West New Britain Governor, Sasindran Muthuvel says it is no secret the Province is facing unprecedented challenges with Law and Order.

Governor Muthuvel said there are a number of contributing factors as the Province host so many ethnic groups and cultures. He said although the police hierarchy is supported notably, the growing population is putting massive social pressure in communities.

“While there is ongoing bureaucratic intervention which the West New Britain Provincial Government has been working on to address, the point on our youths can be easily addressed and it starts at home,” said Governor Muthuvel.

He added that no child is destined to be a thief or thug, he believes the environment and upbringing influences a child’s behavior. Muthuvel said as parents, discipline starts at home to raise a child to be respectful, peaceful and good citizen and contribute meaningfully to the society.

“I appeal to our parents or those who intend to have children to teach them necessary values to be a good human being, “said Muthuvel.

The West New Britain Governor appealed to parents stating law and order starts at homes and parents play a vital role. Governor Muthuvel said to fix the on-going law and order in West New Britain is difficult and a collective effort is needed.

Meanwhile police operations at Gigo and Laleki saw the arrest of 167 men; 114 of whom are adults while the other 53 are youths and juveniles. All have been charged with fighting while those in possession of firearms and drugs will face extra charges.

WNB Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector John Iara said Police will also be checking their files for other crimes. PPC Iara is also appealing to the public to come forward with information on the deaths and arson during the fights.

PPC Iara confirmed that the fight has resulted in three (3) deaths while 14 houses were burnt down.

Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) observed ANZAC Day with a Dawn Service hosted in Tabubil.

A number of employees, contractors, local dignitaries and members of Papua New Guinea and Australian Defence Force attended the Dawn Service.

OTML General Manager People and Capability, Mark Stone, said the ANZAC tradition has inspired future generations and each year people pay homage to those who have died, were injured, or suffered in their service to their countries, including PNG.

“We remember with pride their courage, their passion, and their comradeship,” said Mr Stone.

Captain Tom Folley, of the ADF said it was an opportunity to reflect on the spirit of Anzac forged at Gallipoli and has continued in the jungles and mountains of PNG.

“We also remember the brave Papua New Guineans who, as part of the Papuan Infantry Battalion and the Royal Pacific Islands Regiment in World War II, fought alongside the Australians.

“The Australian Army was assisted by about 50,000 Papua New Guinean civilians who carried supplies, evacuated the sick and wounded, and built bases, airfields and other infrastructure.

“The service and sacrifice of these brave Papua New Guineans should never be forgotten,” he said.

OTML General Manager Processing, Greg Moore, recited the ANZAC Day poem while OTML Acting Chief Executive Officer, Kedi Ilimbit, was among those who laid wreaths.

Today is a day of remembrance that commemorates all Australians, New Zealanders and Papua New Guineans “who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations” and “the contribution and suffering of all those who have served”.

Tabubil was among seven other centers, which hosted a dawn service in commemoration of Anzac Day.

Other centers included Port Moresby, Alotau, Popondetta, Kimbe, Rabaul, Wewak, Lae.

The Department of Personnel Management in collaboration with Treasury are conducting the Staffing and Establishment review to frame up the 2023 Personal Emolument Budget for the Whole of Government.

The Staffing and Establishment review is an annual gathering of government agencies prior to the start of the second quarter budget review.

The two-week conference which started yesterday (26.04.22) has seen the attendance of Government Agencies, Provincial Administrators, CEOs’ of Provincial Health Authorities, and relevant Human Resource and Management teams of the public service sector in Port Moresby.

DPM Director National Agencies, Ms Roselyn Wrakuavia said the conference is centered around information and data collected for the Personal Emolument Budget will be given to the Budget Steering Committee to be presented to the National Executive Council for Parliament Budget Lockdown.

All agencies, departments and offices will present to DPM and Treasury data relating to Approved Establishments and Staff on Strength.
These are;

1. Position Occupancy Register
2. Unattached Officer List
3. Short/Long term Suspensions List
4. Personal Details of Unattached/Excess Officers
5. Register of Officers for Retirement
6. Establishment & Staffing Matrix by Pay Grade
7. PE Expenditure Matrix by Pay Grade
8. Casuals paid from other sources
9. Establishment Cost Summary
10. Establishment Comparison Table
11. Copy of the Current Agency Corporate Plan
12. And Other PE related expenditure paid outside of the Ascender Pay System

Ms Wrakuavia said it is important for every government agency to take ownership and provide updated data so that they are included in the 2023 Budget appropriation.

