Madang town came alive on Saturday as residents, schools, and community groups joined a cleanathon ahead of Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence celebrations. Governor Ramsey Pariwa also took part, working side by side with provincial officers, students, and church groups. His presence, organisers said, showed leadership and support for community-driven action. The cleanathon, organized by long-time resident Eugene Wanai, saw 18 groups participate. Divine Word University sent students and paramedics, while Kusbau and Holy Spirit Primary schools also joined. Health workers from Modilon Hospital, the PNG Institute of Medical Research, and other groups added their efforts. Mr. Wanai said the strong turnout showed pride in the community. “In just two hours the town looked different. This is not just cleaning—it’s about unity and preparing for the Golden Jubilee,” he said. The celebrations in Madang will run from September 13th to 16th.

Transgogol Secondary School in Madang is struggling to meet the needs of its growing student population. Principal Ivan Nivirity said the school is short on classrooms, dormitories, power, and water. “The main generator broke down in 2023. We now rely on a small 5KVA generator for the office and solar power for the rest of the school,” he said. Water has been a long-standing problem. The school’s ablution block was condemned from the start. To cope, the science lab has been turned into a boys’ dormitory, while the computer lab is now a classroom. The school has about 1,000 students and 26 teachers. With limited classrooms, the dining hall and a four-in-one building are also used for classes. The school was suspended in late 2022 and did not receive Tuition Fee Free (TFF) funding in 2023. “I started this year with nothing as the new principal,” Nivirity said. He added that the 2025 TFF funds have arrived but are only enough for teaching, learning, and basic operations. More support is needed to improve facilities. The country is marking 50 years of being independent but still schools in some of the remote parts of the country continue to face big challenges affecting educating the next generation of Papua New Guineans.

As Papua New Guinea marks 50 years of independence, Divine Word University (DWU) is planning for the future. DWU President, Fr. Philip Gibbs, said the university is guided by its Vision. “DWU will be the leading university, in the Catholic tradition, committed to integral human development in PNG and the Pacific region,” he said. Fr. Gibbs said DWU aims to expand its academic programs and research initiatives. He added that the university also needs to tackle challenges such as using new technologies, becoming financially self-reliant, and connecting more with its alumni. DWU has produced many professionals across PNG and the Pacific, and Fr. Gibbs believes alumni can help strengthen the university’s contribution to national development. “As PNG moves into its next 50 years, DWU will continue to form leaders who can guide the nation into the future,” he said.

Polling for Bougainvilleans living outside Bougainville has been pushed back by a day. Morobe Election Manager Simon Soheke confirmed voting for the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) General Elections will now take place on Friday, 5 September 2025, instead of Thursday. He said the delay was caused by the late arrival of ballot papers and other polling materials. “The elections have been rescheduled to Friday, 5 September, due to the late delivery of polling materials. We apologize for the inconvenience,” Mr. Soheke said. In Morobe, polling will be held at the Lae Secondary School Hall from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Mr. Soheke also appealed to Bougainvilleans in Morobe and Ramu Sugar to make proper arrangements to take part. He encouraged voters to get information from the Provincial Electoral Office at Gavman Haus in Lae or call 472 3116 / 7841 1169. “Your participation is important in strengthening democracy in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville,” he said.

Police in Simbu investigating the murder of a young woman at Tabale Local Level Government (LLG), got a break in the case when suspects were handed over to them by locals. According to police, the victim was attacked on Monday afternoon and her body was later found near the Kawikane River. Since the report was lodged, police began the investigation and got lucky when the suspects were brought to them. Simbu Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Acting Superintendent Mazuc Rubiang confirmed that the main suspect, Boika Boyboy, 35, of Mu village in Sinsine, was caught by locals this morning and handed to police. One other suspect was earlier arrested. Rubiang praised the community for their support. “I thank all leaders and villagers for working with police. Your help made this possible,” he said. He also warned against harboring criminals.

Excitement is growing in Madang as the province prepares for its 50th Golden Jubilee celebrations, which started with a float parade on Friday 29th August. More than 30 groups took part in the float parade, including schools, businesses and community organizations. The procession began at Laiwaden Field and traveled through Modilon Road, Nabasa Street and Kalibobo Drive before finishing at Bates Oval. Committee Chairman Sigi Beschel said the parade highlighted Madang’s creativity and unity. He thanked schools, churches and businesses for their support. Security was tight with community policing units and transport corridor patrols in place. Madang Provincial Hospital provided medical support, including ambulance escorts, midway safety posts and emergency teams were on standby too. Meanwhile, a bike race is set to take place on Sunday August 7th as part of celebrations. The Golden Jubilee bike race from Alexishafen to Laiwaden Oval will see cash prizes of up to K3,000 for winners. Registration for the bike race closes this Friday 5th September. Madang is preparing to mark PNG's 50th Independence anniversary in true style, with both safety and celebration at the heart of the events.

