Leaders of Hela and Southern Highlands have started peace negotiations over the death of two slain Hela police officers in Mendi last month.

In a recent meeting in Port Moresby, the Southern Highlands party said they have accepted demands for compensation however they have called on their political leaders to take lead in resolving the issue between the two sister provinces.

“We accept the demands and we will meet the payment and customary obligations. We are appealing to our leaders especially Governor William Powi to intervene and we will back him up,” leader of the Southern Highlands party, Joseph Kobol said.

Meanwhile, the bodies of the two officers are still at the funeral home in Port Moresby and will be repatriated home for burial once compensation packages are met and peace is restored.

The negotiations will continue and a peace ceremony will be staged in Mendi.

Works Minister Michael Nali has met with East Sepik Governor Allan Bird and West Sepik Governor Tony Wouwou to discuss matters of road development in the Sepik Provinces.

The Minister announced that the Government has prioritised the Sepik Coastal Highway from Wewak to Vanimo and maintenance works will begin once funds are available.

Minister Nali said due to the current state of the country’s economy, the Government will focus now on priority roads like the Highlands Highway, Buluminski Highway, New Britain and Sepik Highways.

Works Minister Michael Nali and Secretary David Wereh have travelled by road to see the Sepik Coastal Highway for themselves.

Accompanied by West Sepik Governor Tony Wouwou, inspections started yesterday in Angoram and had ended in Aitape this morning.

Minister Nali said the Government has put priority roads under its focus and will roll out major maintenance works in all priority roads in the country.

Nali said with the current state of the economy, funding constraints has hindered many road projects in the country.

However, he said the Works Department stands ready to deliver proper roads and give access to all Papua New Guineans.

By Stanley Ove Jr – EMTV NEWS PORT MORESBY

A State of Emergency (SOE) must be declared in Southern Highlands, a group of leaders from the Province have announced.

In a media conference held by runner-up candidates of the Southern Highlands Regional Seat, they brushed aside reports of normalcy in the province saying since William Powi was declared as Governor; there has been growing tension in the province.

Candidates Bernard Peter, Alfred Mune and Joe Kobol all agreed that the National Government must consider a SOE in the Province as many in the province have felt they have been ripped off their democratic rights and tensions are building.

“Over 70% of our people felt they did not vote when Governor Powi was declared,” said candidate Bernard Peter.

“I commend our local police for containing the situation but if it gets out of hand, the Government must consider a SOE so that people can feel free to go about their business and more importantly receive goods and vital government services,” he added.

“Since William Powi was declared, he has not been in the province to help restore peace and normalcy,” candidate Alfred Mune said.

Meanwhile 2nd runner up candidate Joseph Kobol has appealed to the Electoral Commission to make known their stand on the issue in Southern Highlands and assist in restoring peace.

“The electoral commission is partly to be blamed for what is happening in the province, they must come clear on the matter as lives of people are at risk,” Mr Kobol said.

By Stanley Ove Jr – EMTV News, Port Moresby

The National Government has launched a major road maintenance project for the Hiritano Highway in the Central Province.

Funded by the World Bank in partnership with the PNG Government and the Department of Works, Central Governor, Robert Agarobe, officiated the ground breaking ceremony for major works of a 112-kilometre stretch of road between Bereina and Vanapa.

Kairuku-Hiri MP, Peter Isoaimo, commended the Government and donor partner World Bank and, said it has been a long overdue project.

“I have been pressuring the former Minister for Works to look into our road problem since 2014, and I commend the O’Neill-Abel Government to finally come to our aid and also thank stakeholders especially World Bank,” Isoaimo said.

Central Governor Robert Agarobe also shared similar views however he said the maintenance of the road will open up many opportunities for rural communities in the Central Province.

Meanwhile Works Secretary David Wereh said the launch of the project is a significant milestone for the country as the concept of the road works policy is for contractors to not only rehabilitate but maintain the road for the number of years they are contracted to.

