” The Bishop said.

The Law and Order issues in Hela province has been an ongoing issue for over 10 years, and the recent Kidnapping at Mt Bosavi has posed a threat to the people, especially women and girls, including public servants in the province.

According to Reverend Tege, a survey carried out by the United Church in Hela shows that the lawlessness in Hela, are mainly caused by unemployed youths between the age of 15 to 27.

“Most of these youths come from polygamous family background with no support from family, therefore they turn to the life of crime and violence.” The Reverend said.

Reverend Tege said the idea of State of Emergencies (SOEs) being declared by the government over the years, have been nothing but a waste of resources and government funding.

He said the solution is to boost police manpower, by employing more police personnel to be stationed permanently in the province.

This will help increase police presence and visibility in the province.

“We have more unemployed youths and school leavers in the country. Employ the school leavers so they can be stationed in Hela, to help address Law and Order Issue.” Reverend Tege said.

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News

Moresby South DDA Supports Policing

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The Moresby South District Development Authority in NCD recently presented Seven (7) vehicles to support policing in the district.

The vehicles were purchased by Moresby South District Development Authority in Partnership with NCDC, and will be distributed to various police posts in Moresby South.

These police vehicles will help improve police presence in crime hotspot areas in the district.

Badili Police Station Commander Obert Jerry said there is a need for more police presence in hotspot areas like 2-mile hill, Koki, Kaugere, and Badili.

“We will place our policemen there permanently so that police presence and visibility must be maintained in Moresby South,” Jerry said.

In a growing city like Port Moresby, policing has always been a challenge.

NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Silva Sika said dealing with crime in NCD is tough and difficult, due to limited resources.

He further acknowledged this support to empower policing, and challenged police personnel to be disciplined and look after these resources.

“These assets come from the public purse. It comes with expectations and conditions from the commissioner, divisional commander and the citizens,” The Metropolitan Superintendent said.

Moresby South MP Justin Tkatchenko when presenting the keys to the police, highlighted plans to empower policing in the district.

With Koki being one of the hotspots of petty crimes in the city, a police post will be opened in the area, with police personnel to be stationed there.

The Moresby South MP said, plans are underway for a police post to be built in Taurama.

“Everybody has a role to play, most importantly to make sure our city and Moresby South is safe and sound,” Tkatchenko said.

Together with the vehicles, the police officers were also presented with new police uniforms.

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Arts & Culture

Coca Cola PNG Partners PNGFM to support PNG Music

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Coca Cola PNG and PNGFM has announced the continuation of their partnership, in nurturing local music artists through Coke Studio Music Platform and YumiFM PNG Musik Awards.

Coca Cola PNG Marketing Manager Rachel Nainggaian commented on the renewed partnership saying, prioritizing consumer relevance has always been crucial for Coca Cola PNG, and music is an essential aspect of PNG’s culture.

“Music Possesses a unique power to inspire and unite people, making it resonates with our target audience’s growing engagement in music and digital audio,”  

Coca Cola PNG has been supporting PNG music since 2016, through the Coke Studio Platform.

Coke Studio has served as a signature music platform, providing opportunities for legendary, seasoned, and emerging artists to showcase their distinctive musical style, initially introduced as a TV Music Platform.

Coke Studio expanded in 2018 to include higher production quality and integrated collaboration between TV, Radio and digital media through its first Joint Venture with the YUMI FM Musik Awards.

“Music remains at the heart of Coca Cola’s real magic philosophy, and Coca Cola PNG has a long-standing commitment to recognizing and celebrating the achievements of PNG Artists,” Nainggaian said.

On Saturday, PNGFM successfully hosted the 18th YUMI FM PNG Music Awards, with Coca Cola as the Platinum Sponsor.

The event recognizes and appreciates the efforts of PNG Musicians and Artists, under various categories.

The categories include, Best New Artist of the Year, Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, International Artist of the Year, Duo / Group of the Year, Producer of the Year, Justin Kili Award, and Listeners Choice of the Year.

PNGFM General Manager Rosemarie ‘Shaz’ Botong was excited about the enhanced partnership with Coca Cola. “With Coca Cola as our official partner, we look forward to providing fans with even better experience, making both Coke Studio and PNG Musik Awards 2023 essential platforms to appreciate local musicians and artists.” Ms Botong said.

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Agriculture

Sapuka Villagers Focus on Rice Farming

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Igu Kisua and OTDF CEO Havini Vira holding Sapuka Rice

The village of Sapuka in the South Fly District of Western Province has embarked on a journey to achieve food security through rice farming in their area.
Last month, the community witnessed the official launch, of a food security program, aimed at empowering the people to cultivate rice and drought tolerant crops at the village level.

