Nine projects have been put out on tender by the Rabaul District Administration through the East New Britain Provincial Procurement Committee under Provincial Services Improvement Program (PSIP) and Internal Revenue Development (IRD) funding. These projects include four town roads major rehabilitation, Namanula Road upgrade and Queens Park rehabilitation. Others include Rabaul urban clinic level 3 site clearance, a police staff house and Malaguna Secondary School hall refurbishment. Contractors bidding for projects in the Rabaul district have been urged to comply with the government tender process and its requirements. Speaking during a pre-tender meeting with the contractors recently was District Civil Works Engineer Mr. Mellie Munulai who highlighted the importance of fulfilling all the tender requirements. “Bid submissions must be typed clearly and all other required documents must be included. Form of tender and schedule of rates must also be submitted." The Engineer further said that contractors wishing to engage sub-contractors must clearly state in an official letter signed by both parties and attached with the document. “If you are cross-hiring equipment or engaging sub-contractors, ensure that both parties agree to the terms and conditions and if successful, ensure that they complete the project and are compensated well." Meantime, Deputy District Administrator Mr. Babel Umri who chaired the meeting urged the contractors and district officers not to interfere with the tender process and conduct government business in a transparent and honest manner. He said that there will also be other projects put on tender in the future and added that the district is in support of encouraging local contractors to apply. The closing of bids for the nine projects is at 2 pm, Friday 14th July 2023.

The PNG Kumul Petroleum Junior Tennis Team flew out to Fiji to attend the Pacific Oceania Junior Championship 2023. The team will represent the West Pacific in this Championships, that is taking place at the Regional Tennis Centre in Lautoka. Team Coach Mr. Eddia Mera, gave a brief update of the juniors that made the team to Fiji, saying they are a mix of Port Moresby and Lae based player. The team is made up of 7 juniors including; Under 12 Girls Team; 1. Adelaide Mesa. 2. Indiana Kaiulo. 3. Cassandra Thomas.. Under 14 Girls; 4. Coleta Hakena. Under 14 Boys 5.John Louie Donalaon Under 16 Girls 6. Pauline Hyun. Under 16 Boys 7. Sugar-Ray Hakena. Speaking to PNGHAUSBUNG, Coach Eddie said the team have been super busy with traveling and settling in, as well as preparing for their matches. “We're hoping to make the Oceania touring team end of the year and next year." "I have high hopes that a few of our player will make the team.” The Pacific Oceania Junior Championships is into its second day, running from the 10th to the 19th of July 2023.

Two local tour operators have partnered up to host the Dika Suna Mini-Cultural Show, to be held at the Dika Suna Conservation Park in the Diga Suai LLG of the Chimbu Province on the 13th of July, 2023. This is a first of its kind partnership is between the Bismarck Trek & Tours and the Sogeri Hikers & Adventures tour operators. Head of the Bismarck Trek & Tours and member of the Dika Suna Mini-Cultural Show organizing committee Mr. Moses Kirikumul Kerry said this show has been paid for specifically by tourists. “This event was arranged especially for a group of tourist from American Samoa, who wanted to see a number of our cultural performances in one day.” He said through this partnership, the PNG Bismarck Trek & Tours will organize with their local partner, a Community Based Organization, the Dikasuna Nature Park, to host the event. “We will bring in traditional dancers from the surrounding areas to perform during the event, including the Asaro Mudman from Goroka, as well as participants from Mt. Hagen & the Hela Province.” PNG Bismarck Trek & Tours is a local tour operator recently established to work with local conservation communities along the Bismarck Forest Corridor to promote and venture into tourism activities. The organizing committee have been busy with preparations this morning for the event tomorrow.

