Dei District in the Western Highlands Provinces has around 1276 tertiary students who are currently attending tertiary institutions in the country this year, and this number is embarrassing, says local MP Desmond Kipa.Kipa who was speaking to his 51 ward councillors recently in Mt Hagen City during a cheque presentation to contractors engaged in district development programs as well as its three Local Level Government, highlighted that human resource is vital and he wants more students from his district to attend tertiary institutions in the country.“Only 1276 tertiary students from Dei district is an embarrassment; all children must be encouraged to go to school and continue through to tertiary institutions”, said Kipa.“I want to see more young people attend tertiary institution”.Kipa added that when more young people are educated, then the district will have more educated elites, better services, development, projects including cash flow and positive changes in their communities.He further added that despite financial needs to cater for many other areas, Dei DDA had allocated K1, 000 each as subsidy for tertiary students from the district, and with additional K2, 000 subsidy component from Western Highlands Provincial Government, each student from Dei is relieved with K3, 000 school fee assistance.He encourages more grade 12 students to take education seriously and do well in their examinations this year so that more students make it to tertiary institutions.Kipa says Dei DDA under his leadership would continue to subsidize tertiary students’ fees.

A community in Ward Seven of the Hagen Urban Local Level Government (LLG) in Western Highlands Province, has raised concerns over the theft of water meters by vandals.The Apo community at Warakum Junction in Mt Hagen City were surprised on Tuesday morning to find water running freely after vandals cut a pipe and removed two water meters during the previous night.Community spokesperson Nepson Mohaso called on Water PNG and the police to take note of the trend, noting that thieves had been targeting water meters in and around the Warakum area.“In the past, water meters were typically installed near individual houses.”However, following a recent rollout of new water meters to consumers by Water PNG, most meters were placed together at single locations, often near roadsides.The community expressed an urgent need for Water PNG to change this approach and install the meters closer to consumers' houses for better security.At the time of the report, it remained unknown whether the criminals intended to resell the stolen meters.

Two major tribes in Muglamp Local Level Government (LLG) of Dei District in the Western Highlands province, have reconciled and established peace through a traditional compensation ceremony held on Saturday.The peace program between Kombolga tribe and Minimbi tribe took place at Ripi village in Muglamp LLG, following a conflict that erupted earlier this year after the death of a Minimbi man.This recent ceremony follows a recently signed ceasefire agreement between the two factions, signaling a mutual desire to end hostilities.This significant event was witnessed by Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa, Member for Dei Desmond Paul Kipa, former Dei MP Wesley Nukundi, and Mt Hagen Police Station Commander Steven Philipo.Also, in attendance were members of the local peace and good order committee, prominent community leaders, and residents from surrounding areas in Dei and neighboring districts.During the ceremony, the Kombolga tribe presented K150, 000 cash, 90 pigs and 5 cows to the relatives of late Noki Kambi of Minimbi tribe who was killed in Mt Hagen City back in February.Leaders of the Kombolga Tribe offered a formal apology for the offense committed against the Minimbi tribe, openly asking for forgiveness from both God and the grieving family members.Meanwhile, leaders present for the occasion strongly urged local leaders, youths, and members of both tribes to refrain from words, actions, habits, and behavior that would reignite problems in the community.The compensation ceremony concluded peacefully with immediate family members of the deceased and those responsible for the conflict reconciling openly with hugs and tears.The peace ceremony is significant for Muglamp LLG, Dei District, and Western Highlands province as a whole as it puts to rest a conflict between Kombolga tribe that makes up seven council wards and Minimbi tribe that has nine council wards.

The Kagua Police Station in the Kagua-Erave District of Southern Highlands Province, is undergoing its first major renovation in years, thanks to crucial funding support from the provincial government. The refurbishment of the run-down facility is currently underway, with local youths from the surrounding Kagua station area carrying out the manual labor. The workers have been actively engaged by Quick Engineering & Construction, a local contractor based out of Rogoma Wards 1 and 2. Owen Robola, Managing Director of Quick Engineering & Construction, confirmed that the provincial government allocated K200, 000 for the project. This funding is part of an ongoing provincial initiative aimed at bolstering law and order enforcement within the district. The scope of the project covers multiple areas of the facility. Laborers are currently repairing and painting the perimeter of fencing, while vital building maintenance, plumbing upgrades, and other structural repairs are proceeding steadily and will continue over the coming days. This intervention by the provincial government is seen as highly timely by local residents. The Kagua station area was recently devastated by a tribal conflict, which left the district headquarters in complete disarray. Compounding the area's leadership challenges, the local Member of Parliament for Kagua-Erave, Maina Pano, was also sidelined months ago by the Court of Disputed Returns. Ken Kewa, a youth representative from Kunu village in Rogoma Ward 2, expressed deep gratitude to the provincial government for providing the assistance needed to restore the infrastructure of law and order. Kewa noted that while previous recipients of public funds often failed to deliver tangible results, Quick Engineering & Construction wasted no time in mobilizing its workforce and engaging local youth. He further assured the public that youths from all across the Kagua station area are participating in the renovation efforts, demonstrating their collective commitment to helping local police restore peace and normalcy to the district headquarters.