This initiative has gained momentum, with more than 100 farmers producing milled rice at the Community Seed Bank Centre (CSBC) since November 2022.
Igu Kisua, a community representative said, the villagers were used to rely on the forest for sustenance, but with the introduction of rice farming in their area, their lives have been transformed.

The locally produced rice has not only met the needs of the village, but it has also contributed to feeding nearby villages along the Fly River.
However, the limited capacity of the milling equipment, resulting in delays have been a challenge for farmers.

The village representative said, there is a need for a larger and more robust milling machine.

He further emphasized that downstream processing plays a pivotal role in motivating farmers.

Fresh Produce Development Agency Executive Manager, John Kewa also expressed his anticipation to support food security through a collaborative partnership with the Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF).

“We are actively working towards deploying our officers to Sapuka Village this year to provide technical assistance on the ground.” He said.

OTDF Chief Executive Officer Havini Vira acknowledged the community’s efforts in taking ownership of the food security program, which will be rolled out across the province.

He further emphasized the significance of such community-driven initiatives, as a pathway to sustainable community development.

Related: https://insidepng.com/rigo-rice-supports-domestic-rice-demand/

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News

OTDF Observes World Environment Day

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OTDF Staff

Staff of OK Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) recently observed the World Environment Day, in Kiunga Western Province.
In commemorating this year’s World Environment Day, themed “Beat Plastic Pollution” the staff of Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) cleaned the public road and carpark around the main office area in Kiunga.
As a community development organisation serving the people in Western Province, OTDF values the environment, which is important for the people’s livelihood.

OTDF’s safety coordinator Shane Tarue said observing the day raises awareness on the environment and the effects of human activities on nature and people.
“Many issues relating to climate change and the environment is caused by us so we need to take care of our environment. Air, water and land are essential for human survival.” Tarue said
He said businesses and stakeholders and all citizens should take care of the environment and help reduce plastic pollution in PNG.

Chief Executive Officer Mr. Havini Vira stressed on personal responsibility, where everyone should be cautious of things they do such as throwing out plastic and other rubbish publicly.
He urged families and individuals to continue to play their part in disposing of plastics properly at home and in towns and villages, as it is a way of contributing to saving the environment.
“Safety and environment are OTDF values that underpin our work. We must continue to maintain these standards and eventually influence others to take care of the environment,” He said.
OTDF staff at field bases along the Fly River commemorated the day by planting trees.

OTDF staff planting trees at Nakaku Field Base

To end the day, all employees together with their families participated in collecting rubbish around their residential areas followed by quizzes and activities for the children.

The World Environment Day was observed on Monday, 5th June. World Environment Day (WED) encourages awareness and action for the protection of the environment. It is supported by many non-governmental organizations, businesses, government entities, and represents the primary United Nations outreach day supporting the environment.

Related: https://insidepng.com/electronic-library-for-chw-school/

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News

PILAG PARTNERS WITH CS TO TRAIN EXECUTIVE STAFF

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The PNG Correctional Services have partnered with the Pacific Institute of Leadership and Governance to provide a training pathway for PNGCS staff.

This partnership will see executive staff from PILAG undergoing leadership and management training at PILAG to ensure they are better qualified in their level of command.

This is part of the institutions drive to build the capacity of its senior officers.

PNGCS Commissioner Stephen Pokanis said, they are appointing commanding officers to take up roles at the executive level.

In an executive meeting, they decided on providing a training pathway for emerging and current leaders, who can command at the Prison level and also in executive levels in the future.

“In the future we are looking at uniformity, where officers who are appointed or promoted, would have special skills, experience and qualifications that should bring them to that level of command,” Commissioner Pokanis said.

The Commissioner said this training partnership with PILAG has to continue annually.

The PNGCS is also seeking assistance from PILAG to carry out a training need analysis, as it is critical for them to identify gaps and put in place proper organizational training plan, to assist in career development of CS personnel.

A cheque of K200 000 was presented to PILAG, as tuition fees for the executive staff, last Friday.

PILAG CEO Micheal Barobe thanked PNGCS for their confidence in PILAG to roll out this training.

“It’s all about giving capacity and competency to our people, so that they deliver government goods and services in a way our people benefit,” CEO Barobe said.

The CEO further assured the PNGCS Commissioner that the training will be delivered, to give capacity to senior executive staff.

He further added that PILAG is going forward with various reforms, to ensure People are appointed into the Public Service, based on experience and qualifications.

They are also working together with international partners to adopt their course structures, and contextualize into PNG homegrown courses, based on PNG context.

Earlier: https://insidepng.com/pilag-partners-nri-for-quality-research-training/

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Agriculture

Fijian Prime Minister and Delegates’ Visit Ilimo Farm

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Fijian Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka in his recent visit to PNG, was given the opportunity to visit the Innovative Agro Industry’s farms over the weekend.

