Telikom PNG Limited has recently facilitated a mediation forum for landowners of Mt Kegum in Mul LLG of Western Highlands Province, where its transmission tower was recently vandalized by locals. Telikom PNG Board Chairman Cedric Rondoke and CEO Amos Tepi arrived in Mt Hagen over the weekend to address what has been described as the biggest vandalism of Telikom PNG in Western Highlands Province. Telikom CEO Amos Tepi, Board Chairman Cedric Rondoke and Mul Baiyer Lumusa MP Jacob Maki, accompanied by Western Highlands Provincial Police Commander John Sagom and representatives of Western Highlands Provincial Government, travelled on Sunday to Nengel village. The ttarvel was made to speak with the Kumdi tribes’ people who make up three council wards that claim ownership of Mt Kegum and the area on which the Telikom repeater station was located. The mediation forum was to address the theft of 120 solar panels, fuel drums and other valuable equipment costing between K3-4 million. Telikom CEO Amos Tepi while explaining the importance of the transmission tower, asked the reason behind this vandalism. Tepi explained that Telikom PNG owned the piece of land on which the tower was, since 1968. He added that Telikom PNG belongs to the 8 million plus people of Papua New Guinea. Telikom Board Chairman Cedric Rondoke wasted no time in getting to the bottom of the problem, by asking those with grievances to come forward and explain if they had issues with the annual Community Service Packages (CSP) payment arrangement or engagement of security guards for the tower. The Chairman's call prompted some youth and community representatives to reveal that the vandalism was done by those who felt they missed out on benefits like the annual CSP payment and monthly Goodwill Payment done to a security firm. Following the aired grievances, Chairman Rondoke made the decision in the people's favour by resorting to split the benefits equally to the three council wards and advised them to set up a collective security firm. Mul LLG President, Samuel Aikeke, on behalf of his people expressed remorse for what they had done. Meanwhile, Western Highlands Police have urged the vandals to return the stolen properties to avoid arrest and imprisonment for criminal offences including the breach of NICTA Act, which carries a penalty of K200, 000 fine and 15 years imprisonment for vandalizing telecommunication facilities.

A man is behind bars in Mt Hagen Police station and his accomplices are on the run after an attempted robbery gone wrong on Tuesday in Western Highlands. According to Mt Hagen Police, the attempted robbery has also left a Guard Dog Security officer wounded in the face by a gunshot. Police Duty Officer, Constable Kelly Tombon told PNG HAUSBUNG the incident happened at around 4am on Tuesday. Up to fifteen criminals armed with bushknives, axes, a factory-made magnum pistol and a M-16 rifle attempted to rob CASA Hardware at Tega. Tombon said the criminals pried open the gates with a bolt cutter, overpowered two Guard Dog Security guards and tied them up. However, a third guard whom the criminals did not see, quickly radioed their rapid response unit as well as Mt Hagen Police. The criminals were said to have worn masks during the robbery attempt. When the additional security colleague arrived on scene, the criminals escaped. In the escape a criminal with the M-16 rifle shot at a guard dog vehicle, injuring a security guard on the cheek. The guard is currently in Mt Hagen General Hospital, recovering. Police added nothing was stolen in the attempt. One suspect has been caught and is undergoing interrogation as investigations continue.

People of Enga Province will now see proper regulation in price of goods and services. This follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Enga Provincial Government and Independent Consumer Competition Commission (ICCC). The signing of the MOU was done on Tuesday this week at Takeanda Amphitheatre in Wabag by ICCC Commissioner Paulus Ain and Enga Provincial Administrator Sandis Tsaka. The signing will now see proper regulation of price of goods and services in Enga. ICCC has engaged two agents from the Commerce Sector of Enga Provincial Administration. Provincial Administrator Sandis Tsaka said the signing will pave way for the people also to report on any unexplained rise in the cost of goods and services. Meanwhile, ICCC Commissioner Paulus Ain said his office was pleased to be invited to do an important job in ensuring ordinary citizens of Enga could afford basic goods and services. “Cooperation is needed from all stakeholders, especially the common citizens.” “The two ICCC agents Faith Amean and Zacharias Sakar must be respected by business houses in Enga when they go around inspecting pricing of goods.” Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas said all these efforts were to ensure the people of Enga received government services right at their doorstep.

Western Highlands Police have warned drivers to take all necessary measures to avoid accidents especially along the four lane highway in Mt Hagen City. Provincial Police Commander John Sagom said care must be taken as freeways provide fast movement of vehicles especially during rush hours during mornings and evenings. “Police will not hesitate to enforce traffic laws on road traffic offenders.” “PMV drivers must at all times be mindful of the fact that they were carrying passengers and utmost care must be taken when transporting them.” He said in the recent past, there have been frequent accidents occurring and this was due to unnecessary speeding. “Drivers are now warned that police will strictly enforce traffic laws on traffic lawbreakers.” PPC Sagom further added that pedestrians on the road are also urged to be cautious as accidents do occur anytime, so don't be absent minded whilst walking on pathways. This warning was reiterated after a vehicle accident this morning along the four lane highway at Kimininga, Mt Hagen city which resulted in a careless driver detained at Mt Hagen Police station. PPC John Sagom stated that the 25 seater bus drove out from Koglamp road whilst a 15 seater bus drove from the city and was heading to Kagamuga Airport. Both PMV buses were loaded with passengers when they collided, however fortunately, no one was injured. PPC Sagom says all drivers should know that Mt Hagen City now has increased number of vehicles unlike the past, and traffic laws must be observed properly. The driver of the Coaster bus was allegedly at fault by underestimating the speed of the 15 seater bus and turning out onto the freeway without care. Police attended to the accident scene and from statements by independent witnesses, the driver of the coaster bus was arrested and formally charged for driving without due care and attention.

