The Prime Minister, James Marape, while in Fiji has advised that the Government is working closely with the Central Bank and Puma Energy to sort out legal requirements that the Gas Giant may have yet to adhere to. Marape stated that our Central Bank, in as far as the monetary policy is concerned has certain conditions and requirements for those that operate and do business especially in the Import and Export. The Prime Minister added that in the case of the fuel crisis, the gas giant may have failed to meet certain requirements. “I understand that Puma has some outstanding legal requirements to fulfil and they are working with them.” Marape cleared the air on the roles and responsibilities of the CB, stating that it is independent and the Executive Government has no say in the business of the Bank and its operations. “We keep it that way so that they control the monetary policy, at arms-length from our fiscal policy.” The Central Bank according to the PM has fulfilled their role in doing their job in what they feel are non-reported aspects of trade and import and the government has allowed them to do their job but they have mitigated through that. [video width="1920" height="1080" webm="https://pnghausbung.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Marape-on-Fuel-Shortage-Issue-in-PNG-21st-Feb.webm"][/video] Source: Fijivillage 

The National Fraud & Anti-Corruption Directorate issued a stern warning to the Secretary of Petroleum & Energy, David Manau that his failure to comply to the two court orders issued last year [SW No. 408/2022 & SW No. 503/22], will result in charges pressed against him for non-compliance and obstruction. “We did two search warrants. The first one was presented to him but he did not comply and then we did another one, this time more detailed and presented it but he still did not comply.” The warrants issued were in relation to an ongoing investigation into allegations of misappropriation of K27 million by the Secretary, The Expenditure Implementation Committee [EIC] and others. Lead Investigator, Inspector Leonard Wai said he could not divulge any detail as to how the investigations have gone so far as they are still in the early stages of the investigation. Inspector Wai said that the first warrant was issued on 20th October, 2022 from the Waigani District Court and served to Manau but he refused to comply. The police were prompted to seek another search warrant, this time in detail than the previous one on 22nd of November, but this was not adhered to by the Secretary. Apart from that, according to Wai the secretary had also sought a defence from the Solicitor General to dismiss both court orders but were unsuccessful. He adds that the search warrants are still active and the decision from the Courts is to for the intention to set aside the court order is dismissed “Either he complies or he will face the penalties.” He adds that it is frustrating to see that court processes are not being adhered to and it hinders the investigation.

Despite the fact there were not too many PMV buses on the roads this morning, and it took many longer to reach the office and schools today, a check by PNG HAUSBUNG to fuel stations in the city showed fuel supply have indeed been restored. Residents and vehicle owners in the Nation's Capital expressed signs of happiness and content after the return of much needed fuel to service stations. Details on this story on the LEGEND FM News, YUMI FM News and NAU FM Newsbeat at 12pm today.  

BREAKING! Fuel services are expected to be restored and back to normal by this evening. That is the reassurance to the nation from the Acting Prime Minster John Rosso in a  media conference today. More on this story at 5pm this evening on LEGEND FM News/ NAU FM News and YUMI FM News. You can also watch the full video of this interview on our website PNG HAUSBUNG and our Facebook page.   Meanwhile, PNG Power Ltd CEO Mr Obed Batia said residents nationwide should prepare for the worst if this situation continues. You can watch the full video interview on our website PNG HAUSBUNG and our Facebook page at 7pm this evening.

With the fuel crisis making citizens more anxious, most service stations in the capital have shut shop due to the high demand for fuel. Earlier this morning, vehicles started queuing up at most services stations, only to be turned away due to a limited amount of fuel. Right now Unleaded fuel is reported to be in short supply, whilst diesel and other fuels look to remain in stock for a bit more time. [video width="352" height="640" mp4="https://pnghausbung.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/VID-20230220-WA0014.mp4"][/video] Frustrated city residents voiced distress over limited amounts of fuel stating that more should have been done by Government to avoid such issue. “Quite silly and inconvenient, and is a reflection of how the government is managing the economy,” said one resident. Frustrated business owners also voiced intense frustration at the lack of fuel, some even questioning whether there would be enough fuel to last them until the end of the fuel saga. [video width="640" height="352" mp4="https://pnghausbung.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/VID-20230220-WA0013.mp4"][/video] “For us we’re a real estate company and we deal with Back-up power, If there is no power, we will get earbashed by our tenants,” mentioned a small real estate owner. Most say they are expecting fuel prices to jump in the coming days. At the moment few servos that still serve unleaded are now rationing, many customers can be seen carrying fuel containers to refill as queues continue growing. [audio wav="https://pnghausbung.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/FUEL-CRISIS.wav"][/audio]