The Ramu–Madang Highway, connecting Madang province to Lae in Morobe province and the Highlands region, is one of PNG’s main economic corridors. Businesses depend on it to move goods and cargo, but the road has seen little attention. However, this is being attended to. Four contractors are carrying out maintenance to keep the road open. Each section has a small contract under K10 million, covering stretches from Watarais to Madang town. Mr. Gibson Ali Holemba, Secretary of the Department of Works and Highways, said major reconstruction will start after design studies on unstable sections. “We must fix the ground before sealing the road. Otherwise, the investment will be lost,” he said. Bridge replacements, including Kesewai, are planned with support from ADB and the World Bank because government funding alone is not enough, and full upgrades depend on international partners.

Six men were shot dead in Lae city after police chased a stolen bus used in a robbery at Eriku today. Lae Metropolitan Commander Superintendent Chris Kunyanban said the suspects hijacked a 15-seater bus at Miles. “They pretended to be passengers before holding up the driver and crew,” he said. “About 11 to 12 of them then forced the bus back to Eriku.” At Eriku, the gang robbed the I-One store. They took cash, cigarettes, Flex cards and Vodafone cards. The total value of the stolen goods is not yet known. Mobile Squad 13 intercepted the bus and chased it to Bundi camp. The suspects opened fire on police. “The bonnet of our vehicle was hit by bullets, and one officer was scratched on the hand by pellets,” Kunyanban said. Other units joined in. Six suspects were killed in the shoot-out. Two were seriously injured. About three escaped. Police recovered several homemade guns. Kunyanban said police will continue to track down those still on the run. “This is a strong message to criminals,” he said. “Police will not hesitate to act when public safety is threatened. Police will not tolerate criminals challenging them and have the right to be protected when they carry out their constitutional duties.” Lae has seen a rise in violent hold-ups in recent months. Police say investigations are continuing.

Papua New Guinea’s rice farmers are getting a boost thanks to Trukai Industries’ Smart Farmer Program. The initiative combines classroom lessons and field training, teaching farmers skills in water management, machinery use, pest and weed control, and post-harvest handling. Top participants also join a Smart Farmer Internship at Trukai’s commercial rice farm in Erap, Morobe Province. They receive agricultural tools, seeds, fertilizers, and ongoing mentorship. Since starting, over 1,000 farmers across PNG have been trained, moving many from subsistence farming to commercial operations. The program contributes to food security, economic growth, and stronger rural communities. Aina Davis, Trukai’s Agriculture Manager, said: “By equipping farmers with skills and resources, we’re building a sustainable future—one farmer at a time.”

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Wau-Waria, Marsh Narewec says the Kaindi Road upgrade will help the district keep gold trade revenue local and attract small businesses. The National Government has provided K3 million and the district K2 million. Narewec warned the road is dangerous and difficult to maintain, but essential for local growth. “The Kaindi Road generates K40 to K50 million annually from just one gold buyer,” he said. Emergency works are underway, and new routes are being planned to protect the road from illegal mining damage. The road, also called the “Bull Track,” now takes less than two hours to travel, down from a full day.

Wau-Waria MP Marsh Narewec has praised small-scale miners for helping drive local development. He highlighted Yosi Mambu, who owns Hot Spring Alluvial Mining, for investing nearly K3 million of his own money to build a new road in Nemnem. “The people needed the road, and Yosi came forward with machinery and resources. No government money was used. We only facilitated the agreement,” Narewec said. The MP said this shows how miners can reinvest their earnings into businesses and services that benefit the community. “Instead of wealth leaving our district, we must reinvest here – in hotels, lodges, service stations, and infrastructure – to grow Wau-Waria into a modern town,” he said. Narewec added that other road works are ongoing, including maintenance from Pine Top to Wau town and realignment around illegal mining areas. “This is more than a road project. It’s the start of real development,” he said.

The Lae Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) is urging businesses across Papua New Guinea to boost their online safety. A free online program is now open to micro, small, and medium-sized businesses, offering practical tips to protect data, devices, and staff from cyber threats. The training is run with the Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Macquarie University, supported by the PNG–Australia Partnership. Up to 500 businesses can take part. LCCI President John Byrne said cybercrime is a growing risk for PNG businesses. “More than 60% of MSMEs use digital financial services, but most have no formal cyber safety training. This program helps protect both businesses and staff,” he said. The PNG Cyber Defender Program is fully online, takes three hours, and provides a certificate and digital badge upon completion. Applications close on 5th September, with courses running from 10 September to 10 October 2025. Apply here: pomcci.org.pg/cyber-defender-program-information