Minister for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change, John Pundari has commended Fiji for the conference presidency of the COP23 meet in Bonn, Germany.

During his speech at the closing of the meet, Minister Pundari reaffirmed the Government’s support in combating climate change and said the topic will be a key agenda of next year’s APEC meeting.

“Papua New Guinea will host the Pacific APEC 2018, where climate change will be a key agenda. This will complement the exposure of the not only the ravages of the adverse impacts of climate change in the Pacific region, but also underscore the Pacific-Way of resilience and the importance of investing in our efforts to protect our people and natural assets,” Pundari said.

The COP meets every year in which UN recognised countries meet to discuss and review policies in combating climate change.

PNG was represented by a delegation of the Climate Change Authority, Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Climate Change. EMTV’s Journalist and Researcher Florence Jonduo was the only PNG media official that attended the meet.

Markham MP, Koni Iguan, has raised concerns on the number of school dropouts in the country.

He told Parliament, the Grade 8 and 10 examinations are contributing factors to this, suggesting the Government to stop these exams and concentrate only on the Grade 12 exam.

“A lot of drop outs on the streets are because they are drop outs of grade 8 and 10. Can the Government and the Education Department plan to stop this,” Iguan said.

In response, Education Minister, Nick Kuman, said the Government is considering ruling out the exams and said they will concentrate on early childhood learning and grades 1 to 12.

“We will introduce the new reform 1-6-6. Elementary education will be ruled out, and we will concentrate on early childhood learning. But in order for this to happen, schools need to build their capacity,” Kuman said.

The Minister also appealed to every MP to put in funds to build all schools in the districts and provinces to cater for this reform where schools will have grades 1 to 12 only.

Parliament kicked off to a rather heated debated this morning (22 November), after Madang MP Bryan Kramer wanted clarification from the Police Minister on a case against former MP, Nixon Duban.

“I have a report here on the investigation,” MP Kramer said.

However he was interrupted when Petroleum Minister, Fabian Pok, and Works Minister, Michael Nali, made points of order to stop the Madang MP to further his questions.

“Mr Speaker, my point of order is that this question is out of order,” said Works Minister Michael Nali.

The Madang MPs arguments were in relation to a fraud case against former MP Duban, which he raised yesterday in Parliament. Mr Kramer said the case was before police but no immediate actions have been carried out.

The Parliament Speaker than told Mr Kramer to see in person the Police Minister and Commissioner to further discuss the matter, as the floor of Parliament was not the appropriate place to discuss matters that were before the police.

National Planning Minister Richard Maru has announced the Government is planning a Planning summit next year.

The Minister made this remarks following questions raised by Maprik MP John Simon on the distribution of wealth to districts and provinces.

Minister Maru said the Government is also considering a policy that will guide districts and provinces in delivering services to meet the development agenda of the Government.

“I will call for a first of its kind Planning Summit. All MPs will meet with me to discuss and plan proper development for our provinces and districts. We need to develop economies for all our provinces so they don’t rely on Waigani,” said Minister Maru.

Minister Maru has come under public scrutiny because of delays and issues in the National Identification System. The situation has been aggravated now that there was a recent announcement made by the Minister to charge the public to register under the system.

Australian Oil and Gas Company Santos Limited have put in K3million for the construction of Tari Hospital’s new accident and emergency ward (A&E).

In partnership with Oil Search Limited, a ground breaking ceremony was staged on Monday to mark the start of construction of this important health facility for Hela Province.

CEO of the Hela Provincial Health Authority Dr James Kintwa described the occasion as a significant event for the development of Tari Hospital.

“On behalf of the PHA, Hospital staff and Chairman, I would like to thank Santos. The A&E is an integral part of the development of this hospital,” Dr Kintwa said.

Since January over 65, 000 patients have come through Tari Hospital. 3, 000 were emergency cases. Without having proper facilities patients were referred to Mendi, Mt Hagen or even Port Moresby.

