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Yalu Bridge Restoration Efforts

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The Acting Secretary for Works & Highway, Gibson Holemba has appealed for calm following the collapse of the Yalu Bridge in the Wampar LLG of Huon Gulf District in Morobe province last week.

Yalu bridge is a 25-minute drive from Lae city but it’s the only link connecting Nadzab Tomodachi International Airport to Madang and the Highlands provinces.

Mr Holemba appealed to motorists, trucking companies, business houses and the travelling public for calm and common sense to prevail.  He said the natural disaster is beyond the control of the Works Department but restoration work is underway to restore normal traffic flow.

China Railway International Group is working on the Nadzab approach and its subcontractor is working on the Lae approach embankment of the washout site at Yalu Bridge.  Temporary wet crossing access is being constructed downstream for Light Vehicles ONLY to access.

Three men have lost their lives due to the continuous heavy rain since Thursday.   Lae’s Acting Metsup, Superintendent James Luan said one man was trying to cross the Yalu River unfortunately was swept away while the other two were buried in a landslide due to the overflowing creek at Bumbi settlement, Bumayong. 

Four Districts in Morobe province are affected by the floods; they include Bulolo, Nawaeb, Lae District and Huon Gulf.

The Morobe Disaster Office has yet to assess the full extent of the damages but villages in the affected districts have lost homes and gardens.   Heather Apo from NGO group, GrowPNG said the relentless downpour has caused significant damage to homes at Buso village in the Nawaeb District.  They and many other affected villages are in need of assistance and awaiting news of relief efforts from the Provincial and National governments.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Lae MP, John Rosso said there is close liaison with Police who have given assurance that the men in blue will monitor the site and provide safety for commuters and the general public.  He also said the Engineering Battalion from Igam Barracks is on standby if required.

Prime Minister James Marape said Works Minister Solan Mirisim, his Department and the Deputy Prime Minister have things under control, adding that the Bridge is a significant and critical infrastructure by which transport of agricultural and other important goods are done on a daily basis and that the Works Department is working around the clock to have a temporary bridge built.

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Momase Catholic Women’s SME Convention

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Momase Catholic Women's SME

In a vibrant celebration of creativity and commerce, more than 2,000 dynamic women descended upon Lae for the week-long Momase Catholic Women’s SME Convention that culminated in a spectacular finale last week.

Hailing from the five spirited Catholic Dioceses of Vanimo, Aitape, Wewak, Madang, and Lae, these women brought with them the heart and soul of their rural communities. Infusing the convention with a contagious energy that could rival any urban center.

President of the Lae Catholic Women’s Association, Maryanne Gali, couldn’t contain her excitement. Remarking on the surge in attendance compared to the last convivial gathering in Vanimo back in 2021.

This impressive event, held biannually, has clearly become a hot ticket for these enterprising women.

Stepping into the colorful marketplace, one was greeted by a mesmerizing array of handcrafted wonders—arts and crafts, bilums, traditional attire, and the coveted meri blouses.

Momase Catholic Women's SME

These women weren’t here just for the sun and fun. They were on a mission to seek out new markets for their prized creations.

The organizers, with hearts as big as their ambitions, aimed to provide a platform for these talented artisans. To showcase their masterpieces. It’s no secret that navigating the labyrinth of SME’s in the country is no easy feat, and it’s often a one-woman show.
Yet, amidst the lively chatter and bustling stalls, one couldn’t help but sense a shared determination.

Momase Catholic Women's SME
Momase Catholic Women's SME

These women weren’t looking for handouts; they craved the opportunity to stand on their own two feet.
The Catholic Dioceses recognized this fervor. Initiating the convention to empower women with self-reliance, teaching them not to lean too heavily on the government.

Linda Wanga, a vivacious vendor from Roma Parish in Maprik District, East Sepik Province, confessed that this was her maiden voyage to Lae, for the SME convention.

With a twinkle in her eye, she admitted that the acronym “SME” had been a mystery to her. But she decided to embark on this adventure to see it all for herself.
Her claim to fame? The inimitable Maprik bilums, in an assortment of sizes and prices that could make anyone’s head spin. With each bilum, a piece of Wanga’s heart and heritage was woven into the fabric, waiting for a new owner to cherish.

Momase Catholic Women's SME

As the convention drew to a close, Gali offered a rallying cry to the government and its relevant departments. Urging them to recognize the unstoppable force of women mobilizing their efforts.
They weren’t asking for handouts, just a fair chance to share their talents with the world.

In the midst of ongoing discussions about SME‘s, the reality is that genuine support is still a rare find. These women don’t need charity; they need a stage where they can take center stage.
As the sun set over Lae, casting a golden hue over the convention grounds, it was clear these women were leaving with more than just sales. They were leaving with a sense of pride and the knowledge that they were the architects of their own destiny.

Here’s to the Momase Catholic Women, crafting their own futures, one bilum at a time.

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News

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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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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Rugby

Lae Biscuit Morobe Hammerheads.

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The name Lae Biscuit Company is associated with Lae Snax Tigers and Lae City FC when it comes to sports.

But in a first of its kind, the Lae Biscuit Company today announced its K50, 000 plus the backing of the Morobe Hammerhead as well as securing the naming rights.


The Hammerheads will now be known as the Lae Biscuit Morobe Hammerheads as they head out for their first outing under the Lae Biscuit Company next weekend in Port Moresby.


Lae Biscuit Company Country Sales and Marketing Manager Jeff Lung announced the sponsorship today in Lae in the presence of the Morobe Hammerheads led by Morobe Rugby Union President Lionel Kamiak.

Mr Lung said the company will accommodate the team for the duration of the tournament as well as provide incentives of Snax biscuits and Snax noodles to the team for the duration of the tournament in Port Moresby.


He said whilst the team is still in Lae they will be given access to the Company gym as well.


The company has maintained its belief in creating and supporting the community by providing assistance to community projects, events, sporting events, and disaster relief.

Mr Lung said Lae Biscuit will always strive to give back to the community.

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Education

Students Miss Out on National Written Expression Exam

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Morobe’s Program Advisor for Education, Keith Tangui told Inside PNG that more than two hundred
students from two Secondary Schools in Lae didn’t sit for their National Written Expression Exam on
Monday due to continuous fights along Lae’s backroad area.

Keith Tangui, Morobe’s Education Program Advisor.

Tangui said the fight was believed to be caused by election related violence along the backroad area and
Bumayong.

This prevented the students of Malahang Technical Secondary and Bumayong Secondary
school from attending classes.

Mr. Tangui said the students who didn’t sit for the exam have to report to the Principal of the schools
and to the Board of Governors in order to have a position reserved for next year.

Tangui said the students have the right to education, therefore they shouldn’t be rejected by the Schools.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Education Advisor called on the communities to refrain from fighting and
respect the students’ education and school infrastructure.

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