The World Bank launched its flagship Country Economic Memorandum (CEM), titled ‘Pathways to Faster & more Inclusive Growth’ at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby today. Present at the launch were World Bank Country Manager, Dr. Khwima Nthara, Country Director for PNG & the Pacific Islands Stephen N. Ndegwa and Senior Country Economist and the lead author of the report, Mr. Ruslan Piontkivsky. In his opening remarks, the World Bank Country Manager Dr. Khwima Nthara said that the World Bank’s mission is to reduce poverty and boost shared prosperity by working with the governments of member countries by providing a guiding document to achieve goals. “We provide resources for projects in various sectors but also in advisory services in terms of knowledge.” “And it is in this context that we have now come up with this Country Economic Memorandum.” Dr. Khwima said that the World Bank in agreement with authorities will focus on 3 main areas that included improving macro and fiscal resilience, ensuring effective and more inclusive services in underserved areas and to encourage the private sector to grow and create more jobs. “I have come onboard as World Bank Country Manager just 3 months ago and I am very eager to work alongside the government and other development partners in helping PNG achieve its Medium-Term Development Goals,” Dr. Khiwma said. Special remarks of the CEM were provided by the Director for PNG & the Pacific Islands Stephen N. Ndegwa, who stated that that PNG had a big problem. “In the last 40 years, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita has grown by less than 1%.” “This does not make you a wealthy country over many generations.” “The CEM tries to understand why this is the case, provides an analysis of this and also provides some illumination of what actions can be taken to change this.” Mr. Stephen. N Ndegwa added that PNG also has an opportunity to convert the resources that it has into long term capital that supports productivity in the economy. “What the CEM helps you understand what can be done to achieve the goals of the MTDP, as well as some of the actions that the government is already taking that will help bring about these reforms,” Mr. Ndegwa said. He further stated that they, at the World Bank are very optimistic about PNG. “We are not here to be sorrowful about PNG, it is not a funeral, it is a party for the what the future can hold, if we all pull together to make the reforms that are needed but there is hard work to be done.” Senior Country Economist and the lead author of the report, Mr. Ruslan Piontkivsky presented the CEM and explained the 3 pathways to achieve faster and more inclusive growth, which included; 1. Seeking (macroeconomic) stability. 2. Boosting (broad-based) productivity. 3. Expanding (human capital) endowment. The launching of the Country Economic Memorandum was followed by broader discussions between the World Bank and key sector representatives.

National Fisheries Authority (NFA) has become one of the premium sponsors for the Goroka Show when NFA handing over a sponsorship cheque of K100,000.00 to the Goroka Show Society this week in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province. Representing the Managing Director, Executive Manager of the Provincial Support, and Industry Development Unit (PSID), Mr Jonathan Manieva reiterated the importance of NFA’s corporate social responsibility “It is important that our money reaches the community grassroot level.” “Through our Corporate Social Responsibility program, it remains a focus of us to maintain consistency in how we disperse support, and through supporting ground level events like this, we hope to maintain a strong link between our work in Port Moresby and positively impacting our people in the provinces.” Chairperson of the Goroka Show Society, Mrs Keryn Hargreaves expressed her gratitude as she reiterated the plans to make this 75th Goroka Show one of the best and brightest to date. She said, “We appreciate the support, as you all know Goroka Show relies entirely on sponsorship funds and any sponsorship that comes in, we use to give back to the community.” “The Goroka Show will be held on 16th to 17th September 2023, and will include over 100 different cultural group performances.” Mr Manieva added, "In addition to this, NFA is further committing to our vision of ensuring our support goes to the grassroot people in local communities by commissioning 500 bilums to be woven by women from Goroka and presented to our international delegates at our upcoming 08th Pacific Tuna Forum that will be in Port Moresby from 6-8 September 2023.

The 15th Sepik River Crocodile & Arts Festival was launched recently by the Minister for Tourism, Arts & Culture under the theme “Celebrating Festival Tourism after COVID -19.” During the Opening Minister Isi Henry Leonard called on all cultural, arts and performing groups to register & affiliate with the National Cultural Commission (NCC) to be officially recognized. “The National Cultural Commission is the only authority in the country who is here to regulate anything that belongs to culture and tradition in the country. “Come and affiliate and through NCC we can now give recognition, prominence and support to your respective cultural groups and festivals." The minister said that there needed to be proper regulation, control and monetizing of culture and tradition in the country so that the people in their localities would benefit out of this process. “If we do not regulate and control it, somebody else will monetize it, and our people will miss out, whether it be cultural groups or festivals. “It is incumbent on each and every one to come and register your festivals and cultural groups through the NCC, so we are able to assist you to benefit more.” He commended the Sepik River Crocodile committee led by its Secretary Jacob Marek for their efforts in ensuring the festival was registered with NCC. Minister Leonard said the Sepik people shared a unique bond with the Sepik River as part of their eco system. “Today marks a very important occasion where we witness the national cultural commission give its support for this important festival in Sepik. “Through the support of the national cultural commission and the Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA), we can now bring it to the next level, promote and harness more for tourism purposes." Minister Leonard through the PNG National Cultural Commission presented a K10, 000 cheque to the Sepik River Crocodile and Arts Festival Committee Secretary Mr. Marek to support the event. Minister Leonard along with the NCC Executive Director Mr. Steven Kilanda presented the Sepik River Crocodile & Arts Festival Certificate to the head of the organizing committee Mr. Marek, officially launching the festival.

