A high-speed car crash on the Bagawa Bridge along Madang’s North Coast Road last Friday 29th of November, has claimed the lives of two individuals and left two others injured. According to Madang Provincial Police Commander, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, the accident involved a Toyota Landcruiser that collided with the side post of the bridge before plunging into the river below. “Preliminary investigations suggest speeding and alcohol were major contributing factors.” The occupants had reportedly attended a social gathering earlier in the evening before the accident occurred. One victim died at the scene, while another succumbed to injuries shortly after…
Author: Martha LOUIS
The Wau-Waria District Development Authority (DDA) in the Morobe province has called for a complete ban on sales of cheap alcohol, which it says is fueling law and order problems in the community. District MP, Marsh Narewec alongside local leaders, has emphasized that the availability of low-cost, locally made alcohol is harming youths and straining community resources. “These drinks are cheap and accessible to young people. Instead of spending their lunch money in school, they’re buying alcohol,” the MP said when highlighting that cheap alcohol is now easily accessible by school aged children. The DDA had previously implemented a liquor…
The Naweab District Development Authority (DDA) is planning to expand its educational infrastructure, including building more classrooms and teachers’ housing, to accommodate an increase in grade 9 students next year. District Administrator Buds Botikie explained that the government’s decision to abolish grade 8 exams will affect the district’s education budget. With this year’s budget set at K1 million, the DDA intends to increase funding to address the growing number of students advancing to grade 9. “If grade 8 students move on to grade 9 without exams, we will need additional classrooms, teachers, and staff accommodation.” This follows the recent announcement…
Morobe Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Chief Superintendent Jacob Singura has reported the arrest of a man allegedly involved in impersonating a police officer to rob a truck loaded with goods valued at around K400,000 in Markham District, Morobe Province. The incident occurred on November 5, 2024, when the defendant, Noel Fenga, and four accomplices allegedly dressed in police uniforms and set off in a blue, 10-seater vehicle, registered as BGA 613 and owned by Kekam Hire Cars. Their target was a white twin-steer truck carrying 200 cartons of “blangka,” estimated to be worth K400, 000. Upon locating the truck in…
The Huon District in Morobe province, under the leadership of local member, Jason Peter, is making significant strides to improve the delivery of essential government services by collaborating closely with ward councilors, who have a deep understanding of the needs within their communities. The district introduced a new initiative that strengthens local governance by providing each ward councilor with up to K100,000 in funding. This move is designed to support critical community projects, empowering councilors to take the lead in addressing local challenges. “We’re working closely with councilors because they know what’s happening on the ground and I emphasize the…
Minister for Youth, Development, and Religion, Jason Peter, has underscored the importance of interfaith harmony and youth engagement as cornerstones of Papua New Guinea’s development. Speaking recently after the presentation of funding and equipment to health and education programs in Huon District in Morobe province on Friday 8th November, Minister Peter highlighted his ministry’s efforts to foster unity and respect across the country’s diverse cultural landscape, which includes over 850 languages. The ministry has been collaborating with churches and cultural organizations to address religious intolerance and strengthen social cohesion. “The church is essential in promoting unity and therefore, initiatives are…
Minister for Youth, Religion, and Community Development, Jason Peter, recently highlighted youth unemployment as a critical issue facing Papua New Guinea, linking it to growing social challenges such as crime and poverty. Speaking after the presentation of funding and equipment to health and education programs in Huon District in Morobe province recently, the Minister outlined plans for a new policy framework to create sustainable job opportunities for young people across the country. He emphasized the need for collaboration with sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) to build viable career pathways. “Youth unemployment is a cross-cutting issue,” the…
Zifasing Junior High School in Huon Gulf District, Morobe province marked a significant milestone with the graduation of its first Grade 10 class, celebrating both student achievement and community resilience. School Principal, Mr. Raj Paskal said the school has overcome a lot of challenges since opening in 2021. These challenges include limited resources and infrastructural issues because it is the only junior high school for the Wampar Local Level Government (LLG). Prior to the opening of Zifasing Junior High School, students had to travel to other districts to complete their studies. Despite missing out on government tuition subsidies, the school,…
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Lands, John Rosso, recently unveiled a new government initiative to make affordable housing accessible for middle-income earners. The minister, while speaking at a recent Lae business community event, said this new program introduces strata titles, allowing individuals to own units in multi-unit complexes while sharing ownership of communal areas. Under this model, property owners will receive a title for their unit and join a corporate body to manage shared spaces and regulations. He also highlighted that the initiative could boost homeownership and financing options, following successful models from Australia and New Zealand. Furthermore, he…
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Lands and Physical Planning, John Rosso has announced that his department will soon issue Instrument of Disposition (IOD) certificates to Kamkumung and Ahi landowners, aimed at supporting structured land management and development. The IOD certificates are official titles that outline land boundaries, ownership, and planning terms. The initiative, in collaboration with the Kumkumung leaders, Ahi tribe, Ahi Investment Group, and the University of Technology, will involve identifying land, issuing IOD titles, and developing infrastructure, including roads. Rosso emphasized the program’s focus on cooperative land development, discouraging landowners from selling parcels for minimal returns. “Kamkumung…