Air Niugini flights into Madang province has temporarily been downgraded to Dash 8 services due to the airport runway being affected by the recent earthquake in Madang.
The airline company released a statement this afternoon following a notice from the National Airports Corporation (NAC) to commence repair work on the damaged runway.
Parts of Madang province experienced some level of damage during the 6.7 magnitude that occurred over the weekend.
Due to similar repair works at Western Highland’s Kagamuga airport, all Fokker and Boeing 737 flights to Mount Hagen have also been downgraded to Dash 8 aircraft.
Air Niugini says the airport runways have been shortened to allow the National Airport Corporation to carry out maintenance and repair works.
Air Niugini says while the situation is beyond their control safety of their passengers and aircrafts is their priority.
The airline company says it apologies for the inconveniences and will advise when jet operations into both Madang and Mt Hagen are resuming.
The Heart of Mary Health Centre, situated along the picturesque north coast of Madang province, plays a pivotal role in providing healthcare services to the local population.
Managed under the umbrella of Catholic Health Services, this facility caters to a substantial populace ranging from twenty to thirty thousand residents.
This coverage extends over certain segments of the Sumkar district, encompassing the geographic span from Rempi to Banab.
At the forefront of healthcare concerns in the area is Tuberculosis (TB), a challenge that the health center grapples with on a daily basis.
Miriam Bagg, an experienced Community Health Worker (CHW), supervises the TB clinic at the health center. With a steadfast commitment spanning 29 years, Bagg has devoted her tenure to tending to the clinic’s needs.
Sister Miriam sheds light on an issue that has become particularly pronounced in recent times. Since 2021, the clinic has been confronted with a notable problem – a surge in the rate of lost follow-up cases. This predicament unfolds as patients undergoing TB treatment fail to return for their subsequent appointments, with some individuals relocating to different areas altogether.
Attributing this trend to a lack of educational awareness within the community, Sister Bagg underscores the urgency of imparting knowledge about safeguarding oneself from TB and the critical importance of consistent treatment.
She emphasizes that enhancing community understanding can significantly impact patient adherence to treatment regimens. In a resounding call to action, Sister Bagg appeals to both the Catholic and Provincial Health Authority to intensify their efforts in bridging this gap.
She emphasizes that effective outreach is pivotal to ensuring those afflicted with TB receive the necessary support. As she succinctly puts it, “People are dying because we are not reaching out for them.”
It is her conviction that a concerted educational campaign, bolstered by the engagement of these health authorities, holds the potential to save lives and curb the spread of TB.
In a region where Heart of Mary Health Center stands as a beacon of hope and care, addressing the challenges posed by TB stands as a crucial objective.
With collaborative efforts and proactive interventions, in fighting TB, the health center envisions a future where TB’s impact is minimized, and the health and well-being of the community are secured.
A determined effort to safeguard their coastal areas and promote environmental sustainability, David Bai, a respected community elder and landowner from Alexishafen, has announced plans to plant mangroves along the offshore region.
The strategic decision to plant these vital trees is anticipated to yield numerous benefits for both the local community and the surrounding ecosystem.
David Bai emphasized that the initiative to plant mangroves is born out of the recognition of their multifaceted advantages.
Situated along the coastal areas, the community acknowledges the significance of mangroves in preventing erosion and fostering a nurturing environment for reproduction.
He elaborated that the mangrove planting endeavour will be executed over a six-month period, with an ongoing commitment to continue this effort thereafter.
The benefits of mangroves are manifold. Notably, the decaying leaves of mangrove trees play a pivotal role in preventing soil erosion and fortifying the land.
These trees also contribute to the enhancement of aquatic life by providing a suitable habitat for various species of fish and other marine life. Moreover, mangroves serve as a reservoir for a diverse array of species such as mud shells, mud crabs, and more. An intriguing aspect of the initiative involves the sustainable use of mature mangrove stems. These stems are selectively harvested for their exceptional strength and durability, making them an ideal material for constructing houses.
This practice not only demonstrates the resourcefulness of the community but also highlights the symbiotic relationship they maintain with their natural surroundings. Mangroves reproduce through a fascinating process, involving the cultivation of seeds.
Presenting a seed as an example, David Bai explained, that after germinating for one or two months, these seeds are released and eventually find their way into the surrounding water bodies. While some seeds are transported by currents to distant offshore areas, others settle in their immediate vicinity. This natural process plays a significant role in rebuilding soil quality through the decomposition of fallen leaves. Regrettably, the flourishing mangrove ecosystem in the vicinity of Alexishafen has suffered setbacks due to pollution originating from various sources. Manufacturing companies, particularly oil spills from fishing vessels, have contributed to the decline of mangrove populations.
Furthermore, infections from the environment have also contributed to the diminishing numbers of these vital trees. In cases where suitable soil conditions are lacking for optimal growth, certain mangrove species have been pushed to the brink of extinction. The success of the mangrove planting initiative hinges upon the recognition of various soil types, including mud, sand, reefs, and other substrates that can sustain different mangrove species. This acknowledgment underscores the community’s commitment to restoring and preserving their local environment for generations to come. As David Bai and the community of Alexishafen embark on this transformative journey, their efforts stand as a testament to the power of collective action in preserving ecosystems, mitigating erosion, and promoting biodiversity.