“It is challenging when they fail to provide updated data, which forces DPM and Treasury to justify their data on estimate, using last year’s appropriation, with a 5 per cent increase,” said Ms Wrakuavia.

She added that the S&E conference is also important as it also identifies discrepancies in the government’s Ascenda Payroll system, which can be sighted and rectified.

“We hope to compile a well detailed data to help line agencies with the budget going forward for 2023,” said Ms Wrakuavia.

By Stanley Ove Jnr – Port Moresby

The people of Manus will now enjoy the luxury of a modern airport terminal.

Officially opened yesterday (25th April) by Prime Minister James Marape, the new Momote airport terminal stands out with its unique stingray inspired design – an ideal representation of the Manus people.

As part of the Civil Aviation Development Investment Program (CADIP) – a joint partnership with the ADB and the National Government, a total of K101.9million was put into the project. The project works included improving the runway pavement, runway extension, power and water supply, airport market facility and the new terminal.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Civil Aviation Minister Walter Schnaubelt acknowledged the partnership with ADB and thanked the landowners for allowing the project to run without any disruption. He said the airport rehabilitation project is a massive government investment and the people of Manus must embrace it fully.

“The sustainability and operation of this terminal will be determined by how you look after the terminal. It will not operate into the future if you do not look after it,” Minister Schnaubelt said.

The Minister also announced that all outstanding projects under the CADIP 1 program will conclude by the 2nd quarter of 2022, with the CADIP 2 to commence soon after in December.

“Under the CADIP 2 program, the government will look at revitalising a number of regional airstrips. This will open up our country and encourage economic growth,” the Minister added.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister James Marape spoke about the number of opportunities this project will give to the people of Manus. He challenged them to go into spin-off businesses and generate revenue that can counter the K101.9million investment.

“The Government wants every province to be economically independent. I want to encourage my people of Manus, go into business and generate revenue. This can be achieved because now you have a new airport terminal that will bring more businesses into the province,” said PM Marape.

He said delivering enabling infrastructure is a priority of this Government and it will continue through with the CADIP 2 program. Other projects include the Connect PNG program which aims to connect missing road links in the country.

“We are committed to deliver these projects. We have to open up the country. We must connect our provinces,” Marape added.

The new state of the art facility has a VIP lounge, a spacious departure lounge with 139 seats, modern check-in counters with a conveyor belt for baggage, screening machines, toilet facilities and a kiosk.

Out of the K101.9million, K32million was put to building the stingray designed terminal.

By Rayon Lakingu, Port Moresby

The New Ireland Provincial government in Parnership with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) – a delivery partner of the Climate Change & Development Authority (CCDA) has launched New Ireland’s first-ever climate resilient plan and climate assessment report.

The climate resilient plan follows three years of consultations with local stakeholders, which started in late 2019.

The plan includes priority actions for the Province to adapt and mitigate climate change in the economic and social services sector with immediate long-term goals.

The plan will prioritize the building of climate resilience in the fisheries, agriculture, transport and energy sub-sectors.

“Working alongside New Ireland to assess its green growth potential, its climate vulnerability, and importantly, its plan to do something about it, has been a great learning curve for all stakeholders, and an experience like no other, for international inter-governmental organizations like GGGI,” said Sakiusa Tuisolia, Country Representative GGGI.

Seven members of the New Ireland Provincial Climate Change Committee (PCCC) were also sworn in.

These follows a Provincial Executive Council endorsement for the establishment of the PCCC.

The role of the committee is to coordinate efforts to combat climate change at the provincial level, communicate with the national Government on climate action, and provide climate-related advice for the benefit of communities of New Ireland.

New Ireland Provincial Administrator Lamillar Pawut in his remarks acknowledged all stakeholders for their contribution to the development of New Ireland’s climate resilient plan.

“It gives me great confidence to say that the launching of New Ireland’s climate resilient plan and assessment report, as well as the swearing-in of our PCCC members, is New Ireland’s response and contribution to the PNG Nationally Determined Contributions or NDCs.

