Samuel RAITANO

The recent signing of agreement between Southern Highlands Provincial Government and airline company Kobio Aviation Limited (KAL), to expand its operations into Mendi, will see additional air services provided in the province. Kobio Aviation Limited being quite new to alot of people in Southern Highlands Province has received criticisms and questions. PNG HAUSBUNG reached out to CEO of KAL, Kevin Hyllestad who gave a brief background of the company. Hyllestad said KAL currently operates two De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft, specializing in remote area logistics. "Our aircraft are uniquely suited for short, unpaved airstrips, making them ideal for serving communities with limited or no road access." "We are actively expanding our operations to introduce additional aircraft, including larger regional aircraft, to complement our Twin Otter fleet and provide greater connectivity across Papua New Guinea." Hyllestad also gave his view on safe and reliable airstrips are critical for aviation operations. "While KAL is not responsible for airstrip maintenance, we will work closely with relevant authorities, including the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and the Southern Highlands Provincial Government, to advocate for necessary repairs and improvements. Well-maintained airstrips will enable us to deliver essential services such as passenger transport, medical evacuations, and agricultural freight, supporting rural development," Hyllestad highlighted. It was also clarified that KAL was committed to providing cost-effective air transport solutions while maintaining the highest standards of safety and reliability. "As a charter operator, our pricing is based on aircraft availability, operating costs, and flight duration." "However, we strive to offer competitive rates, especially for community-focused operations, and we work with local organizations to facilitate cost-sharing options where possible." In terms of aviation safety, Hyllestad said safety was their top priority. "KAL operates under strict regulatory compliance with CASA PNG, ensuring that all aircraft undergo regular maintenance and that our pilots and crew adhere to the highest safety standards." "Our Twin Otters are well-maintained and flown by experienced pilots trained for the challenging terrain of PNG." "Additionally, we are working on developing ground support training programs to enhance aviation safety in rural communities." Meanwhile, one of the questions that has bothered alot of people was insurance. Hyllestad clarified that KAL was fully insured in accordance with aviation regulations. "This includes coverage for our aircraft, crew, and passengers, ensuring compliance with industry and regulatory requirements." "Our insurance coverage aligns with international aviation standards, providing peace of mind to our clients and passengers." It is understood that Kobio Aviation Limited specializes in rural and remote charter services, focusing on areas that lack road access or have inconsistent transportation options. KAL provides cargo and passenger flights supporting local businesses, government agencies, and humanitarian missions. "KAL plays a crucial role in airlifting agricultural products from remote villages to market hubs, facilitating economic growth for rural communities." "Additionally, we conduct medical evacuation flights (Medevac), mining and resource industry support, and emergency response services as part of our broader commitment to serving Papua New Guinea." "We are excited about the opportunities in the Southern Highlands and look forward to working with local stakeholders to enhance air transport services."

A nasty vehicle accident happened yesterday morning at Keltiga, Western Highlands Province, resulting in the loss of lives and injuries. The incident saw a land cruiser belonging to Education Division in Southern Highlands Province bumping into a PMV bus from Togoba. The casualties were transported to Mt Hagen General Hospital. Following the nasty vehicle accident yesterday morning at Keltiga, Western Highlands Province, two people have been confirmed dead, and eleven others have been injured. According to Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority CEO Jane Holden, one young boy was pronounced dead on arrival and one female died at Mt Hagen General Hospital despite massive resuscitation effort due to multiple fractures including her spine. Three others are in seriously condition with lower lung fractures, four are under surgical review and four others with lacerations were being treated and likely to be discharged. Meanwhile, Western Highlands Provincial Police Commander John Sagom says traffic police were at the accident scene to establish the cause. The accident involved a land cruiser from the Southern Highlands Provincial Education Division and a PMV bus from Togoba.

