Three people are dead and one in a very critical condition following a fatal road accident along the Poreporena Freeway at Konedobu this afternoon in Port Moresby city.Police were quick to the scene of the accident within a minute because the accident occurred next to the Police Headquarters at Konedobu. Police confirm three deaths; one female and two males while one person, a male, is in a critical condition. He was assisted to the hospital. Meanwhile, images on social media showed bodies of the victims lay all over the place from the impact of the accident. One body was on the road while the others on the side. The fatal accident involved as five- door Toyota Landcruiser. The National Capital police will release further information on the accident once preliminary investigation is completed.

The new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Commissioner for the country’s consumer watchdog, the Independent Consumer and Competitions Commission (ICCC), has said its time to do things efficiently and smarter going forward.The new CEO and Commissioner Mr. Roy Daggy said Papua New Guinea has now set on a journey for the next 50 years to come, which means it’s a time to start taking new directions, seek new ways of doing things to achieve the goals set for the country. He said it’s the same for the ICCC and if the Commission is to fully execute its mandate to protect the people from unfair trading practices that could impact their livelihoods, it must up its game. This statement indicates his intention to take the ICCC to new heights. “We’re looking at the next 50 years, we’re looking at something that is more innovative, be transformative and do it much smarter,” said Commissioner Daggy. “There is a lot of things that we can do in this space because our focus must be on the consumers, which is our people. That is priority one and we must create a level playing field and we must ensure that the enforcement part of the mandate that the ICCC must be effective and strengthen and also consumer protection must be our priority.” Commissioner Daggy also has faith in the Board that it will support the cause by providing the leadership for the ICCC to move forward in the years to come.

The Independent Consumer and Competitions Commission (ICCC) now has a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Commissioner taking charge of the consumer watchdog to protect Papua New Guineans from unfair trading practices.The Minister for Rural Economic Development Joseph Lelang on Monday 3rd November, announced at the ICCC head office in Port Moresby city that Mr. Roy Daggy is now in charge of the Commission. “I am very happy to officially announce the new Commissioner and CEO of the ICCC,” declared the minister. “The appointment has been officially published under the national gazette number G11051 dated 30th October 2025 by His Excellency Sir Gibs Selika (Chief Justice), who was the acting Governor General.” The acting Governor General made the appointment following by the ICCC independent appointment Committee’s approval as required under section 8 and 9 f the ICCC Act 2002. Minister Lelang also took the opportunity to extend his appreciation to Mr. Paulus Ain, the outgoing commissioner for his outstanding service and leadership during his tenure. “On behalf of the government, I want to sincerely thank Mr. Paulus Ain for his years of dedicated services and contribution to the ICCC and to the people of Papua New Guinea.” “His commitment to ensuring fair competition and consumer protection has set a solid foundation for the incoming leadership to build on,” said Lelang. Mr. Daggy is not new to the ICCC and brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in economic finance, energy and regulation and public policy.

The recent announcement of the country’s latest census result was well received especially for its successful completion given the challenges faced, but what it revealed showed a scary situation that Papua New Guinea (PNG) is currently in. Prime Minister (PM) James Marape took the podium at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby city on the evening of Thursday 30th October, where in front of staff and management of the National Statistical Office, partners and stakeholders, plainly stated that PNG needs to decisively control its population growth for the sake of better service delivery to the people. The 2024 National Census result revealed PNG’s human population at 10,185,363. “I think it is about time we converse on population control; birth control,” said Prime Mister Marape. “To parents, it is a very expensive exercise to raise children. One child, two children may be enough, but with three, you're pushing the limit.” Marape then urged the young people that if they plan to have a family, couples must consider the economy and make decisions on having children, especially when the economy is not in its best form fueled by issues in the world economy. “So, I want to propose a conversation on birth control and population control. Limiting the children to maybe two or three (to a family),” said Marape, stating that such conversations must be held in parliament, churches, in communities and at the family unit. The prime minister’s concern stems from the fact that the country’s population is obviously growing faster and higher than the economy, which could lead to drastic implications for the country going forward. According to the World Bank’s midyear Economic Update, Papua New Guinea’s economy is set to grow by 4.7 percent in 2025, well above its historical average, driven by rising gold and copper production and a strong recovery in agriculture. However, the prime minister says otherwise. “A population anywhere above 10 million with an economy this size, is unsustainable for our country. At present size of the economy, we can’t afford to have a population boom.” Nevertheless, the government continues to focus on growing the economy, but the population needs to be controlled as well. A sustainable country must have the population below the growth rate; hence, the prime minister proposes to have population control policies in place in the near future to manage this issue.

