Health infrastructures in Ijivitari district of Northern province are getting major facelift through renovation programs to all its ailing health facilities in the district. The renovation programs for the health facilities were made possible through funds from Ijivitari District Development Authority (DDA), from its K43million 2025 budget, which was passed in March. First up is the Itokama health post in ward 18 of Afore Local Level Government (LLG) that had undergone full renovation to its ailing infrastructure and given medical drugs courtesy of the DDA through chairman and local MP David Arore. Sakarina health post in Afore LLG also received major facelift. Another major health post establishment will be worked on at Collingwood Bay in Tufi LLG with funds allocated by the DDA. Safia LLG will also have a health establishment with funds allocated through the DDA with K2 million. "Improving health services is a priority under the Ijivitari District Development Authority of which I serve as Chairman," said Local MP and Vice Minister for Finance, David Arore.

Road conditions in Kairuku District of Central province have deteriorated due to the heavy rainfall experienced over the last three weeks. Access roads in the West Mekeo area and Waima- Kivori roads have been badly affected. Vehicles, including PMVs cannot navigate through the bad road conditions, making it impassable. According to locals, there is a dire need for repair works to be done to the roads, which are a lifeline for the people. Alex Winnie, a local community leader from Aepeana has called on the local MP to make it his priority to address this issue for the wellbeing of the people who use the roads in order to reach the markets to sell their garden produce and betelnuts in Port Moresby city. Officers from the MPs office including the Kairuku District Administration have confirmed receiving the reports and will attend to the situation during the dry weather. Currently they can't do much of anything under the wet weather conditions.

Kairuku District in the Central province has been severely affected by continuous heavy rains over the past two weeks, creating havoc for the people, especially with the road access to the main centers. A section of the road along the Hiritano Highway, a national highway at Inawabui village was washed away that stopped the flow of traffic. Just recently, a local contractor managed to put up a temporary bypass to make way for smooth flow of traffic Former Mekeo Local Level Government (LLG) president, Mr. Henry Maino, who is also contesting the current LLG elections to defend his seat, said vehicles could not cross the affecting section of the road and most have had to turn back, leaving passengers stranded along the highway. "Passengers travelling into Port Moresby were dropped off at the site of the washout road and had to pay a fee of K5 to cross of the temporary bypass to the other side and catch on waiting PMVs all lined up to pick passengers bound for Port Moresby," he said He said it was the same for passengers returning from Port Moresby to get on PMVs lined up to transport them to their respective villages. He said SME owners especially ones that own small trade stores were badly affected. He added that vehicles attempting to cross the makeshift bypass bridge made of logs, were charged a fee of K100 to cross. " Until today we found relief through the temporary bypass made by the local contractor who opened up the flow of traffic while waiting for responsible authorities to attend to the road condition," he said. Meanwhile, a source from the office of the MP for Kairuku Peter Isoaimo, has confirmed that the MP with the support from the Central Province Administration and Department of Works and Highways, will look to fix the poor road condition.

A former ward councilor Mr. Ali Pukari, has raised his hands to contest the Popondeta Town Mayor seat in Northern, with the envision to overhaul the systems of governance and administration that has hampered the delivery of service over the years. Speaking from experience as a former Ward Councilor with the Popondeta Urban Local Level Government (LLG), there was lack of coordination and systematic breakdown between the Town Mayor's Office and the LLG office, that has lured the breakdown of service delivery mechanism in the process. "During my time as a ward councilor, I have seen and faced hardships of brining tangible developments to my ward, due to the systematic breakdown in the LLG. DSIP funds never reached the LLG office." "I want to change this once and for all", he said while paying his nomination fees on Tuesday. "My intention is to build the internal revenue so that enough funds can be distributed to the wards for sustainable development," he said. "I will want to work with mothers and youths especially to change the township." With the law-and-order issues currently experienced, Pukari ensures to address it. "During my time as ward councilor, I have stood Infront of conflicts, some even worse turning into tribal conflicts. I have plans for people whom I socialized with, lived, ate and drank with, who were the very people who get themselves involved in breaking the law." "I have the influence and respect from all these youths, and I believe I can change the scenario and put money into their pockets through agriculture and other economic or SME activities", he said.