The United Nations Office of Project Services and Papua New Guinea's private sector joined forces to fuel a dynamic era of growth and development across diverse industry sectors. UNOPS supports the Government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) to fulfil its commitment to delivering essential services to the people of Papua New Guinea. Through initiatives focused on critical and climate-resilient infrastructure, health infrastructure, waste management, procurement and project management support, UNOPS continues to contribute to the sustainable development of the country.   Recently, UNOPS held a workshop for interested companies to support their understanding of how to respond to available tender opportunities through UNOPS portfolio of work in PNG. The workshop enabled companies to learn how to search, register and fulfil tender criteria through the United Nations Global Market portal (UNGM) and the UNOPS website. It also gave basic information about how UNOPS handles procurement, including how proposals are requested and evaluated for different types of submissions. The workshop received overwhelmingly positive feedback from over 70 attendees, including both in person and online. Participants commended UNOPS for its exceptional support in helping companies understand the eligibility requirements for partnering with them. Expressing the same sentiments was Imelda Torie who stated, “The detailed criteria for assessing tender responses is highly encouraging to those who would like to see development activities and initiatives for PNG delivered in full and on time adhering to quality standards.” UNOPS has been active in the region since 2019 and its portfolio of work is rapidly expanding with activities already taking place in a number of provinces both in the highlands and coastal regions of PNG. UNOPS is keen on partnering with eligible local companies to progress its commitments to international donor partners and the Government of PNG and a range of tenders will be advertised throughout the remainder of 2023. 

The school holidays are ending here in the Nation’s Capital with students preparing to head on back into their classrooms. The same is the case for the August siblings, who used their term 3 holidays, to have more than a holiday. Daniel and Kalai August from the East New Britain Province and residents of the 5 Mile Suburb in Port Moresby; have been cleaning cars for their 3-week school holiday to earn some money. Speaking to PNGHAUSBUNG along with their father, Robin August, Daniel said the idea to start cleaning vehicles, came about when their father, purchased and brought home a pressure washer. “My sister and I, enjoy doing our household chores and cleaning.” “So, when Dad brought home the pressure washer, we asked ourselves, how can we capitalize on this?” That is when they decided to start a carwash in their yard as well as cleaning out the insides of the vehicles as well. “Along with the pressure washer, we have also invested in a vacuum, steam cleaner and different brushes to clean the inside of the vehicles.” Daniel’s father posted about the work his children were doing on his social media and his son was happy to relay that they have a couple of jobs lined up for this weekend, before they start school next week. When PNGHAUSBUNG asked Daniel if he would like to offer a little piece of advice to other students like himself that are looking to earn some money, he said, “Don’t even think about it, just go for it!” “You can start off with something small like cutting grass or selling ice blocks and work your way up from there, don’t give up, just press on.”

Public servants of Rabaul district, East New Britain (ENB) province have been urged to fully implement their programs and activities for the year according to their respective activity plans and allocated funds. This was highlighted by ENB Deputy Provincial Administrator (DPA) for Corporate Services Mr. Marakan Uvano when speaking during the 2nd Quarter Budget Review for Rabaul District Administration at the district headquarters, Kurakakaul. “Implementation in the first two quarters has not been to expectation and as public servants we have been mandated to carry out the core business of government; and that is service delivery.” The DPA- Corporate Services also stressed on former years funds and encouraged sectors to fully expand on their budgets and start or complete implementation of projects. “We need to zero our former year’s funds and not let it roll over to next year. I believe there are challenges and other issues that you are facing as a district but that should not be a hindrance, our people deserve quality government services.” Meantime, District Administrator Mr. Benedict Mode when giving his remarks said there are some challenges faced such as the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) offline issue but that has been solved. He also announced that there are nine major projects already out on tender that covers Rabaul roads rehabilitation, police post housing and site clearance for a health facility. Also speaking at the budget review was Deputy District Administrator (Admin.) Mr. Babel Umri who said budget formulation is still a challenge. He added that alignment of programs from provincial level to district, LLGs and wards is important in better serving our people. The two-day 2nd quarter budget review ends today with LLG presentations.