A man from Hela Province has been convicted by the District Court in Mt Hagen to serve 10 years in prison if he does not have K30, 000 to pay fines for smuggling marijuana via Kagamuga Airport. The defendant, Gini Pini from Tigibi, Hulia LLG in Hela Province was found guilty and convicted by Mt Hagen District Court Magistrate Kimberly Berem on Wednesday. The defendant had testified that he did bribe the security guards at Kagamuga Airport to move the drugs out to coastal provinces. Kagamuga Airport police did the arrest upon tip off by National Airport Corporation (NAC) Aviation Security. According to Western Highlands Provincial Police Commander John Sagom, the drugs weighed 10 kilograms and had an estimated street value of K100,000 (One hundred thousand kina). He thanked the NAC Security for alerting police. "I urge the NAC Security to work closely with my officers in this kind of partnership so that together we can build a good network in detecting the shipment of drugs (cannabis), arms and ammunition etc., from illegally entering and to curb shipment of dangerous drugs or weapons in and out of Western Highlands and the Highlands region using air services." He said they needed to build strong capabilities and partner in ensuring air transport services are monitored for the safety of every person. Meanwhile in another related drug case, a man caught with 82 marijuana packs at Mt Hagen main market has been sentenced to three years imprisonment at Baisu jail. The defendant Bomai Paulus is from Kumbagl village in Kerowagi District, Simbu Province. The two men were punished under the laws dealing with drugs, namely Dangerous Drug Act and Controlled Substance Act. PPC Sagom has applauded the Court's decisions on sentencing the offenders. "I wish to warn citizens not to engage in dangerous drugs (cannabis) business as you may be thinking of making fast money." "People who are involved in this dirty business are also responsible for causing health problems for the users and also contributing to the rise of crimes in the community." "You may think you are smarter than the law and the law is ineffective but you will be in trouble when the long arms of the law catches up with you." "You will have alot of regrets and it will be just too late," PPC Sagom warned.

With the current reports by local and overseas media regarding a tribal fight situation at Akom, Enga Province on Sunday, Enga Provincial Police Commander George Kakas has clarified that police reports had 26 bodies retrieved and not more than 50 as initially reported. This was after he first revealed earlier today that there were more than 50 bodies and later had the figure reconfirmed as lower. PPC Kakas says searches for more bodies was going on but 26 have been retrieved in partnership with PNGDF security personnel. Meanwhile, attempts are being made to obtain responses from the Enga Governor and Provincial Administrator today.

53 Men have been confirmed to have been killed on Sunday morning in an ambush by enemy tribes in Wabag, Enga Province according to local Police. Enga Provincial Police Commander George Kakas, confirms that the 53 Men killed were from the Sikin/Kaekin tribes who had gone to stage an attack on the Ambulin/Itokon tribes but were taken off guard, ambushed and killed. This clarifies the recent photos going viral on social media showing dead bodies piled up on a Police truck. It is understood that more bodies are expected to be retrieved today by neighbouring tribes assisted by PNGDF counterparts. The incident yesterday happened at Akom/7mile. The warring tribes are from Wapenamanda where fights have been going on for the last two years. It is understood that Kandep MP Don Polye and Provincial Police Commander George Kakas have witnessed the ceasefire agreement at around September last year, however some disagreements in a case in Port Moresby saw one party trying to attack the other and got ambushed instead. Meanwhile, the highway from Mt Hagen to Wabag is clear, although situation is tense at the moment.

All shops in the heart of Mt Hagen City, Western Highlands Province, have closed doors today in fear of opportunists taking advantage of yesterday's chaos in Port Moresby. PNG HAUSBUNG witnessed mobs moving around in groups this morning, keeping eyes out for opportunities to pounce at any shop that gets opened for business today. However, police have been seen patrolling the city streets to ward off any attacks and disturbances in town. Women, children and vulnerable members of the community are urged to stay at home. Meanwhile, calls have been made on the youths and opportunists that the buildings in the city belonged to locals from Western Highlands and the Asians and other businesses houses were only renting them. It's understood that the shops provided employment for alot of innocent people, hence the general public at large do not want any destruction of properties. However, police and military personnel remain on high alert today as not to leave opportunities for looters.

Police in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands Province have prepared for Prime Minister (PM) James Marape's visit today. Plans for the security arrangements were discussed with all divisional heads of the police force in Mt Hagen, following the end of the year parade at Kimninga Police Barracks yesterday. Provincial Police Commander (PPC) John Sagom who is back in the province after being in Solomon Islands for the last two months as commander of the PNG security contingent for the Pacific Games, said the appropriate security measures have been taken into consideration for the PM's visit. It is understood that Prime Minister James Marape who visited Jiwaka Province today will be in Mt Hagen tomorrow for the official launching of the sealing of Mt Hagen City roads by China Harbour Engineering. Police in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands Province today held their end of the year parade at the Kimininga Police Barracks. PPC Sagom thanked all the members of the police force for their work this year. Amongst a few announcements made today, liquor ban for Western Highlands and Mt Hagen City starts tomorrow (Friday) December 22nd and will end on January 5th, 2024. Meanwhile, Inspector Moses Kalandi, who was acting Provincial Police Commander during Sagom's absence for the last two months has been appointed Rural Police Commander Western Highlands Province. PPC Sagom also announced that next year on, there will be physical training programs for all the police men and women so that they are kept fit and healthy, given the fact that they have lost some of their colleagues due to lifestyle diseases and effects of lack of exercise.