In a decisive move to restore public order, police in Mt Hagen City launched “Operation High Speed” on Wednesday, April 29th, 2026.The operation specifically targets petty criminals, beginning with a major sweep of the city’s main market. Western Highlands Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Chief Superintendent John Sagom, explained that the mission is designed to make sure that they get Mt Hagen City back from thugs and petty criminals. The crackdown began around 1:00 PM when Mt Hagen police were joined by units from the Mul Baiyer, Dei, and Tambul-Nebilyer districts. Together, they stormed the city market, which has long been identified as a hotspot for bag snatching, armed robberies, and drug trafficking. PPC Sagom noted that while the market is a vital economic hub for both the region and the country, it has suffered from prolonged neglect. This lack of oversight allowed individuals to enter the premises carrying offensive weapons and selling illegal drugs or prohibited retail goods. During the initial sweep, officers conducted extensive searches and arrested approximately ten suspects found in possession of weapons and narcotics. These individuals are currently in custody while investigations continue to determine the appropriate charges. The primary goal of the operation is to provide security for the local subsistence farmers, mothers, and vendors who rely on the market for their livelihoods. PPC Sagom emphasized that these citizens deserve to sell their fresh produce without the constant threat of violence or harassment. “That is the whole rationale behind why we want to take Mt Hagen market back because of lawlessness, bag snatching, armed robbery and all these,” Sagom stated. “So, I wish to thank all the policemen and women who have come for this operation, and we will continue to do that right through to the end of the week.”

The Western Highlands Provincial Police Commander (PPC) has issued a stern notice to the management of the Mt. Hagen City Main Market, to make improvements to the facilities there.PPC Chief Superintendent John Sagom stated that the management was previously instructed to repair the market’s five gates and ensure they are secured after-hours. However, he noted that the gates have remained unlocked after 6:00 PM, creating an environment where criminals can congregate and commit offenses during the late afternoon and evening. In addition to security concerns, the market management has been ordered to address critical infrastructure failures, including the lighting system, sewerage, and public toilets, to ensure vendors have access to sanitary facilities. Expressing his stance on the matter, PPC Sagom strongly urged the management to ensure that everything he has pointed out must be fixed during a certain period of time. “I gave them one week to fix all the market. Restore the gates back, restore the lighting system, sewerage, toilet, everything.” “If not, we will file appropriate charges and then we will press the charges on the management of the market.”

The saying “don’t count your chickens before they hatch” rang true in the Dei Open by-election as a dramatic final tally saw Desmond Kipa declared the new Member of Parliament for the electorate.Kipa was officially declared MP-elect on Thursday evening at Kimninga Police Barracks, capping off a tightly contested race that kept supporters and observers on edge until the final elimination.In a stunning last-minute turnaround, Kipa overtook rival Sam Koim during the decisive count following the elimination of frontrunner Tui Ekil, who had led the race from the early stages of counting.According to official results, Kipa secured 28,064 votes, narrowly surpassing Sam Koim, who finished second with 27,146 votes.Earlier in the day, widespread speculation on social media suggested Koim had won the seat, prompting premature celebrations and congratulatory messages from supporters across the country.However, those claims were dispelled when returning officials confirmed Kipa’s victory shortly after 7 p.m.The closely fought contest highlighted the unpredictable nature of preferential voting, with the final outcome determined only after the distribution of preferences from eliminated candidates.With the declaration now complete, Kipa is set to represent the people of Dei Open in Parliament.

The police units in Western Highlands province (WHP) who are part of the Local Level Government (LLG) Election operations, are also maintaining police visibility in Mount Hagen City. This is from the Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent John Sagom, who stated that they were conducting normal routine police work like conducting raids and uprooting marijuana plants within the outskirts of the city. As of this week, report showed that the police uprooted marijuana plants cultivated at Banana Gate in the Wara Kum area. “Our message to the citizens and residents of Mt Hagen City is, to abide by the laws as law breakers will not be tolerated.” This call has also been made to youths and the young generation to do away with marijuana and home brew production as well as consumption.

Western Highlands Provincial Police Commander (PPC) John Sagom is calling on law abiding citizens in Mt. Hagen to assist police in reducing crime in the city. PPC Sagom made this announcement following Tuesday's incident in Mt Hagen City, where two female Post Courier staff members nearly fell victims to a knife wielding robber. The incident prompted the PPC to give assurance to citizens and visitors in Mt Hagen City. "Our efforts to conduct high visibility police presence will not be hindered as reported. We will continue to give confidence to our citizens in the city and the province. What has happened to the Post Courier reporters was a freak incident and was very unfortunate. I condemned the actions of this perpetrator," PPC Sagom said. He added that the arm of the law was strong, and "a selfish, lazy person who roams the city streets with very unclean spirit with no purpose in life" thinks he will succeed but will reap what he sows. "Such persons are opportunists, and they don't have a place in our society. They deserved to be treated harshly by the law." "I am appealing to our good Western Highlanders or any law-abiding citizens to assist police in the city to do 'citizen's arrest' under the Arrest Act whenever they see a person who is 'about to commit a crime' or 'is committing a crime' or 'has committed a crime,'" he said. He added that Police may not be everywhere at any one time, but they are doing all they can to ensure everyone is safe.