“Our commitments in the industry not only lie in the industry but with the development of areas where we operate in. And the development of this facility is our way of showing that commitment,” Santos CEO Kevin Gallagher said.

Meanwhile patients were given special teats apart from their usual medical treatments.

Part of Oil Search Foundation’s commitment in developing the hospital, staff led by Peter Botten and Stephanie Copus-Campbell delivered gifts for patients of the children’s ward and mothers at the maternity ward.

Papa Lealea is one of three communities in the Central Province that houses the PNG LNG Plant site. Although the multi-billion kina investment is located in their area, water and sanitation have remained a problem since then.

However on Wednesday, Kairuku-Hiri MP Peter Isoaimo facilitated the opening of a new water supply for the village. Standing at a cost of K5million, the water supply will serve hundreds living along the Papa and Lealea coastline.

“My good people, we must welcome development because there are thousands who are in dire need of such developments,” said MP Isoaimo.

The MP also announced that his administration will work in close partnership with the Central Provincial Government in making sure the Province’s visions are met and basic government services are delivered.

The same project will be delivered to Porebada and Boera Village.

https://youtu.be/QoAu-LMQ4Os

Following his appointment by NEC late last year, a National Court order was issued on Wednesday to confirm Andrew Liliura as the permanent Secretary for the Trade Commerce and Industry Department.

“I would like to announce that we now have a permanent Secretary Andrew Liliura,” said Trade Commerce and Industry Minister Wera Mori.

Liliura’s appointment comes after a tussle over the position of the secretary which was left vacant since May 2017.

“I would like to call on the public servants, and the staff of the department to show their support to Mr Liliura and return to work on Monday. We have not been able to perform our duties in the last few weeks and I would like to apologise to the people of PNG for that,” Minister Mori said.

Liliura said his first act as secretary is to consult with the Department of Personal Management to appoint two Deputy Secretaries. He also announced the Department will have to fill in key positions in the department that has been left vacant in the last 4 years.

Following his appointment by NEC late last year, a National Court order was issued on Wednesday to confirm Andrew Liliura as the permanent Secretary for the Trade Commerce and Industry Department.

“I would like to announce that we now have a permanent Secretary Andrew Liliura,” said Trade Commerce and Industry Minister Wera Mori.

Liliura’s appointment comes after a tussle over the position of the Secretary which was left vacant since May 2017.

“I would like to call on the public servants, and the staff of the department to show their support to Mr Liliura and return to work on Monday. We have not been able to perform our duties in the last few weeks and I would like to apologise to the people of PNG for that,” Minister Mori said.

Liliura said his first act as secretary is to consult with the Department of Personal Management to appoint two Deputy Secretaries. He also announced the Department will have to fill in key positions in the department that has been left vacant in the last 4 years.

Dubbed as one of the country’s best street comedy performers, the late Kupa Toru, famously known as ‘Iriputi’ died last Saturday at the Port Moresby General Hospital.

As a performer, Toru travelled around the country with best known ‘Watete’, together they performed many sketches, including awareness for the Electoral Commission and the National Fire Service.

“His passing leaves a huge gap in my heart,” said Watete whose real name is Eddie Wapona.

The family of the late Kupa are appealing for assistance in repatriating the late comedian’s body home.

“I am appealing to those who know Kupa, especially those that we have worked with to assist in helping me bring my brother’s body home,” Wapona said.

If persons are willing to assist in cash or kind, they can contact the numbers below.

Eddie Wapona – 7602 8919

Walo Keto – 7333 5339

Late Kupa’s Wife – 7612 8129

Following the eruption on Friday last week, over 500 men, women and children have been evacuated to nearby Ruprup Island.

However East Sepik Governor Allan Bird says that number might increase given Ruprup and neighbouring Biam Island are also volcanic islands.

“We are not talking about the evacuation of Kadovar, but Ruprup and Biam as well. We’re looking at evacuating over 5000 people,” Bird said.

The immediate priority as Governor Bird said are relief supplies and a shipping vessel will deliver first supplies tomorrow morning.