With the OFC National Playoffs set for tomorrow, finalists Hekari FC and Lae City FC are both fired up to prove that they are the best in the bussiness to earn the honours of repping PNG in the Champions League in Vanuatu come May. For sure, Hekari United are looking to secure the win as the hype intensifies. Hekari Coach, Erickson Komeng sais after the win last week, there has been positive vibes throughout the camp in the lead up to tomorrow. Although they have the front foot, Komeng said they are still weary of the men from Morobe, noting that there are some things they need to work on to make sure the match swings their way. “We came back to training on Monday and worked on a few things that we thought we didn’t do right last week but hopefully we can be better for tomorrow,” Komeng said. On the otherside of the pitch though, Lae City FC coach, Bob Morris said they won’t be burdened with the loss from last week, in fact they had a very good week of training. “Well we’re ready. We arrived yesterday so we’re on the field, the atmosphere is ok, environment is ok, we’re focussed and ready,” Morris stated. Morris so far has made minor changes to the team, with Obert Bika returning, otherwise most of the team remains the same.

With the assistance of the State Solicitor, the Commanding Officer of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, Major General Mark Goina has advised that the review into the Defence Act of 1974 is underway and the first draft will soon to be circulated internally before being put out for wider consultation. “That’s one key document that we’ve being trying to bring to current. The Act was drafted well before independence.” He states that with the current plans they have for Force 2030 and beyond to Defence 2050, the structures and systems have to change. The General mentioned that this document was one of two documents that the force has been reviewing to make proper amendments to ensure that it fits the standard and remains conducive to suit the current issues and circumstances the force is faced with. Moving concurrently with the review of the Defence Act of 1974, the review and draft of the Defence White Paper, according to Major-Gen Goina is nearing its completion. The General stated that by the middle of this year, the paper should be completed and delivered. With that, Maj-Gen Goina mentioned that they will be focussing aspects such as the Period of Service Regulations and many others, noting that the public service since independence and a stringent long term plan will be needed to focus on the improvement of the PNGDF. Another document that they are looking to support key regulations found in the Defence Act, the Manual of Personal Administration. This policy administrates how the force goes about doing business in terms of pay, leave, use of aircraft/vehicles and how they care for their families, this will all be reviewed including other books of reference that are used to guide serviceman and women in military duties. “Whether operations exercises, trainings or international dialogue with our partners, that curtails how we as military engage in these areas.” The General has expressed that he hopes all is completed this year.

Prime Minister James Marape and the Chair of the Constitutional & Law Reform Commission, Saki Soloma launched the official Review of Form and System of Government, the Election of the Prime Minister marking a very momentous occasion for the Constitutional & Law Reform Commission and the country as a whole as. Mr. Soloma stated that as the Chair of the CLRC, it is a great privilege to be part of a huge undertaking that the commission will be going through. He said after almost 50 years, it is time for a review to reflect on the current state and circumstances. “I am immensely honoured to lead this important review. This review is very significant. It is unlike all the other reviews we have previously undertook. It actually encompasses all the others. I thank the prime minister in supporting and acknowledging the significance of this review,” Saloma said. Importantly, the government through the review process is asking whether there should be an alternative form and system of government that will take the country forward after almost 50 years of independence. “The current review will also draw the issues, finding the recommendations of these past reviews and raise questions for the people to consider such as whether we should retain the current method of electing the prime minister or should the people vote for the Prime Minister directly,” he stated. Soloma advised that the CLRC will consult widely with citizens of the country, government departments, private institutions, relevant and international bodies other similar jurisdictions and experts in these areas to ascertain all relevant information and analyse and advise the government on all appropriate reforms if any. The Chair further added that they will be producing a report and review that will reflect of the views and practical reality of the people. Whilst the conversation of the Prime Ministers election has taken the forefront of the review, Prime Minister James Marape has also highlighted that this must not be the only issue to be put under the microscope. He believes the 3 arms of government and their structures must also be looked at and reviewed. He adds that today there is a convoluted relationship between all arms of government and need to be looked at. “Separation of the Executive and legislative needs to take place so the executive is functional but with accountability to the nation,” Marape said. The PM asserted that their independence and separation must be augmented and made conducive to function to the best of their ability. Basing his argument on the fact that as conflicts may arise due to human nature, the independence, entrenchment and functionality of the 3 arms of government must remain paramount to the forward development of the country. At the Threshold of achieving 50 years of nationhood, Marape has urged for integrity and Christianity to be entrenched in the system of Government. Marape says that as a nation of a thousand tribes, that underlines the core of our unity and it is the unity of the people that has kept the country unified thus far. Addressing the staff of the CLRC and the country, the PM stated that at no cost must we compromise our democracy and it must be entrenched in the way our processes are kept.