Journalists from the mainstream media houses in the Highlands Region, on Friday 13th June concluded a three-day training on social media and website usage, facilitated by BBC Media Action and Media Council of Papua New Guinea (MCPNG). The program hosted at Highlander Hotel in Mt Hagen City, Western Highlands Province, was to enlighten reporters about the evolving social media content creation trend and to be equipped with skills in producing digital news content for their media houses' social media platforms. This is to provide accurate, unbiased and real time information on their media agencies social media platforms. On ground to deliver training were President of Media Council of Papua New Guinea Neville Choi, Digital Editor of Post Courier Matthew Vari, PNG HAUSBUNG News Director and Treasurer of MCPNG Ms. Genesis Ketan and Reilly Kanamon PNG Project Coordinator BBC Media Action. The training was on how best to deliver quality, timely and factual news content for public consumption through social media and internet, in order to address challenges traditional news mediums like radio and TV in reaching out to wider audiences. Meanwhile, on behalf of the trainees, Mal Taime of Post Courier Mt Hagen thanked the trainers for their insights, stating that the participants have learnt a lot and would apply what they have learnt at their respective news agencies. Certificate of Participation was awarded to the twelve trainees.

A whooping K410,000 was raised over the weekend at the Western Highlands Governor's Charity Ball 2025 held at Sir Mara Haus in Mt Hagen City. The Charity Ball event was an initiative of Governor Wai Rapa to raise funds for Mt. Hagen General Hospital. "The charity event will go towards purchasing of all medical equipment needed by the Mt Hagen General Hospital," said Governor Rapa. Most of the money raised will go towards restoring the Vibrant Dental Clinic, whereby all new equipment will be purchased to ensure the smooth run of the dental clinic which has being serving the people of Western Highlands Province and the Upper Highlands Region. The Head of Dental Department Dr Thomas Tatua as well as Provincial Health Authority (PHA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jane Holden, were happy recipients of the charity funds. The event was attended by business houses, partners and esteem individuals who travelled into the city as far as Port Moresby, Lae, East New Britain and even from Australia. Governor Rapa was overwhelmed by the support received at the Charity event and thanked all who supported the event through cash and kind.

Three Rugby League Competition in Southern Highlands Province (SHP), Erave Rugby League Competition, Aiya Rugby League Competition and Kagua Rugby League Competition are now seeking financial assistance for these competitions. Founder of Erave Rugby League, Emmanuel Eralia expressed this concern on behalf of Kagua and Aiya Leagues as well. The call for support was made to the Kagua Erave District Development Authority (DDA), highlighting that these are competitions based within the district and need funding to further their competition. Eralia stated that the Leagues are all affiliated to Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) through strong dedication and support from individuals, but there were no sponsors and a regular flow of funding. “The competitions were running from generous individuals' support to execute programs despite it being costly.” While commending the recent funding of K500,000 to provincial Rugby League team PRK Mendi Muruks by Southern Highlands Provincial Government, Eralia appeals to the local MP for Kagua Erave Maino Pano and the DDA to support Erave, Aiya and Kagua Rugby Leagues with funding. “These three rugby league competitions are feeder to the Provincial Team and deserve at least a bit of funding from the Provincial Government.” He added that sports also carry the same importance as Law and Order, Health or Education. “Rugby League helps in minimizing law and order issues, generate cash flow in the communities, unites the people and also provides an alternative pathway to live a better life.” Three Rugby League Competition in Southern Highlands Province (SHP), Erave Rugby League Competition, Aiya Rugby League Competition and Kagua Rugby League Competition are now seeking financial assistance for these competitions. Founder of Erave Rugby League, Emmanuel Eralia expressed this concern on behalf of Kagua and Aiya Leagues as well. The call for support was made to the Kagua Erave District Development Authority (DDA), highlighting that these are competitions based within the district and need funding to further their competition. Eralia stated that the Leagues are all affiliated to Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) through strong dedication and support from individuals, but there were no sponsors and a regular flow of funding. “The competitions were running from generous individuals' support to execute programs despite it being costly.” While commending the recent funding of K500,000 to provincial Rugby League team PRK Mendi Muruks by Southern Highlands Provincial Government, Eralia appeals to the local MP for Kagua Erave Maino Pano and the DDA to support Erave, Aiya and Kagua Rugby Leagues with funding. “These three rugby league competitions are feeder to the Provincial Team and deserve at least a bit of funding from the Provincial Government.” He added that sports also carry the same importance as Law and Order, Health or Education. “Rugby League helps in minimizing law and order issues, generate cash flow in the communities, unites the people and also provides an alternative pathway to live a better life.”