By Jack Lapauve Jnr

Works and Highways Secretary David Wereh says the ‘Connect PNG’ plan is critical in improving road quality and standard in the country.

Wereh says road accessibility for citizens will open up opportunities for communities in the country. “Funding levels have increased in the past years especially the regional highways in the country. Magi, Hiritano, Buluminski, Highlands(Okuk), Ramu-Madang, and Sepik Coastal Highway among others”, said Secretary Wereh.

Wereh said the Department’s aim is to ensure by 2025 all economic highways in the country should be in excellent condition for use and travel. He said his Department is organizing and implementing a fulltime performance based contracts for road maintenance and rehabilitation as expected by the Government.

“We have fulltime contractors on site to respond to emergency needs to ensure roads are in good condition. We are shifting from traditional arrangements that is waiting for budget allocations. Most of the time our efforts to fix roads are late”, said Wereh.

The Works and Highways Secretary said the National Government has approved the new delivery model (Performance Based Contracts) for the big highways. He said this has worked out very well and giving good results in most major highways in the Highlands and Coastal areas.

“This is the best practice adapted around the world to preserve roads that are made given the massive funding investment for road works in the country. This model is working and I believe if we implement this throughout the country, by 2025 people will have access to better roads”, added Wereh.

Secretary Wereh also said guaranteed funding is key in ensuring that roads are in good condition. In the old arrangements, the delay of funding results in maintenance of roads and affects contractors cash flow to purchase materials with work delayed.

“That is why the Department has introduced the ‘Road Fund’ concept to ensure there is a guaranteed stream of funding from different revenue sources to maintain and sustain contractors work throughout the country. This is the only way to save our roads”, said Secretary Wereh.

Meanwhile the Works and Highway Secretary said the geography conditions and people has been always a challenge for the Department. He also expressed that road usage demand has increased over the years due to population with more traffic on the roads.

Wereh said over the years the Department has developed and design key standards to resist overloading on road conditions. “Recycling and Stabilization is one of the technologies we using to strengthen road pavement to resist the overloading experienced on our highways,” said Wereh.

“We have trialed it out and as we speak we have covered 200 to 300 kilometers on our highways at a cost effective rate,” said Wereh. He said the results have proved to be positive as the Department plans to use this standard to use in other highways around the country.

Wereh said a classic example is the road section from Nadzab junction to Nadzab airport with the road lasting for almost 8 years now.

According to Wereh the Works and Highway Department is taking calculated moves to find best solutions with designs given the huge capital investment and high cost of road maintenance in the country.

Wereh said it takes time and requires money to practically maintain, build and ensure Papua New Guinea has lasting road conditions which are safe and usable by the people. “We getting the kind of support never seen before including the recent passing of a law (Connect PNG Fund Arrangement Act) to see guaranteed funding for approved road plans in the country,” said Wereh.

“It’s possible to build better roads and highways if Government support is there to support key drivers. I’m quite confident that we will see the results in 5 to 6 years’ time to see the desired road conditions given the right planning, programing, design and approach with the support from other Government agencies, said Secretary Wereh.

New Guinea Islands Divisional Commander, ACP Perou N’dranou has urged police officers to uphold basic policing duties.

ACP N’dranou’s encouragement came during a short visit to New Ireland Province recently.

His visit is part of his familiarization call to ensure there is realistic overview of the state of police affairs for each province in the New Guinea Islands region.

N’dranou said he wants to see three things achieved in the region. “The first priority is getting the basic fundamentals of policing right again. It doesn’t need money to these priority target areas, all it needs is for each police officer to do their job right,” said ACP N’dranou.

The recently appointed Divisional Commander said this includes attending to complaints, investigating cases and prosecution.

N’dranou expressed that all these must be executed with integrity.

He added that his second priority is to have ‘zero tolerance to public nuisance while the third is ‘public stakeholders’ partnerships with police. The NGI Assistant Commander said New Ireland has introduced the SMART Policing concept which aligns perfectly with the regional focus to improve policing.

“This is the way forward because policing is challenging and police are under resourced at most times. Innovative approach is a smarter way to attract partnership,” said N’dranou.

N’dranou was recently appointed as NGI Assistant Divisional Commander and is based in East New Britain. New Ireland is the second province visited by him with plans of visits to Manus and West New Britain.