The Ijivitari District Development Authority (IDDA) in Oro Province is gearing up for bumper celebration in the district to concede with the country’s 50th Anniversary celebration this year. According to local MP and Vice Minister for Finance David Arore, the DDA intend to deliver projects to the people with a ribbon cutting ceremony and launching of projects that will concede with the country’s 50th anniversary. He said the cutting of ribbon and launching of projects is a token of appreciation to deliver services to the people as a token of appreciation to deliver services to the people, while the country celebrates its 50th anniversary. “This is what the Ijivitari DDA intends to do during the 50th anniversary celebrations.” “We will travel to all the LLGs, starting from Afore, Safia and Tufi, to launch and deliver projects with the ribbon cutting ceremony during the 50th anniversary.” He said Ijivitari was not captured well in the previous government arrangement stating that all services were centred around Popondetta. “However, Ijivitari is gaining momentum with the split of the electorate in the current government arrangement.” “Impact projects are currently being rolled out in the three LLGs.” “We started from ground zero, but momentum is picking up and we are running 100 miles.” He said each LLGs will have a reason to smile and celebrate the 50th anniversary celebrations when projects are delivered to them.

Safia Local Level Government (LLG) in the Northern province will for the first time have a high school established in the area all thanks to the local MP David Arore who saw the need for a high school to cater for students there. According to Mr. Arore, he saw the need for the new high school because all services were centered in Popondetta under the previous government arrangement. "With the new government arrangement, we are starting from ground zero for the new Ijivitari district. The establishment of the proposed high school in Safia is welcoming for the people," Arore said. He said the state of art two in one double classroom is currently undergoing construction at Embesa, in the lower Musa valley of Safia LLG. In a recent visit to the area, locals, especially six clan chiefs in the area have echoed their contentment over the establishment of the proposed high school and commended the MP for this initiative. "Over the years since independence, our children were sent to high schools in Popondetta to continue their high school education. They were sent to Martys high school, Bareji high school and Indonda high school which were based in Popondetta. "Now that we will have our own high school, It’s a big relief for us in the area,’’ head chief Bill Sare said. Arore said that the education department has been notified of the high school arrangement which the department has indicated their support to partner with the Ijivitari District Development Authority and serve the education needs for students in the area. Feeder primary schools for the new proposed Embesa high school are Embesa, Obea, Moro, Javi, Safia, Foru, Guruguru and Ako primary schools bordering Tufi. Contractor of the new school infrastructure Elizah Sarigari of Oro Cocoa Limited thanked the MP for awarding him the contract to construct the new high school facility. He said the facility will be completed before June this year.

A feat of extreme boxing bouts flared off at day two of the Kairuku district trial selection games at Bereina station, district headquarters of Kairuku in Central province this week, in preparation for the regional games that will take place in April of next year. Kairuku boxing team Manager, Joe Aufa is adamant that quality fighters will be selected during the trial games that ends on Saturday, 23rd November. “After day two of the trial selection games, I have seen keen fighters exposing their talents and that is worth reckoning that Kairuku will put up a strong team at the regional games that will be hosted here at Bereina in April next year (2025).” “I am telling the competing boxers to do their best and make it into the squad.” He also said that the National Capital District (NCD) may come up with top fighters, but that does not put his hopes in the realms with the quality of bouts exposed. “We make sure to put the best cream of fighters in the squad to compete in the regional games next year.” This will see a total of 100 fighters in all twenty wards from Kairuku that will be taking part and slotted into ten weight divisions. Furthermore, Kairuku district sports coordinator, Paul Aluofo also echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging great exposure of talents on day two of the trial selection games.

The Koiari Special Purpose Authority (KSPA), a key part of the Koiari Local Level Government (LLG), is supporting a spiritual program set for this festive season at Sirinumu Lake in Central Province. KSPA Chairman, Mr. Paul Noe expressed his commitment to this initiative by providing K5, 000 to enhance efforts in spreading the "Gospel of Jesus" during the festive period, which will take place at Berebei village from December 29th to January 11th, 2024. The program is organized by four churches under the Bisiatabu Seventh Day Adventist Church: Manamiro, Nafoka, Jack Ureki, and Berebei. It is expected to draw over 5,000 participants at Berebei village along the lake. In a brief presentation at the Sirinumu Development Company (SIDCO) office this week, Noe highlighted the significance of supporting church initiatives through KSPA's development programs. "We have been supporting churches through our church assistance programs. Under my leadership, I have prioritized funding for churches in the Koiari proclamation areas, which include Kokoda in Oro, Mt Koiari, Koiari, and Rigo Central," Noe stated. "We have set aside 10 percent of our tithing proceeds from the national government to support churches, and we will continue to do so to strengthen their role in spreading the Word of God." Allan Kidu, the chairman of the spiritual program and Layman Minister for Sogeri Town Church, expressed gratitude for KSPA's support. He explained that the program aims to nurture the spirituality of people living near the Sirinumu dam. Kidu noted that the initiative will also encourage those interested in ministerial studies and provide spiritual guidance for the Sirinumu Development Company and the community. The program is overseen by the Sirinumu dam spiritual committee, established in Kokoda last year through a Koiari spiritual program. This initiative aims to strengthen spiritual growth and support churches in their mission to spread God's Word. "At this time, spiritual growth has lacked, and we are taking this approach to enhance the spiritual capacity of church members and interested citizens of Koiari," Minister Kidu remarked. He thanked mentors like elder Jonah Oga and SIDCO manager Bobogi Ano for founding the Sirinumu Dam Spiritual Committee. Kidu reflected on the history of spiritual growth in Koiari, noting, "Sitting and looking back at the spiritual growth of Koiari, the birthplace of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in 1908, we praise God for the progress made under Pastor Kepsy Eledo’s leadership." Kidu also acknowledged past spiritual leaders, some of whom have passed away, like Pastor Sabea Boboro and retiree Pastor Josiah Urevi, who played crucial roles in fostering spiritual development in Koiari over the last 20 years.