The National Judiciary Staff Services in conjunction with the Enforcement arm of the National Judiciary, the office of the Sheriff of PNG on Monday completed the 3 day eviction exercise conducted at the Tokarara Mopa settlement. According to the Deputy Sheriff, Kini Wala, time was given to those occupying the land by the office of the Sheriff to vacate. The occupants were given a court order last year and more than 130 days to voluntarily evict themselves, unfortunately not everyone moved out up until the last minute. They were also given time to contest the court order. “They were given ample time to move out. The first 2 days for them to voluntarily strip down their structures and on the third day we will use the machines to knock down whatever structures that were still standing.” More than 100 to 150 people were evicted during the exercise. The settlement saw the removal and of almost 20-30 permanent and semi-permanent structures.

Since it’s re-establishment in 2021, Erume Primary School in the remote mountainous areas of Tapini in Central Province has seen exponential growth in student enrolment beginning with 100 students and an additional enrolment of 100 students each year after that. This growth spurt in student attendance, with just over 300 students enrolling for the academic year and more students expected to enroll, has prompted Head Teacher Casiano Amai to call out for teachers interested to take up teaching roles in the area. Erume Primary School itself was founded in 1953 by the early Catholic missionary’s that arrived in Tapini, not only to spread the Gospel, but also to educate the locals. Unfortunately, in 2009, due to its remoteness, teacher’s postings to the school lessened over time and thus was closed down. It wasn’t until 12 years later in 2021 would the school be re-established by the Current Head Teacher. Now, with 3 other teachers and himself, Amai is calling on all available teachers in the Central Province and the Provincial Education Division to understand their plight and hopefully post teachers to the area. “This is the 3rd year since the school reopened. In the first year 136 students were taken in and since then the number has doubled over 3 years. Currently we have 315 enrolled already and we are expecting more to come. The Number is increasing every time we start to enrol.” With the number of students increasing, Amai has said that the school has no choice but to expand, but with the limited resources at hand and lack of teachers along with learning material, this has become a fork in the road for the school. Amai has made mention of the schools challenges, by sending letters to the Goilala District and the Provincial Education Division but so far, the response from both bodies has been a little unfavourable. “They are still looking for teachers for us. Those who are probably left out.” Amai says the main reason why he re-opened the school was for his people to have access to quality education in the area. The need for teachers and teaching material is paramount and he is now trying his very best to ensure that his ambition comes to fruition.

Western Highlands Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent John Sagom is now calling on the people to use social media wisely. This is due to recent reports on social media that have been circulating that there has been a tribal fight in Mt. Hagen. The PPC has debunked this, saying that there was no tribal fight but rather a random petty criminal who had stolen property from a person in the rainbow area of the city, in an attempt to make his getaway he was hit by an oncoming vehicle, thus resulting in his death. “This occurred at Rainbow leading up to the Highlands Highway and the surrounding Chinatown area. As he was making his getaway, he got hit by an oncoming vehicle and was rushed to the hospital where he lost his life.” PPC WHP said this was the only incident reported in so far as the office of the PPC is confirmed. Sagom said before people go on social media to report happenings, they must get the facts right and consult relevant authorities to clarify statements surrounding the incidents. There is a provision in the Summary of Offences Act that stipulates how the police will deal with people that spread false reports and the Superintendent has advised that the law is clear and anyone that spreads information that is misleading or any false report, the law will deal with them. The PPC has now made a warning to everyone that posting of misleading information such as this can have an adverse effect on the society and the best way to make sure that before you spread any controversial information, they must consult the office of the PPC before disseminating any information.

A police operational unit here in the nation’s capital Thursday evening  (09/02/23) suffered an unfortunate turn of events after it was allegedly rammed by a sedan travelling at high speed. According to officers on the ground, it’s estimated that between 7-8pm as the unit, comprised of 3 police officers, responded to a call over the radio to attend to an incident at Erima when they were hit by the sedan just outside the Boroko Market. Eyewitness accounts say the driver and passengers of the sedan were allegedly under the influence of alcohol and were travelling at high speed when the collision occurred. The Driver and Passengers of the vehicle fled the scene immediately after the incident, abandoning the vehicle and the officers. Thanks to the swift assistance of the residents nearby, an ambulance was called to attend to the officers who suffered minor injuries. At the moment, the police have impounded the Sedan and have identified the driver and passengers.