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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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News

Children Amongst Injured

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Road Accident Kairuku

Five people are critically injured after a nasty road accident at Kaiau, near Agevairu in the Kairuku District.

Three children are amongst the nine people injured in the collision that happened around 3pm this afternoon.

The injured were treated by medical officers at Agevairu Health Center and St. John. Ambulance staff from Port Moresby who were dispatched to the scene in there ambulance units.

Once those seriously injured were in a stablished condition, the team from St. John transported them to Port Moresby General Hospital for further treatment.

The St John Ambulance team include four ambulance officers, three emergency registered nurses and one office staff made who made the three hour journey back to Port Moresby.

The nine people involved in the accident included five adult females, one adult male and three children.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/attorney-general-arrested-and-charged/

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News

Central Police to Visit Schools

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Central Police Commander Chief Inspector Laimo Asi

Police in Central Province are embarking on proactive measures in the hope to reduce crime rates in public areas.

This approaching includes community awareness, school visits and Highway Patrols.

Newly appointed Central Police Commander, Chief Inspector Laimo Asi is targeting school aged children and urging students to maintain discipline in schools.

“Whilst the teachers at the respective schools are doing their best to educate the students, discipline must be the responsibility of parents”, said Asi.

Since taking up the post, Commander Asi visited Laloki Secondary School and spoke to students about good behavior habits while in school.

Commander Asi, who serves as chairman of the Parents and Citizens of Laloki Secondary School and a Board member of Sogeri School of Excellence said his officers will be monitoring students who chew betel nut and smoke cigarettes while in school uniform.

“I want to see students discipline in all the schools throughout the province. I won’t hesitate to arrest and prosecute ill-disciplined students. We have to take tough actions on students at school so they will behave and produce good results, so we have good elites in the future,” said Asi.

Having just graduated with a Masters In Business Administration (MBA), Commander Asi believes more students from Central Schools can secure spaces in Tertiary institutions.

Asi also wears the hat as Patron of Rigo-Abau and Central Students at the University of Papua New Guinea.

Three of the top performing schools in Central Province include Sogeri School of Excellence, Sacred Heart Secondary in Goilala District and Mt. Diamond Secondary in Hir District.

Central, though the nearest province to National Capital District is considered a tough area to police.

It shares provincial borders with Milne Bay to the East and Gulf to the West and with an increase in drugs being smuggled into NCD via Central, proactive policing can minimize such offences.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/police-to-increase-presence-in-enga-inside-png/

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News

Ipatas wants New Porgera Development Forum in Enga

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Enga Governor

Enga Governor, Sir Peter Ipatas has asked the Government to continue the consultative process on reopening the New Porgera Mine in Enga Province and not elsewhere.

Ipatas says Porgera mine is in Enga, therefore, there is no point conducting the meetings concerning the mine in other centres.

His statements come after the Mineral Resources Authority announced that further consultative meetings on the New Porgera Mine will start in Alotau, Mine Bay Province, commencing Tuesday (August 29).

Prime Minister James Marape who officially opened the New Porgera Mine Development Forum last Tuesday (August 22) has openly shown his support of Governor Ipatas’s statement.

During the planning stages, all stakeholders involved were supposed to return early next week to resume the consultative process at the new Conference Centre of the Innovative University of Enga (IUE), Irelya Campus, Wabag, Enga Province before the signing of a memorandum of understanding to pave the way for the reopening of the mine.

“If Government authorities had taken the current tribal fight related lawlessness as a reason to take the meeting to Alotau, this must be corrected. There is no widespread lawlessness in the province.

“What we are experiencing currently are a series of tribal conflicts in a parts of Wapenamanda, Kandep and Porgera districts. They are confined to the certain tribes involved and their allies. They do not concern the entire province or the general public including visitors,” Sir Peter said.

He said the province has in the recent past successfully hosted the national senior education officers conference (SEOC), the 29th Enga Cultural Show and the opening of the Porgera Development forum with thousands attending from right across the country.

He said if the National Government insists on taking the meeting to another province, his government will not attend because it is insensitive and irresponsible.

“Our people are in Enga despite our challenges and as their government and leaders, we need to face them and address their issues and challenges.”

“I am not speaking for the other stakeholders. They can attend wherever the consultative talks are being held. But my government will not attend as we view this forum as a significant, once in a lifetime opportunity for my people and our government to negotiate the future of our people and province and it would be netter done in our province.”

The Enga Provincial Government has finalised its Position Paper following the presentation of the State’s proposals last week and is looking to present it to the State team in Wabag this week.

Related: https://insidepng.com/20023-04-03-new-porgera-agreement/

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Police to Increase Presence in Enga

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Acting Commissioner of Police, Dr. Philip Mitna

In response to escalating tensions and isolated instances of violent confrontations in Enga Province, the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) has pledged to remain vigilant and strengthen its presence in the region.

This commitment was declared by Acting Commissioner of Police, Dr. Philip Mitna, who also outlined additional support measures to combat domestic terrorism threats.

Reports have indicated a simmering unrest in recent weeks. The RPNGC has been keenly monitoring the situation and is engaging with local leaders to restore peace and order in the affected areas.