The Prime Minister and his delegates began their tour at the Ilimo Dairy Farm at 14 mile, outside of Port Moresby.

They were given a tour of the milking parlor and the production facility, where they witnessed first-hand the different processes of producing milk and other Ilimo products.

The Fijian Delegates ended their tour at the 9 mile vegetable farm.

They had the opportunity to visit the green houses, where various vegetables are grown, including the advanced drip irrigation and climate control systems.

The Prime Minister was impressed with the tour, saying it was an eye opener for them.

“I am sure the official delegation will take back with them a lot from this visit, and try to incorporate them into the Agro Industries at home,” said Prime Minister Rabuka.

The Innovative Agro Industries was first established in 2011, and they are involved in  a wide range of activities such as farming, greenhouses, poultry and dairy.

AIA Executive Director, Ilan Weiss said the visit is an opportunity for them to showcase the progress and advancement in the fields of agriculture and food production.

“It is always an honor for us to show dignitaries visiting the country, what we do. We took a lot of pride in what we do, and there’s a lot of passion put into our work.

“It is agriculture, it is a long term investment.” The Executive Director said.

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Business

Rigo rice supports domestic rice demand

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Papua New Guinea, is one of the biggest consumers of rice, but doesn’t have the capacity to supply its demand.

Rigo Rice Managing Director Jeffery Kennedy in his presentation, during the Special Economic Zone Summit, said PNG imports more rice to feed its local demand.

“In PNG we are looking at 99.9% imports of rice, just to feed our local demand,” the Managing Director said.

“With the current global trends, this puts PNG in a very vulnerable spot, in terms of food security.”

Rigo Rice is one of the biggest rice projects in the Central Province and has been operational for more than five years.

In addition, they have invested more than K10 million to build a solid rice business.

They are also supporting local farmers to grow rice, and sell to them.

The Managing Director said, to ensure it continues to grow and meet domestic demands, this project will need the support of all stake holders including the government.

“Government has a very important role to play in rice farming and production when it comes to ensuring food security as an aspect of National security,” Kennedy said.

Minister of International Trade and Investment Richard Maru responded positively, saying the government is ready to give its support.

He said Rigo Rice deserves government support and recognition because they have earned the right to be supported.

Maru further added that the company already has a well established farm which needs to be expanded from 250 hectares to 6000 hectares.

“The government will assess Rigo Rice, and if we are convinced that Rigo Rice deserve our support because it is going to be profitable and sustainable, and all it needs is capital to buy machines, we will invest as an investor, as a joint venture partner, Maru explained.

He said Rigo Rice have also offered to assist the government, by helping other provinces and districts to set up commercial rice farms.

Rigo Rice is one of six projects that will be given Special Economic Zone License by the government this year.

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News

SEZ Summit a Success

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The inaugural Special Economic Zone Summit or SEZ Summit hosted in Papua New Guinea ended successfully last Tuesday.

The three day event was led by the Ministry for Trade and International Trade and was opened by Prime Minister James Marape on Sunday (May 7, 2023).

Over 400 participants from government and private sectors, including international speakers and investors gathered to discuss the establishment of Special Economic Zones in the country.

Global experts shared their experiences with Special Economic Zones for  local experts to learned from them.

Prime Minister James Marape in his key note address, welcomed all participants to the forum.

Furthermore, he said his government is committed to supporting Special Economic Zones, as a key driver of the Economy.

International Trade and Investment minister, Richard Maru in his opening remarks said the world has known the Special Economic Zone Concept for over 50 years.

For PNG, the SEZ concept started over 30 years ago, however some have failed.

Maru said despite the establishment of the Special Economic Zone Authority by the Marape government, there is no Policy.

The Minister further explained that the objective of the summit was to understand the definition of Special Economic Zones, and the types of Special Economic Zones.

“The second objective is to work towards understanding why we fail over the last 30 years by listening to the success of other countries,” Maru said.

Stalls and information booths of government agencies and stakeholders were set up during the summit.

The second day of the summit saw China and Philippines sharing their experiences of Special Economic Zones, including PNG SEZ experience and an update on Paga Hill Special Economic Zone.

Discussions on SEZ policy framework and masterplan were held on the final day of the summit.

Some enablers of SEZs discussed during the summit are: Policing for SEZ, Road Connectivity, Ports Solutions, Energy Solutions for SEZs and Application for SEZ Licenses.

International Trade and Investment minister Richard Maru expressed satisfaction saying the summit was successfully delivered.

“I want to close by thanking all of you again for coming, this is a start of a long journey,” The Minister said.

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