Kairuku MP Peter Isoaimo has encouraged his people to grow more in agriculture and livestock because of the available land and rich soil in the district. He noted that the district can grow cash crops like rice, coffee, cocoa, copra, and oil palm, and raise livestock to supply both local and international markets. Isoaimo, the first MP for the new district in the Central Province addressed his people as the Department of Commerce and Industry handed out 32 Cooperative Society Certificates to farmers in Kuni. He said these certificates would help locals start small businesses, like poultry, inland fishing, piggery, and other farming projects. “Your livelihood in the community will start improving, and your living standard would develop through this initiative,” he said. Isoaimo has pledged over K165, 000 to support the 32 societies, giving each group K5, 000 in start-up capital to launch their chosen projects. During the launch, he said, “Each society group will receive K5, 000 as a startup capital to start develop your projects.” The Cooperative Societies of PNG’s Southern Region presented certificates to society members at the event. He explained that the funds would come from the district’s economic sector budget and be distributed to farmers through their society accounts. Isoaimo said locals would also gain by participating in the Abeda Oil Palm project in the Kuni area. Kuni LLG President, Jimmy Aniawa, shared that forming these societies took much time and effort. “The certificates that you receive today are not ordinary papers, but it must be utilised to get financial support from the district and provincial government. Aniawa urged locals and society members to form an umbrella company and work together on community projects, stating, “You all can affiliate to it and have it as your existing company to generate income and benefit all members."

Kairuku MP Peter Isoaimo has provided K50,000 to support a two-week police operation aimed at curbing recent lawlessness in the electorate. The operation, code-named ‘Klinim Kairuku’ and led by Central Police Operations Commander Sergeant Willie Hoiba, has resulted in over 20 arrests, bringing a more peaceful atmosphere to the area. Hoiba said the team has done a successful job clamping down on lawlessness. He said police presence has encouraged local youths to change their behaviour. Police engaged with village leaders and chiefs to strengthen their efforts, advising youths to avoid illegal activities and become positive members of their communities. With visible results from the operation, Sergeant Hoiba is now seeking approval from MP Isoaimo to extend the initiative for an additional two weeks to continue enhancing community safety.

A pioneer police barracks in the country, which has been run down for years, is getting a much-needed face-lift of its ailing infrastructures. The Sogeri Police Barracks in Central Province was built in the 1980's, and its barracks housing infrastructures have weathered through time without much, or any maintenance for years. A relieved Sogeri Police Station Commander, Max Maso, has thanked the Police Department in coming to the barrack's rescue to build the new infrastructures. Maso says the barracks will have three duplex standalone units, which means old police houses are being pulled down to pave the way for this new development. The first duplex is already erected. He believes the new housing infrastructures will empower and motivate officers to work better as they carry out their policing duties in enforcing law and order in the area. Maso also plans to involve local youths in a beautification program to improve the police station and surrounding areas.

The Kairuku District Development Authority (KDDA) in the Central Province is also prioritising more investment in the education sector in this Central Province district, focusing on improving school infrastructures. This is according to local MP and KDDA chairman, Peter Isoaimo, who committed K100, 000 towards improving school infrastructure at the Oreke Habiara Primary School this week. The school is one of the few least developed schools in terms of infrastructure in the last decade or so, according to the head teacher, Jimmy Francis, who was grateful for the funding, and promised it would be used accordingly for its intendent purpose. The school needs new classrooms, an administration block, and a library, and Francis says, the school board will be working together to set up the required infrastructures before the 2025 school academic year commences. Meantime, when making the commitment, MP Isoaimo also urged Kairuku LLG Ward Members (councillors), the School Board of Management, and community leaders in Ward 17 to put aside political differences and work together. He urged them to form a collaborative partnership to work for the benefit of their school aged children, and the younger generation in the LLG and district, who will one day be future leaders