The Ramu–Madang Highway, connecting Madang province to Lae in Morobe province and the Highlands region, is one of PNG’s main economic corridors. Businesses depend on it to move goods and cargo, but the road has seen little attention. However, this is being attended to. Four contractors are carrying out maintenance to keep the road open. Each section has a small contract under K10 million, covering stretches from Watarais to Madang town. Mr. Gibson Ali Holemba, Secretary of the Department of Works and Highways, said major reconstruction will start after design studies on unstable sections. “We must fix the ground before…
Author: Martha LOUIS
Six men were shot dead in Lae city after police chased a stolen bus used in a robbery at Eriku today. Lae Metropolitan Commander Superintendent Chris Kunyanban said the suspects hijacked a 15-seater bus at Miles. “They pretended to be passengers before holding up the driver and crew,” he said. “About 11 to 12 of them then forced the bus back to Eriku.” At Eriku, the gang robbed the I-One store. They took cash, cigarettes, Flex cards and Vodafone cards. The total value of the stolen goods is not yet known. Mobile Squad 13 intercepted the bus and chased it…
Papua New Guinea’s rice farmers are getting a boost thanks to Trukai Industries’ Smart Farmer Program. The initiative combines classroom lessons and field training, teaching farmers skills in water management, machinery use, pest and weed control, and post-harvest handling. Top participants also join a Smart Farmer Internship at Trukai’s commercial rice farm in Erap, Morobe Province. They receive agricultural tools, seeds, fertilizers, and ongoing mentorship. Since starting, over 1,000 farmers across PNG have been trained, moving many from subsistence farming to commercial operations. The program contributes to food security, economic growth, and stronger rural communities. Aina Davis, Trukai’s Agriculture Manager,…
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Wau-Waria, Marsh Narewec says the Kaindi Road upgrade will help the district keep gold trade revenue local and attract small businesses. The National Government has provided K3 million and the district K2 million. Narewec warned the road is dangerous and difficult to maintain, but essential for local growth. “The Kaindi Road generates K40 to K50 million annually from just one gold buyer,” he said. Emergency works are underway, and new routes are being planned to protect the road from illegal mining damage. The road, also called the “Bull Track,” now takes less than two…
Wau-Waria MP Marsh Narewec has praised small-scale miners for helping drive local development. He highlighted Yosi Mambu, who owns Hot Spring Alluvial Mining, for investing nearly K3 million of his own money to build a new road in Nemnem. “The people needed the road, and Yosi came forward with machinery and resources. No government money was used. We only facilitated the agreement,” Narewec said. The MP said this shows how miners can reinvest their earnings into businesses and services that benefit the community. “Instead of wealth leaving our district, we must reinvest here – in hotels, lodges, service stations, and…
The Lae Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) is urging businesses across Papua New Guinea to boost their online safety. A free online program is now open to micro, small, and medium-sized businesses, offering practical tips to protect data, devices, and staff from cyber threats. The training is run with the Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Macquarie University, supported by the PNG–Australia Partnership. Up to 500 businesses can take part. LCCI President John Byrne said cybercrime is a growing risk for PNG businesses. “More than 60% of MSMEs use digital financial services, but most have no formal…
A grassroots cultural group in Markham is pushing ahead with its festival plans after successfully hosting a fundraising dinner in Lae city. The Kraang Festival Association Inc (KFAI) raised funds at Huon Gulf Hotel to help register the festival with the National Cultural Commission (NCC) and stage the inaugural event in Markham District. Chairman Moxie Jerry Dzigin said the association was proud of the community support. “We hosted a successful dinner despite the lack of backing from the Markham District Development Authority. This festival is for the people of Markham and for preserving our identity,” he said. While disappointed at…
For Leo PauPau, a farmer from Buin in South Bougainville, last Friday was a milestone achievement for him when he received his certificate from the Trukai Smart Farmer Program, completing three months of training that changed how he farms. “Before, I worked on small plots about seven metres by seven metres,” PauPau said. “Now I’ve expanded to more than 120 metres by 60 metres. We can feed our families and sell rice for income.” The program taught him skills like managing water, using tractors and seeders, and controlling weeds and pests. Rice has become more than a crop for PauPau…
Students at Pileh Primary School in Huon District have moved into a new double classroom handed over to the school on Thursday 21st August. Australian Consulate-General in Lae, Brenton Kanowski, said education must start with good facilities. “Children need safe places to learn. This classroom shows our commitment to supporting schools and communities,” he said. The school has 151 students, with 78 girls and 73 boys, but only a few teachers. Before the classroom was built, children often walked long distances to Markham Bridge Primary, sometimes giving up because of floods and rough tracks. Kanowski said the project was made…
Lae doctor Joseph Garap says cancer is rising fast in Papua New Guinea (PNG), and too many people are dying because they get help too late. Dr Garap has worked at Angau Memorial General Hospital for over 20 years. He said most cancer patients arrive when the disease is already at a dangerous stage. He once ran a mobile cancer clinic using his own money to spread awareness in rural areas. He gave out calendars with messages for school children. But the program ended due to lack of funding. “Cancer drugs and treatment are too expensive,” he said. “We need…