Crime being committed along the Highlands Highway on a constant basis is alarming and prompting calls for the authorities to do something decisive to fully address this nonsense of killings and attacks along a national highway that is the lifeline for many people living in the highlands of Papua New Guinea (PNG).Just recently, there was a shooting along the Eastern Highlands province portion of the highway where a transporter was shot and killed by an armed criminal. This matter was raised in parliament this morning during question time when Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa shot the question at the Police Minister Peter Tsiamalili Junior on what he is doing to address this serious matter. Responding to the good governor’s question, the good Police Minister said something is being done about it, stating that the implementation of a police post after every 60km will be the way forward. Minister Tsiamalili explained that this is the standard on a national way, where after every 60km, there will be a police highway patrol base. This is to ensure that police will respond swiftly to any emergency situation within their area of operation. He added that every province along the Highlands Highway must work with the national government and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNC) to have such police bases set up along their portion of the national highway. Nevertheless, Minister Tsiamalili said this is now happening. “This is capture in the Police Partnership Assistance,” said the minister, further stating that this standard of 60km police base is captured under this partnership assistance. Governor Rapa wants urgency put into this because the Highlands Highway is vital to service and development and it must be a safe place for people to move around freely to do business or just leisure.

Hosting a free, fair and safe election is the focus of the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission (PNGEC) to ensure this current election yields the expected results by the end of its scheduled time. It is not only that, but to also ensure the elections are conducted accordingly with the candidates elected through the democratic process, with no corruption or violence involved. The PNGEC’s stand is strongly supported by Prime Minister James Marape who appealed to all candidates and voters across PNG to uphold peace, discipline and respect during the election period. “The Electoral Commission, with the support of local-level administrators, is doing its absolute best to ensure a free, fair and safe election,” the Prime Minister said. “I urge all candidates and voters not to cause stress or disruption to their communities or to the country. Elections are serious national exercises, and they must be conducted with dignity, peace and respect.” Meanwhile, the commencement of the polling this week did not go as planned for one province. In Southern Highlands province, polling had to be delayed due to concerns raised regarding the electoral roll. Fortunately, this was resolved and polling is expected to take place today (Tuesday) in some areas. Acting Provincial Administrator and Provincial Election Advisory Committee (PEAC) Chairman David Kelma yesterday (Monday) addressed concerns over inflated rolls at Mendi Police Station and it was agreed for the recently updated 2025 electoral rolls will be used. This issue had delayed distribution of ballot boxes and papers over the weekend, and distribution started late yesterday (Monday). However, it is understood that some LLGs in districts closer to Mendi, especially Mendi Central kick-started polling on Monday. Meantime, Prime Minister Marape reminded the nation that the LLG elections are taking place in the year of PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary, symbolizing the enduring strength of its democracy. “In our 50th anniversary year, voting freely and fairly is one of the most important expressions of our nationhood,” he said. “I encourage all Papua New Guineans to cast their votes correctly and peacefully, choosing leaders who will unite, serve, and strengthen our communities.” Meanwhile, polling will run for 14 days, ending on 8th November with counting to commence afterwards from the 9th of November and ending on 20th November, that is another 14 days. The return of writs will be on Friday 21st November. PNGEC is urging all to turn up to vote and to ensure a free, fair and safe LLG elections.