The tribal fighting in Wapenamanda, Enga Province which raged for almost two years, has gradually come to a halt, with the warring factions being served with preventative orders, which were accepted by the parties last week. Enga Provincial Police Commander George Kakas, Kandep MP and Minister for Higher Education Science and Technology Don Polye, as well as Enga Provincial Government through its Law-and-Order directorate witnessed the peace efforts. PPC Kakas said there were two different fights around the same time, which amalgamated into one bloody battle, which had seen killings going viral on social and local mainstream media as well as overseas media. He said it was a relief now that leaders of the warring factions have talked peace and accepted the preventative orders. Minister Polye had also urged the parties to lay down arms and to embrace peace whole heartedly. Meanwhile, PPC Kakas said he decided to have 30 security personnel to be stationed at the boundary of the two factions so that the preventative orders can be observed.

Mt Hagen Open MP and Acting Prime Minister William Duma has expressed sorrow for the loss of Dei MP Steven Pim who passed away over the weekend. Duma told PNG HAUSBUNG that it was very heart breaking for the colleague MPs in Western Highlands to lose a colleague MP who was into the fourteenth month as a Parliamentarian. Duma says late Pim had a lot to offer and his loss was also a great loss for Dei electorate and Western Highlands Province. He relayed his condolences to the immediate family, friends, and tribesmen of the late Member for Dei. It is understood that late Steven Pim was said to have passed away at Pacific International Hospital in Port Moresby due to heart failure.

With the restoration of the Eagle monument at Independence Hill in Mt Hagen City, the Provincial Rugby League team Hagen Eagles will also see rebuilding of a competent team management structure. That's the joint assurance from Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa and Hagen Open MP William Duma during the recent 48 Independence Anniversary Celebration at Queens Park in Mt Hagen. The two leaders announced that major changes will be done to the Hagen Eagles team management, going forward. This is to restore the pride of the home team that has been performing below par in the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Competition in PNG NRL. It was highlighted that currently, a lot of players in other franchises were Western Highlanders, including this year’s Digicel ExxonMobil Cup winner Enga Mioks, which had up to six players from Western Highlands. Meanwhile, State Owned Enterprise Minister and Hagen Open MP William Duma said in all Rugby League teams around the country, there were at least two to three Western Highlanders, and it was time now to take stock of the home team and it's performance.

Four escapees from Buiebi prison in Southern Highlands Province who took part in the mass break out yesterday have been shot dead. Southern Highlands Provincial Police Commander Joseph Puri told PNG HAUSBUNG this afternoon that 47 escaped but four were shot, one has been recaptured and 42 are still on the run. Police and Correctional Services officers are on the lookout now. The call is on the public and the villagers around Buiebi and Asisa areas to keep eyes out for the 42 escapees. Meanwhile, PMVs and private vehicle owners are also being urged to scrutinise people, especially males asking for lifts at uninhabited areas along the highway between Mendi Munihu and Imbongu Districts. We will keep you posted on this story as more updates come in.

Mt Hagen General Hospital in Western Highlands Province, on Monday opened its recently refurbished staff clinic and four rooms for on- call staff at the Hospital. The opening was done by Acting Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority CEO Dr. Jonah Kurubi. The availability of the rooms will now ensure duty staff can sleep on site and are available quickly when needed, instead of having drivers to do pick up and drop off at their homes during odd hours. Dr. Kurubi said this will also ensure more timely response to urgent patient demands. The staff clinic will also have a database to manage sick leaves and staff profiling, to improve attendance to the welfare and health of hospital staff. The funding for the refurbishment was from late John Bori's family, who had donated K100, 000 to the Provincial Health Authority to use in improving health services. Dr. Kurubi said K60, 000 had been used to refurbish the staff clinic and four rooms, and remainder of the funds will be used to assist wellness clinics in rural areas and to establish a sewing room for volunteers in Mt Hagen General Hospital.