“South Sea Tuna in Wewak have a vessel on standby, and as we are speaking food supplies given from the Prime Minister’s Department are being loaded and by tomorrow the ship leaves for Ruprup,” Bird said.

In the meantime the Governor said they are also planning ahead if continuous eruptions trigger a tsunami.

“We are preparing for the worst. And we will have to get the message out to the communities so that they are aware of the threat,” Bird said.

In the meantime, the PNGDF have deployed two ships and a helicopter to the disaster area to assist.

Inter-Government Relations Minister Kevin Isifu announced today the relocation of the Kadovar Islanders to mainland Wewak.

He said part of a long-term plan, land has already been identified and the Government will through processes of relocating not only Kadovar, but other isolated island communities.

“Initial plans were to resettle the people on Biem Island, but now due to volcano we will have to relocate all these island communities because most of Kadovar island has been destroyed by the volcano,” Isifu said.

“Plans are already in place. We will revisit the proposal of the resettlement plan and move the islanders to mainland Wewak,” Mr Isifu said.

Meanwhile the Minister announced ground operations are underway and an estimated budget of K3million will be used for the disaster response.

Latest reports released by the Rabaul Volcano Observatory have revealed the initial eruption of Kadovar has impacted the entire surface of the island and people should not return.

The report also revealed there are no significant emissions of sulphur dioxide and thermal anomalies which has indicated that new lava has not breached the island’s surface.

However the imminent threat is if continuous movements of lava breach the surface, and given the steepness of the island, massive landslides caused by further eruptions will trigger a tsunami.

The Department of Mineral Policy and Geohazards has declared the island a high risk zone and have advised that people should not return to the island.

Similar warnings have been issued to shipping companies and boat operators to avoid the disaster area.

The launch of the relief centre at Murray Barracks is one of four centres throughout the county where the public can donate in cash or kind to the relief efforts of people affected by the Kadovar Volcano.

Inter-Government Relations Minister Kevin Isifu when launching the centre said relief efforts are progressing well and they are now looking at the resettlement process of the Kadovar Islanders.

“We have identified land, and in the coming days we will consult with the landowners and payments will be made to kick start the relocation of the Kadovar people,” Isifu said.

Meanwhile, relief supplies are being delivered to the people affected.

“The response to this disaster has been good. It has set the benchmark of how fast the Government have responded and I would like to commend the Government and the stakeholders involved to see our people are safe,” National Disaster Office Director Martin Mose said.

An appeal has been made to Port Moresby residents to donate in cash or kind to the relief assistance of the two thousand plus displaced Kadovar Islanders in East Sepik.

A relief centre has been set up at City Hall where residents can come forward with their donations.
City Hall representatives said the response from the public has been good, however they are appealing for more to come forward.

“We will be sending three appeal trucks to all electorates in the city, these trucks will be stationed at main centres of Moresby South, North West and North East so that more people can come forward with their donations,” City Hall representative Jackson Kari said.

The trucks will start go around the city this afternoon and the public are advised to come forward with cash or kind to assist.

Meanwhile for those wanting to assist in cash can make direct deposits into the Kadovar Island Disaster Relief Account Number 7 0 1 2 1 8 0 9 2 8, BSP Wewak.

The Kadovar Volcano has now developed four volcano vents which are indicating more activity are expected in the coming days.

While one has become inactive in the last 24 hours, the South East Coastal Vent which is next to the sea has become very active, emitting thick white steam to about 600 meters above sea level.

A 24-hour situation report released from the Rabaul Volcano Observatory have also shown thick emissions from the main crater are now rising to over a kilometre above sea level.

Given the volcano’s collapsing structure, new eruptions will be gas-rich and explosive.

The Geohazard Department again has issued a strong warning to people, as well as shipping vessels and small boat operators to avoid the island.

In the meantime, supplies are being delivered to the displaced islanders, and the Government together with the East Sepik Administration have agreed on a major relocation exercise.

So far there have been any casualties reported.