Rural Police Commanders from Konos, Lakurumau, Lihir and Taskul travelled into Kavieng Town to meet the new ACP. A parade was held by the local police force led by New Ireland Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector Felix Nebanat.

A US$250,000 (K830 564) health and medical equipment assistance from the Government of the Republic of Indonesia has arrived in country.

The 2000 kilograms cargo consists of various medical items presented by the Indonesian Government.

The goods were received by the Deputy Controller of the National Control Centre for Covid19 Dr. Daoni Esorom and the Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Elias Wohengu, in the presence of the Indonesian Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, His Excellency Andriana Supandy.

This assistance follows the official visit by Prime Minister James Marape on the 31st of March to Indonesia to meet with President Joko Widodo at the Bogor Presidential Palace.

During that visit, President Joko Widodo conveyed that Indonesia is ready to support Papua New Guinea’s efforts to strengthen its national resilience in the health sector through partnerships between the food and drug authorities of the two countries.

Indonesian pharmaceutical companies have also shown interest in marketing their products in the Papua New Guinea market.

Ambassador Supandy said this symbolic handing over of medical equipment to PNG portrays the strong ties between the two countries.

He said this gift, amongst several things discussed during the meeting between the two Prime Ministers in Indonesia, will strengthen the bilateral cooperation of the two countries.

Dr. Daoni Esorom, in receiving the health and medical equipment yesterday said this gift is timely and critical as the country prepares to go into it’s National General Elections in a week’s time.

He pointed out that this is not the first time the Indonesian government has given to Papua New Guinea.

During the Prime Minister’s visit to Indonesia on the 31st of March 2022, other things were discussed, including the increase in trade between PNG and Indonesia, which rose by 87% in 2021 compared to the previous year.

The implementation of the cooperation agreement in the defense sector was another agenda discussed, which will open up more opportunities for military cooperation between the two countries.

President Joko Widodo and PM Marape also discussed the synergy between the two countries to increase cooperation with the South Pacific countries, including the fields of sustainable development, climate change, renewable energy, maritime affairs and disaster management which are challenges for island countries in the Pacific.

H. E Supandy said Indonesia as the close neighbour and a good friend to Papua New Guinea is committed to assisting PNG.

“I believe there are still a lot of opportunity to be explored and as the Ambassador of Indonesia to Papua New Guinea, I would like to reiterate my commitment and give you my highest assurance to support the implementation of bilateral cooperation in the sector of political and security, economic and development, education, social and culture, and the most important is the common understanding among the people of the friendly neighboring countries.”

Research and Advocacy organization ACT NOW! and Jubilee Australia Research Centre have welcomed a report that the bank accounts of 30 logging companies operating in Papua New Guinea (PNG) have been closed.

The report ‘Logging High Risk industry’ outlined concerns by the PNG Forest Industry Association, a group representing commercial logging interest that Bank South Pacific(BSP) has closed the logging company bank accounts due to its anti-money laundering best practices.

ACT NOW Campaign Manager, Eddie Tanago said ACT Now welcomes the report stating the move by the banks in PNG will restrict financing in the logging sector as identified by the Bank of PNG.

“Over the past decades, ACT NOW! and its partners have detailed numerous examples of illegal activity in the sector which have led to the theft of vital forest resources from customary landowners. When banks provide services to logging companies, they help to prop up this destructive industry,” said Mr. Tanago.

The move by BSP to close the accounts of logging companies places the spotlight on PNG’s second largest bank, Kina Bank. Kina has yet to confirm if it is taking action to exit its logging company customers to rule out offering its services to new logging clients, added Tanago.

ACT NOW! and Jubilee Australia’s 2021 research identified that the remaining two commercial banks operating in PNG – Westpac and ANZ had policies or practices that restricted their financing to the logging sector.

A December 2021 report by ACT NOW! and Jubilee Australia, ‘The Money Behind the Chainsaw’ detailed how PNG’s commercial banks have provided at least K300million (AUS$144million) since 2000 in available credit to the country’s five largest exporters of tropical logs.

The report highlighted evidence of illegal activity and human rights abuse in the sector.

“We call on all banks to ensure that they do not bring on new customers involved in tropical forest logging and take steps to close the accounts of existing customers in this sector,” said Mr Tanago.