Investigators from the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and the Papua New Guinea Defence Force Military Police have begun their investigations into the PNGDF Kupiano mishap, which left two soldiers dead, and another two wounded, including a civilian. The acting Commander of NCD and Central Province Acting Chief Superintendent Laimo Asi said an investigation team went to Kupiano on Tuesday (July 4, 2023). He said a joint police and military investigation team have now cordoned off the crime scene to ascertain the circumstances leading up to the shootings. He said the situation has been under control since Tuesday because the incident happened between the soldiers themselves. Mr Asi confirmed that twelve suspects were arrested, and detectives have now identified the soldier responsible for discharging live ammunition that killed and injured the victims. Acting Commander Asi said details of the suspect implicated in the shootings will be released to the media once he is criminally charged by the investigation team. “This is a very unfortunate incident involving our soldiers, and I am expecting the investigators to probe into it thoroughly," said Mr Asi. “The Acting Commander said this incident is unprecedented.” “This incident is a first of its kind, where PNGDF soldiers were killed in training, in a "blue on blue" situation.” “This means that soldiers were killed by friendly fire from their own forces.” “I expect the investigators to take blood and urine samples from the main suspect as part of their investigation.” “They will have to ascertain whether the prime suspect was intoxicated or drugged when the shootings happened,” Mr Asi said. Mr Asi added the findings of the investigation team will bring some closure to the families and relatives of the deceased and the injured victims. Mr Asi visited the soldiers in Kupiano and addressed them after the unfortunate incident. He expressed sorrow and thanked the soldiers for cooperating with their superiors and the police. The wounded and dead were airlifted into Port Moresby that same day. Police investigations are continuing.

Registration for semester two at University of Papua New Guinea commenced on Monday 3rd of July and will end on Friday 7th of July. Students have been advised to register for their courses online through the university information system link. Ms. Joyce Pogla, a lecture in Literature and English Communication said, all this week she has been doing course advising to three categories of students, the Major, Minor and broadening. She told PNG HAUSBUNG today that her challenges are dealing with students registering mistakenly for wrong courses and wanting to variate as well as assisting re-enrolling students with BSP online payment. According to a circular from the Office of Registrar, students coming back for re-enrolment began their registration on Wednesday 05th of July. Meanwhile, apart from the online registration, the respective UPNG IT teams are also doing manual registration at the ICT Laboratory, for those students having difficulty accessing student accounts on the portal. It is understood that classes for the second semester academic calendar will begin Monday 10th of July 2023. Additionally, PNG HAUSBUNG understands that students are also still awaiting updated transcripts with grading from semester 1 which is still pending at this stage for many schools.

Crown Plaza Hotel in Port Moresby played host to the graduation of several employees from the National Cultural Commission (NCC) today, who successfully completed the Public Induction Course from the Pacific Institute of Leadership and Governance (PILAG). The opening remarks to today's event were by NCC Executive Manager Corporate Services Jenny Jeffrey, who also underwent the training. In her remarks, Jenny was pleased to reveal that this Public Service Induction Training was the first of its kind for the National Cultural Commission. "I for one am always proud of our public servants and the commitment to their professional development." She continued that she was confident that today's inductees will continue to excel in their careers and make a positive impact in their respective fields. "I would like to thank our three facilitators, for their commitment and excellent attendance, and who have worked tirelessly to ensure that our public officers receive the best possible induction training during the past two weeks." She said that they had learned many new things relating to public service and how to conduct themselves, within and out of the office. "It is a milestone achievement for the NCC to enhance its officers' knowledge and skills to continue to strive to serve this Nation, by achieving the goals and objectives of the Commission. Jenny also extended a word of thanks to the NCC Executive Director Mr. Steven Kilanda for meeting their public service induction fees. "His endless support and contribution towards the growth of human resource of the NCC within a short period of time, since his appointment, has been invaluable and we are grateful to have such a good leader like him." She finished off her speech by saying that all of today's NCC inductees are privileged to have sworn the oath to become permanent certified public servants. A total of 45 staff from the NCC were inducted into the public service today. Meanwhile, the NCC Executive Director Mr. Kilanda was unable to attend today's event due to other business.