TISA Bank is proud to partner with the BNBM Hardware and Huawei in the development and access to reliable green energy solutions for households in Papua New Guinea (PNG).This was said by the TISA Bank Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Sunil Pokharel at the launch of the bank’s new loan product- Sola Pawa Loan- in Port Moresby city on Tuesday 21st October. Mr. Pokharel, in highlighting the need for people to access reliable energy, said only 15% of the people have access to reliable electricity in PNG and just 13% are connected to the national grid. “This is not merely a statistic- it is a story of families who cannot study after sunset, of clinics that struggle to refrigerate vaccines, and of small businesses that must close early because of darkness,” said the CEO. “Yet, we are a nation blessed with abundant natural energy resources- the sun that shines across our highlands, coasts, and islands; the rivers that power our lands and the ingenuity of our people.” “This energy gap; therefore, is not a barrier- it is an invitation to act differently, to bring light where it is most needed,” he said. Reflecting on this, he said TISA Bank believes that real progress happens when finance becomes a force for inclusion, which is the basis for them to proudly launched the Sola Pawa Loan- a green financing product designed to make clean and reliable energy affordable for every Papua New Guinean. “Through this initiative, our customers can now purchase solar- powered kits manufactured by Huawei and distributed by BNBM, enabling households, schools, and small businesses- even in remote areas- to enjoy sustainable light and power.” He said "Sola Pawa" is not just about energy, it is about empowering people through the use of reliable energy. “This is Banking on Change in action.” “This is TISA Bank bringing light, hope and opportunity to every corner of Papua New Guinea,” said Mr. Pokharel.

The new TISA Bank has teamed up with Huawei and the BNBM Hardware to deliver an innovative loan product that is targeted at encouraging the use of green energy to enable reliable power in Papua New Guinea (PNG).This new loan product, “TISA Sola Pawa Loan,” was launched last night in Port Moresby city witnessed by the bank’s clients, staff and management of Huawei, BNBM and a delegate from the Central bank- Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG). TISA Bank Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Sunil Pokharel said this initiative enables finances to access reliable electricity, especially in the rural parts of the country. “Through this initiative, our customers can now purchase solar power manufacture by Huawei and distributed by BNBM, enabling households, schools and small businesses- even in remote areas- to enjoy sustainable light and power,” said the TISA Bank CEO. “This is more than a loan. It is a bridge between darkness and opportunity, between aspiration and achievement.” “For the bank like TISA, it represents innovation, enjoying new markets like the renewable energy and sustainable housing,” he said. This innovative sola power product is FusionSolar. It’s a Huawei Power- M small hybrid power solution. It integrates grid, solar DG and battery. It is widely used in off- grid and unreliable grid areas and provides reliable and stable backup power for homes and buildings. The launching of the loan product is the first of such initiatives in PNG where all three parties have come together and decided to do something different. Mr. Pokharel said the initiative started with Huawei to engage with a distributor and a bank to create a financial product that would finance the purchase of its innovative product that is reliable and is powering homes in most parts of the world.

The Papua New Guinea National Museum and Art Gallery (NMAG) recently held a fundraiser to support its maintenance, where the vision for its future was revealed to the public.The NMAG Board Trustee President, Mr. Terence Moka said going forward, the National Museum must innovate through technology so to better preserve the history and cultures of Papua New Guinea in the artifacts and stories that it holds. “As we continue to celebrate our 50th independence anniversary right through to 2026, we also take this moment to look ahead for the National Museum and Art Gallery, for the next 50 years,” said the president. “We want to do it on innovation and technology. We want to ensure that we continue preserving and protecting our cultural heritage and history for future generations.” “This is our time to modernize, to strengthen the role of the National Museum and Art Gallery as a living institution that will tell stories into the future. One that connects our past, inspire our future and shape the future of Papua New Guinea.” Hence, the recent fundraiser was important to ensure that goal is achieved going forward. The fundraiser raised close to half a million kina. Mr. Moka thanked NMAG Legacy Champions, who donated large amounts to funds to the cause. They are Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC), Paga Hill Estate, and New Porgera Limited (NPL). He also thanked Friends of the Museum for their outstanding support in organizing the whole fundraiser that was help last Friday in Port Moresby city.

