Oro (Northern) Governor Garry Juffa has strongly condemned the recent violent attack on health workers in Popondetta earlier this month, September, highlighting the urgent need for protection for those serving in the community. In a recent statement, Juffa expressed his outrage at the brutal assault on Marina Kambakle, a dedicated nursing sister at Popondetta General Hospital, who has been serving since 2016. On the same day, pharmacist Presley Aku and Health Extension Officer (HEO) Rose Kona were also held at gunpoint by unidentified assailants outside the town. “This animalistic act of terror towards our health workers is not only an…
Author: Joshua ARLO
In a decisive move to combat escalating violence in Enga Province, the Governor-General has declared, through a National Executive Council decision, a National Emergency in the electorates of Porgera-Paiela, Kompiam-Ambum, and Wapenamanda. The declaration follows a series of violent confrontations between illegal settlers and local communities, prompting urgent action from the government. Minister for Police, Peter Tsiamalili, Jnr, confirms the emergency declaration, emphasizing its necessity in addressing the violence that has plagued the province. “The situation between the people involved, that is generational conflict in nature, has deteriorated again, and the heavy hand of the law must again intervene to…
Oro Police will crack down on cybercrime, especially targeting those spreading false information on social media. Oro Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Ewai Segi, today warned that offenders using online platforms to cause unrest or defame progress will face the full force of the law under the Cyber Crimes Act. “I am all for freedom of speech, but those spreading defamatory and disaffection statements must stop or be prosecuted,” PPC Segi stated. He explained that misleading content creates tension and affects essential services like power, water, health, and education. “The dissemination of misleading content can sow discord and create unnecessary tension…
Prime Minister James Marape announced a K296 million financial package to support Rabaul’s redevelopment, marking 30 years since the devastating volcanic eruptions of September 19, 1994. The funding will restore infrastructure and revive the town’s economy. The breakdown of the package includes K10 million for clearing volcanic ash, K10 million for land titles to displaced residents, K5 million for a study on the town’s restoration, K50 million to reopen the port, and K221 million for the construction of the Namaliu Highway to improve access and boost tourism. During his emotional visit, Marape expressed the government’s commitment: “We are mindful it…
Prime Minister James Marape visited Rabaul, East New Britain on September 19th, to mark the 30th anniversary of the devastating twin volcanic eruptions that destroyed the town in 1994. Once known as the “Pearl of the Pacific,” Rabaul was buried in ash, displacing over 100,000 people. Marape’s visit aimed at bringing hope and healing to the region by presenting land titles to those still affected by the disaster, offering them new opportunities for resettlement. In a statement before the Prime Minister’s visit today, he explained that in July, the National Executive Council (NEC) lifted a long-standing moratorium on Rabaul and…
The National Government has committed K700 million towards the resettlement of the Special Mining Lease (SML 13) landowners affected by the Porgera Mining Project. The funds, allocated through the Infrastructure Development Grant (IDG), will support infrastructure development for the resettlement process. Managing Director of the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA), Jerry Garry assured that relocating the SML landowners is a top priority for the Government, when addressing stakeholders and landowners during ongoing Community Development Agreement (CDA) negotiations held in Port Moresby this week. Porgera Valley in the Enga Province is under a State of Emergency, with an imposed curfew and deployed…
Papua New Guinea (PNG) is set to benefit significantly from the newly launched Australia-PNG Development Partnership Plan (DPP) 2024-2029, which will provide much-needed support for the country’s security, governance, and economic development. The plan, announced by Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy, on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby, emphasizes Australia’s commitment to helping PNG achieve stability and prosperity. PNG is Australia’s largest development partner, with an estimated $637.4 million in Official Development Assistance funding in 2024-25 and over $2.5 billion in budget support loans since 2019. The Development Partnership…
The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) has announced the commencement of training for the second batch of police recruits on September 24, 2024. This follows a successful first batch, where 217 recruits graduated from the Bomana Police College on May 24, 2024, and have since taken up positions in various provinces. Of the 256 candidates initially shortlisted for this second batch, 14 have declined their offers, resulting in 242 confirmed recruits set to undergo a rigorous nine-month training program at Bomana Training College. Among these recruits, 32 are females, underscoring the Constabulary’s commitment to promoting gender equality within law…
The Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council (NEC), along with the Prime Minister’s Office, has officially relocated to Somare Haus in Waigani. This move marks a major step in the government’s long-term strategy to centralize key government offices within the Waigani Precinct, aiming to enhance coordination and reduce operational costs. Chief Secretary to Government, Ivan Pomaleu, in a statement, says the consolidating of offices into Waigani is expected to generate significant savings by reducing rental costs. These savings will be used to cover the costs of constructing Somare Haus over the next 10 to 15 years. “Consolidating government…
Over 120 law enforcement personnel stationed at the Porgera Valley in the Enga province have been authorized to use lethal force to remove and protect Porgera Valley residents and Infrastructure suffering from attacks from Non-Porgoreans, Illegal miners and settlers. The continuous escalation of violence is caused by illegal miners and illegal settlers who have victimized traditional landowners and using violence to terrorize local communities. Commissioner of Police David Manning emphasized on the use after violence escalated. “I have directed police to consolidate resources and respond with force to resolve the dangerous situation as quickly as possible, protecting life and essential…