Mitna commended the efforts of political leaders in Enga for calling for calm and directly engaging with constituents in volatile areas.

The RPNGC has launched operations aimed at neutralizing criminal elements and ensuring the rule of law is upheld by all.

“Currently on ground we have 120 soldiers and two mobile squads, MS11 and MS 12. Another two squads are ready for deployment on Standby, should anything happen, said Mitna.

ACP Samson Kua has been assigned to lead specialized efforts against criminal elements in Enga.

“So he (Kua) takes charge of Enga, Hela and Southern Highlands. Every operations that charge of Enga will come under him directly, Mitna said.

The police force is executing search warrants against known agitators and continues to investigate. “Our efforts search warrants have been issued. Some are executed, some are yet to be executed. We are going proactive and reactive. Proactive is basically community policing so as part of our strategy is to deploy Engan based officers from NCD back to their province so they can talk to their own people,” Mitna added.

The RPNGC has confirmed the mobilization of additional mobile squads for deployment to Enga. Long-range recon units and other specialist units from the PNGDF have been inserted to provide up-to-date intelligence on criminal activities.

In a significant development, Acting Commissioner Mitna announced the formation of the Kumul 23 Police Tactical Group (PTG), an elite tactical force combining the best of the police and security forces. The Kumul 23 PTG will provide a precision capability to apprehend domestic terrorist ringleaders, dismantle terrorist cells, and target those who direct these terrorists.

In addition, Mitna announced the formation of the Miok Force, a team of 70 Engan policemen and women based in the National Capital District, who will conduct an extensive awareness campaign throughout the province.

The Miok Force members, familiar with local language and customs, will be divided into six teams covering all six districts of the entire Province.

Mitna urged all Engan elites to join the Miok Force team in the awareness campaign, stating “you are either with us and want peace and law and order to prevail, or you are against us.”

Recent: https://insidepng.com/marape-speaks-against-killings/

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North Bougainville By-Elections

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North Bougainville By-Elections

At least four women are amongst male candidates contesting for the North Bougainville Seat in the By-election.

However Autonomous Bougainville Government President, Ismael Toroama said candidates in the by-elections should not use the Region’s aspirations for political independence as a campaign platform to muster votes.

“Every Bougainville leader in the ABG and the National Government must remember that our independence aspirations is sacred in the sense that we lost twenty thousand fighting an unjust war to secure our freedom and having 97 percent of our people expressing their desire for independence during the 2019 Referendum,” said Toroama.

North Bougainville Open is one of three electorates going into by-elections this year.

The former member, Late William Nakin who was supposed to have served his second term under the National Alliance Party, as North Bougainville MP died last July from a short illness.

As the campaign period is underway, President Toroama said Bougainvillians
must not be misled by candidates who claim to represent their aspirations for political independence.

“I want to encourage the candidates contesting the North Bougainville By-elections who have their hearts in the right place, to honor the sacrifice of our people and our desire for independence by truly representing the felts needs and aspirations of our people when they are elected into office,” President Toroama said.

North Bougainville has been without a representative at the National Parliament for more than a year and the Issuing of Writs this July kicks off the race to finding a new Leader.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/orders-for-repatriation/

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ORDERS FOR REPATRIATION

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Orders for Repatriation

Reports conducted by the Rabaul Volcanological Observatory Centre on Mt. Bagana indicates a reduction in the State level alert from Stage Two to Stage One, volcanic activity.

Based on this alert, Mt. Bagana Eruption, State of Emergency Controller, Esther Usurup issued repatriation orders for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) living at Evacuation Centres at Torokina and Wakunai Districts.

Repatriation Orders are for;

  • IDPs of Tagarau, upper Rikua and Ruruvu (roadside and Urupa Sukot) registered and currently living at Wakunai Station,
  • IDPs of Kopani 1 and 2 currently living at Manetai Catholic Mission area of Panguna District and
  • IDPs of Kenaia, Longkogari, Piva (Kenabaki), and Talelu wards registered and currently living at Piva Station evacuation center.

Orders for those to remain include;

  • IDPs from Siro and Ruruvu (Sisivi) wards and who have registered within the Wakunai station to remain within the evacuation center.
  • IDPs from Tsito/Vuakovi and Koromaket wards and who registered within the Piva Station to remain within the evacuation center.
Repatriation Orders by Esther Usurup

It’s been more than six weeks since the Mt. Bagana eruption displaced hundreds of people and forced hundreds more to live at care centers set up in Central and South Bougainville.

The care centers were set up and managed by International Organization of Migration (IOM) through financial support from US Agency for International Development (US AID).

With the reduction of volcanic activity from Stage Two alert to Stage One, IOM will be facilitating Camp Management Exit plans in the coming days.

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Business

Ramu NiCo to Feature Women LO Group at Inaugural CANCONEX

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Ramu NiCo will Feature Women Landowner Group at Inaugural CANCONEX

Ramu NiCo’s Coastal Pipeline Landowners Women’s Association (CPL WA) from the Rai Coast District in the Madang Province of Papua New Guinea will be participating in the inaugural Community Affairs and National Content Conference and Expo (CANCONEX) in Lae, Morobe Province as one of the successful association along the projects corridor area.