The inaugural Friends of the Museum (FOM) Gala Night fundraiser, held last night in Port Moresby city, has raised quite a significant amount of money to go towards the maintenance of the National Museum in order to continue preserving Papua New Guinea's rich cultural heritage.Chair of the Friends of the Museum, Ms. Sylvia Pascoe said the National Museum plays an important part of holding the ancient and modern history of every man and women in Papua New Guinea, through the artifacts, the stories behind them, tells of a thousand people of ancient cultures weaved in one modern country. As such, Ms. Pascoe said the support from the government and corporate PNG is vital to helping preserve the cultural identities of the people. She said the FOM work is to engage the various sectors to support a good cause. “Friends of the Museum now exist to bridge that gap between the friends and corporate PNG and with everyday Papua New Guineans near and far,” said Ms. Pascoe. “Many of you have the resources to make a difference, we’re simply offering the pathways.” “Thanks to you, we have raised almost half a million kina,” she said. The priority of the maintenance is the massive air-conditioning system in the museum, which is over 50 years old, and in need of a replacement. This is important in that many of the cultural artifacts and certain animal specimens kept at the National Museum require the right room temperature to preserve their properties. Meanwhile, the Defence Minister Dr. Billy Joseph, who was quest of honor at the event representing the tourism minister, who had other engagements, acknowledged the importance of the museum and the work the team is doing to improve the facilities. In his speech, he confirmed that a proposed allocation of funds has been brought forward to Cabinet for approval. That funding proposal is for the maintenance of the National Museum, which he said Tourism Minister Belden Namah presented. He did not further reveal the status of the proposed funding- where it is now, but it is hoped that the funding be included in the 2026 National Budget.

The Sirinumu Lake, created by the Sirinumu Dam that was commissioned in 1963, has a massive tourism potential that the national government and Central provincial government could tap into.This was highlighted by the Chairman of the Koiari Local level Government (LLG) Special Purpose Authority (SPA) Mr. Paul Noel at the recent opening ceremony of the first water supply system for villages on the lake. Mr. Noel said apart from the dam, there is potential for recreational activities like water sports or just a boat cruise provided by local tourism providers on the massive lake for people who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Port Moresby city; however, for this to happen, say in the next few years, there has to be cooperation with organizations like the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA). “This area (Sirinumu Lake) has a huge potential,” said Mr. Noel. “I want the TPA and the others to work together to fulfill this potential to provide income opportunities for our people.” The PNG TPA was also represented at the Opening Ceremony of the new water supply system on Thursday 17th October. Meanwhile, Mr. Noel also urged the Central provincial government and administration to partner the Koiari LLG SPA to deliver such income making potential. “We can do so much if given appropriate funding support,” he stated.   

It was a joyous moment especially for the mothers and daughters of Berebei, a predominantly Seventh Day Advantage village on an island in the middle of the Sirinumu lake in the Central province, when taps next to their homes where officially turned open to allow water to flow.This is the first time in over sixty (60) years that water is now flowing to homes of landowners of the massive Sirinumu Dam that supplies both water and electricity to Port Moresby city and parts of Central province. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the new water supply system, Mr. Steven John, the Chairman of the landowner company- the Sirinumu Development Company, said it has been a long time coming and eventually the first village now has water running on taps next to homes. “Villagers will no longer have to travel far to get water, a struggle everyone knows too well.” The project came about following a church gathering at the village some time back, where members at the gathering asked for a better water supply system. That request was taken to heart by the Koiari Local Level Government (LLG) Special Purpose Authority (SPA) who then move to have the water system installed using funding parked in their account. They set to work on the project with contractor SMJ Plumbing & Building Services, which was represented at the opening ceremony by Mr. Sibona Fafave, the Managing Director. Given the urgency to establish the water supply system, the company took just two weeks to install the whole system, which includes pipes, taps, pump and a massive water tank. The opening today marks the start of more such projects to come as planned for by the Koiari LLG SPA with more villages on the Sirinumu lake to get proper water supply system. In attendance at the ceremony today where dignitaries from the government, the Department of Provincial Government and LLGs, Department of Prime Minister, the Central Provincial Government and stakeholders and villagers.