Farmers in Markham District are calling for better support as they continue to face challenges in growing watermelons, a crop they have cultivated for over two decades. The President of the Markham Smart Farmers Association highlighted the district’s ideal growing conditions for watermelons, which are known to be sweeter than those from other parts of the country. “Markham District is perfect for watermelon farming, and our crops have been thriving here for more than 20 years,” said the President. However, a lack of reliable water supply is hampering their productivity. “Water is critical to our success, but we don’t have…
Author: Martha LOUIS
Madang Provincial Police Commander, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, has called for stricter adherence to road safety measures following a truck accident near Naru Mountain on the Madang–Ramu Highway earlier this week. Baim said the accident highlights the dangers of overloading and unsafe practices by drivers, vehicle crews, and passengers. “Road safety begins with the driver and crew, but it also involves ensuring the vehicle is in good condition, the driver is alert, and loads and passengers are properly secured,” he said. The truck involved in the incident was reportedly overloaded with betel nut bags, with passengers sitting precariously on top…
Member for Lae and Deputy Prime Minister, John Rosso, has dismissed calls to split the Lae Electorate, suggesting boundary realignment as a more practical solution. Rosso cautioned that creating new electorates would increase costs and administrative inefficiencies, diverting funds away from service delivery. Instead, he proposed extending Lae’s boundaries to include areas like Yalu, Igam, and up to the Erap River to ensure better services with fewer overheads. “More electorates mean more politicians and higher costs, but not necessarily better services. Realignment will provide the efficiency we need.” Rosso also expressed frustration over not being consulted on the matter, reaffirming…
The Madang Provincial Police have been commended for ensuring peaceful and safe Christmas and Boxing Day celebrations across the province. Madang Rapid Response Network Online Group Administrator, Mr. John Newton Ariku, praised the efforts of PPC Madang, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim and his team for maintaining law and order during the festive season. “The police, under the capable leadership of PPC Baim, did an exceptional job ensuring safety and peace.” “Their visible presence, quick responses, and proactive engagement with communities helped prevent criminal activities and fostered a safe environment for everyone to enjoy the celebrations,” Mr. Ariku said. He acknowledged…
Christmas and Boxing Day celebrations in Madang Province were reported as quiet and peaceful, with no major incidents recorded, according to Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, the Madang Provincial Police Commander. Superintendent Baim attributed the calm festivities to a strong police presence across the province, which deterred criminal activities and ensured incidents were quickly attended to. “Police were present everywhere, and this helped prevent crimes from happening. We managed to attend to all incidents reported,” he said. The police commander noted that the public showed improved behavior, with many demonstrating respect for one another by controlling loud music and lowering volumes…
Hidden Valley Mine is investing in sustainable farming to help local communities prepare for life beyond mining. “We know mining won’t last forever. That’s why we’re helping our people grow a future beyond gold and silver,” said Esther Bill, Agriculture Program Supervisor. The mine provides seeds, tools, and training to farmers, teaching them skills such as coffee pruning, proper bean drying, and managing chicken farms. Local farmers, like the Nauti community, have formed cooperatives and are now roasting and selling their own coffee. The mine also helps farmers connect with buyers through events like the Morobe Show. Looking ahead, Hidden…
Efforts to recover the victims of Sunday’s fatal plane crash in Sapmanga, Morobe Province, have been significantly delayed due to inclement weather and the difficult terrain. Persistent rain, heavy cloud cover, and rugged landscapes have made access to the crash site nearly impossible, stalling the retrieval of the deceased. On Christmas Day, two attempts were made to recover the bodies of the four passengers, but both were unsuccessful due to poor visibility and the remote, forested location of the wreckage. The wreckage of the B2-SAM aircraft, operated by North Coast Aviation, was found in the mountainous area near Sapmanga. The…
The body of the pilot from the plane that crashed near Sapmanga in Morobe Province has been recovered and flown to Lae, Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso confirmed today. Tragically, there were no survivors among the five people aboard the aircraft. Rosso said the plane, which went missing on Sunday, was carrying four passengers and the pilot en route to Nadzab Airport when it crashed into dense jungle at an altitude of approximately 8,400 feet. He said Search efforts began immediately after the aircraft was reported missing around 10:30 AM on Sunday by initial searches conducted by Manolos Aviation Limited,…
Efforts to assess the crash site of the North Coast Aviation (NCA) aircraft in the jungles of Morobe province resumes this morning after it was called off yesterday due to bad weather. Due to heavy cloud cover over the mountainous crash site, the team sent in to assess the crash was prevented from being winched down to the jungle floor on Monday afternoon. Manolos Aviation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Flight Operations Manager, Capt. Jurgen Ruh, confirmed the delay and said a Manolos Aviation nurse has undergone winch training and is ready to support the operation. Yesterday, a helicopter from…
The wreckage of North Coast Aviation’s (NCA) P2-SAM aircraft has been located, but no survivors have been seen so far. A rescue helicopter from Port Moresby landed at the Manolos Aviation heliport in Lae at around 1:10 PM today, bringing four officers, including a pilot and loadmaster. They were joined by NCA Operations Manager Jordan Thiele, two female medical staff, and a soldier from the Igam Engineering Battalion for the operation. A doctor has also been deployed to the crash site. The Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) confirmed the aircraft, carrying five people, went missing on Sunday while flying from Wasu…