A review of the PNG maternity laws has been ignited by growing concerns on the fact that the female employees in the private sector are entitled to unpaid maternity leave as opposed to their counterparts in the public sector, and this effectively leads to two sets of laws and policies for women in PNG. This fact has prompted the latest review by the Constitutional & Law Reform Commission (CLRC) to a review on maternity leave with the view to identify existing inconsistences & issues and propose necessary reforms. CLRC Secretary Dr. Matui said Maternity Leave is a very important &…
Author: Helen-Jennifer BUBUWAU
PNG Air has once again, put out a notice to its customers that all scheduled flights into Wapenamanda have been suspended due to recent civil unrest, effective 25th July 2023. The suspension will remain in place for an indefinite period until such time, PNG Air can determine the safe operations of their services back into the province. Currently, they are advising their customers who have purchased tickets for inbound and outbound Wapenamanda travel, to contact PNG Air Call Center team for further advisories. The Airline Company stated they regreted and apologized for any inconveniences this may cause and appreciates customers…
People in Makerupu in Rigo District of the Central Province have lost everything to the recent heavy floods, with a few villagers having to relocate to other villages after losing their homes while others have had to create makeshift homes. This was the sad information given by the Chairman of the Makerupu Natuna Urban Association, Mr. Kila Leka, during the presentation of donations from the Trukai Industries. This donation will support more than 10, 000 villagers from Makerupu in the Rigo District and Paranama in Abau District, following floods that affected their villages and livelihoods. Mr. Leka said the rice…
The World Indigenous Business Forum (WIBF) is coming to Port Moresby this year, having already secured platinum sponsors in the Special Economic Zone Authority (SEZA) and the Department of International Trade & Investment (DITI). Both the SEZA & DITI have come onboard to sponsor the WIBF PNG 2023 with K300, 000 each. WIBF will run from the 24th to the 26th of October in Port Moresby, where 1, 000 business delegates are expected to attend, with 500 of these attendees being Papua New Guineans. Minister for International Trade & Investment, Richard Maru said the National Executive Council has approved for…
Flights to Kagamuga Airport in Mt Hagen have been disrupted due to unserviceable vehicles responsible for Rescue Fire Fighting services (RFF). This was the situation yesterday afternoon until this morning. The airport authority has to ensure these services are available and operational prior to airlines operating into the area, in the unlikely event of an emergency. Both vehicles are owned by the National Airports Corporation (NAC), who are working to restore the equipment to full operations. Meanwhile, Air Niugini (ANG) is exploring options with CASAPNG and NAC to establish an interim safety strategy and appropriate contingency planning to allow operations…
A recent investigation completed by the Department of International Trade & Investment over the past weekend found that the most affordable rice on the shop shelves in Port Moresby was Rigo Rice. Rigo Rice is a locally grown and packaged, retailing at K3.50 per kilo. The same investigation found that HS Jasmine Red/Gold was the most expensive on the shop shelves, retailing at K7.48 per kilo. The Minister for International Trade and Investment Richard Maru said he could not understand the rice pricing if rice was a price-controlled item. “ICCC must explain why there is a big difference of up…
It is important to involve men and boys in times of humanitarian crisis experienced in in communities, because they play a very critical role in such times when help is needed. The Director of Curative Health Services for the Enga Provincial Health Authority (PHA), Dr. Betty Koka said this during a week-long training on the Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) for sexual and reproductive health in emergency situations and the clinical management of rape. “Most importantly, safety and security can be provided to survivors of GBV, SARV, and rape as an immediate response to times of crisis.” According to Dr.…
Fuel consumers and the travelling public throughout the country may be impacted over the long weekend by Puma Energy’s restrictions on fuel supply. The fuel company announced that its fuel stocks continue to decline and will regrettably impact fuels for the aviation and maritime sectors. The lack of sufficient foreign exchange and restrictions on Puma Energy’s access to financial services has restricted the company’s ability to buy fuel products on the international markets to meet Papua New Guinea’s fuel demand. According to Puma Energy, the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) has not released sufficient USD to the fuel and…
Funding has been provided to minor works on the Bumburum Bridge that will see more traffic flow and sustenance of more economic activities. The Bumburum Bridge is located at Ward 11 of Nabak LLG in Nawaeb District of Morobe Province and the funding for its upkeep is coming from the Nawaeb District Development Authority (DDA). The presentation of K50, 000 funding for minor works for the bridge was done recently in the presence of Labuta LLG Kiap Mr Pesa Takos. The funding allocation was approved through the Nawaeb District Development Authority through CEO Buds Botikie. Nawaeb MP Theo Pelgen is…
The State has settled its long outstanding rental arrears of K10 million to Nambawan Super Limited (NSL). NSL Chief Executive Officer Mr. Paul Sayer thanked the State, through the Departments of Finance & Treasury for the payment of these outstanding funds. “The continued payment of these arrears is crucial as it enables the Fund to continue reinvesting our Members’ savings so that we can keep generating strong returns for them over the long-term.” He explained that last year, through an agreement with NSL, the State committed to settling the remaining balance of its rental arrears in K10 million monthly installments.…