The CPL WA is a successful women’s landowner group and comprises of three zones that are Bugati, Marika and Siroi.

It has 3000 active registered members who successfully ventured into financially viable projects and businesses.

These have come to fruition from the portion of royalties allocated to the women’s group.

The portion, in most cases, is used as capital to acquire loans from the People’s Micro Bank branch in Madang to buy trucks and dinghies, which are being used as public motor vehicles (PMVs) to serve the local people living within the mining tenement area, venture into other small to medium enterprises (SMEs).

The expo is set to be held at the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT) in Lae, Morobe Province from the 28th to the 30th of August; Ramu NiCo is also a gold sponsor for the hosting of the event.

Ramu NiCo Management (MCC) Limited will attend and participate in the first-ever CANCONEX with the theme of “Promoting National Participation for Sustainable Communities.”

With the encouragement of the President of the PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum, Anthony Smare, the conference is an avenue for participants to share their experiences and learn from each other, make new connections, seek opportunities and experience.

Ramu NiCo saw fit that it features one of the best performing and successful landowner groups from the four impact communities to represent their fellow landowner groups.

The successful Women Association from the Ramu NiCo Project in Madang Province is one of the fruitful associations that Ramu NiCo has seen being an active association apart from all the associations in the project’s corridor. Thus, Ramu NiCo thinks highly of this successful women group and other landowner groups coming from afar to attend the CANCONEX.

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OTDF SUPPORTS SEA TIME TRAINING FOR CADETS

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OTDF

Two New Cadets of Sea Time Training, from Western Province have been inducted into the Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) Maritime Scholarship Program, in Kiunga Recently.

The cadets, Jacklyn Jeremiah and Sailas Waimona, will now embark on a 24 month Journey, of sea time training aboard P&O vessels.

The training Program is part of OTDF Maritime Scholarship Program, which is delivered in Partnership with Ok Tedi Mining Limited and P&O Maritime Limited.

The Program which commenced in 2013, aims to build human capacity in Western Province while fostering career growth in the maritime industry.

The two cadets were part of the 2022 batch of applicants selected for this Scholarship Program.

They were inducted into the program at the P&O Maritime Kiunga office, by P&O Maritime Health and Safety officer, Superintendent Leo Gideon, and staff from OTDF.

During the induction, Superintendent Gideon highlighted the company’s commitment to safety across its global operations.

The Cadets were also briefed on the P&O Maritime Code of Business Conduct (COBC), which outlines the standard procedures and rules governing their daily operations.

“This induction exercise, serves as a practical guide for maintaining professional relationships with business partners, customers, employees, and communities.” Superintendent Gideon said.

OTDF Program Services Sustainable Manager Andrew Mari said the OTDF Maritime Scholarship Program is open to eligible individuals from Western Province.

“This program presents a remarkable chance for participants to cultivate their maritime careers, enhance interpersonal skills, establish valuable networks, and achieve career goals,” Mari said.

He also encouraged the cadets to become ambassadors for their districts, families, and OTDF, with the aspiration of one day captaining a vessel navigating the Fly River.

Related: https://insidepng.com/otdf-observes-world-environment-day/

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Climate Change

New Climate Change Regulation to Improve Carbon Trading

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Papua New Guinea has some of the largest areas of forest in the world, but measures to conserve the environment through the sale of carbon credits has been unfair for local land owners in the country.

Recent media reports and investigations have uncovered that most in rural areas in Papua New Guinea have little to no knowledge of the complexity of carbon credits and Carbon trading. In turn they are being taken advantage of by those in the business.

Debra Sungi, the acting General Manager Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) at the Climate Change Development Authority, says the absence of proper regulatory framework has allowed for the exploitation of landowners in rural Papua New Guinea.

(Left) Debra Sungi – Acting General Manager Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV), Climate Change Development Authority and (Center) CCDA Acting Managing Director William Lakain attending a stakeholders meeting on Friday.

A moratorium on the PNG REDD+ Voluntary Carbon Market Project has the Climate Change Development Authority and stake holders pushing for the Climate Change (Management) (Carbon Market) Regulation 2023 to be approved by the Government.

The document was rigorously debated since 2022 and is the answer to the problem. It will aid in the process of carbon emissions trading in domestic and international approach. Guided by international rules under the Conference of Parties COP 26 Article 6.

Carbon Trade
Carbon Trade
Carbon Trade
CCDA and Stake holders meeting held at Hilton Hotel on the 18th of this month.

A stake holders meeting was held at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby on Friday to debate and present the final draft of the Climate Change (Management) (Carbon Markets) Regulation 2023. And also to Validate the Climate Change (Management) (Carbon Markets) Regulation 2023.

The amendment of the regulation has gone into the second stage and as the national designated authority responsible for Carbon Markets, CCDA is certain that the regulation will help make sure maximum benefit goes to the land owners.

Related: https://insidepng.com/research-and-conservation-of-pngs-biodiversity/

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