The Enga Provincial Government Enga Mioks is set for a tough match against Mendi Muruks this Sunday at Aipus Oval in Wabag. Mioks will be banking on it's defence and attack, led by veteran Supa Kokote who led the victory against Goroka Lahanis last weekend. Muruks will be coming back from a 1-point loss, while Mioks will want to maintain its lead on the ladder for Pool A with seven straight wins so far in the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup competition. With the recent landslide at Pausa being cleared, supporters are expected to flock into Wabag town.

A huge landslide at Pausa, near Lai Bridge in Wapenamanda, Enga Province has completely blocked off the highway to Wabag town and rest of Enga Province. The disaster happened Sunday afternoon near Lai River bridge, blocking the highway completely. The incident was confirmed by Enga Police in an interview with PNG HAUSBUNG. Vehicles can not get to Wapenamanda and Wabag towns and those on that side cannot pass through to get to Western Highlands Province. Military personnel are on sight ensuring the safety of travellers and passengers who are crossing the debris on foot to get on vehicles waiting on either side. It is understood that the huge boulder had come lose, causing the landslip of the whole mountainside. Clearance is expected to take two to three days.

Police in Mt Hagen city have confiscated an unregistered M-16 rifle from a drunk police officer who resisted arrest and escaped on foot this morning.  According to Western Highlands Provincial Police Commander John Sagom, the incident happened at Mt Hagen market, where careless driving pointed the suspect out.  The identity of the suspect is known, and he is said to be a policeman in Jiwaka Province.  Upon confrontation with Hagen Police he evaded arrested and escaped, leaving behind the vehicle he was driving along with the gun that had its serial number scratched off.  PPC Sagom said they will use the firearm as court exhibit, clarifying that it was a military issue one and not of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC). 

Member for Wapenamanda Mickey Kaeok has plans to build a fly-over bridge across a dangerous section of the road in his electorate. Mr. Kaeok, who is the Vice Minister for Works and Highways, said his District Plan included the district’s vision to build a fly-over bridge, over the existing road from Pausa to Wapenamanda over the fast-flowing Lai river. The plan was revealed during the launching of the District five-year development plan officiated by Prime Minister James Marape this week at Wapenamanda. Marape congratulated Kaeok for a simple but visionary plan. The electorate was also privileged to received K15 million out of a total of K28 million presented for various projects in Enga province. Meanwhile, Marape took the opportunity at the launching of the five- year plan to also encouraged the people of Wapenamanda to get into agriculture and SMEs. Marape told the people that the work on the Lumusa Wapenamanda road would see more opportunities for local farmers because fresh garden produce and livestock production can be increased.

Bus crews for Highlands Highway PMVs will soon have  regulations when at Mt Hagen City bus stops. Western Highlands Provincial Police Commander John Sagom said that he would be advising his men regarding security of travelers and passengers at the bus stops in the city. The announcement follows complaints about the so called "K5 Boskru," a term used for street youths who temporarily engage themselves with PMV drivers and crews to collect passengers in order to receive tips. It is a daily happening that timid passengers and travelers were  forced into buses by the "K5 bus crews" without even giving them opportunities to decide for themselves. The new regulations will see genuine Bus Crews with permits, and to have only bus crews themselves do their jobs. This is also to get petty criminals away from bus stops. More information  on this regulation will be announced in the coming days.

Police in Kagua, Southern Highlands Province have arrested and locked up four men who were under influence of home brew known as Paiawara. The four suspects from Porane village, outside Kagua station were apprehended at Kagua Police station and taken to Ialibu Police cells on Wednesday evening. Local Police Officer Gene Mathew said it is a warning to all citizens of Kagua Erave that Police will not tolerate marijuana and home brew in the district. The arrest comes a week after Kagua police issued a strong warning to people in the area to refrain from consumption, production and selling of marijuana and home brew after police uprooted huge gardens of marijuana at the Yaguri and Mapata wards . The four suspects were charged at Ialibu Police station. Kagua Police warned that anymore fire wara/homebrew suspects will be transported out of Kagua as soon as they are taken in by police. This means there is no escape through bribes and enticements to police.

Police in Kagua, Southern Highlands Province have warned the people not to cultivate, consume or sell Marijuana or face the full force of the law. Last week, Kagua Police led by the Highway 21 Officer In Charge Gene Mathew and Francis Puri entered parts of Aiya LLG upon requests from local leaders. The unit entered identified marijuana gardens in Yaguri and Mapata Wards and uprooted the plants. Police said the wards around Wabi Lutheran Mission in the Aiya LLG are known to have people there having big areas growing with marijuana plants as well. The police and district law and justice leaders from those council wards are expected work together to reduce the crime of marijuana and home brew consumption giving rise to social problems. It is understood that marijuana bags are also used in exchange for firearms with illegal traders along the borders of Western and Gulf Provinces. Southern Highlands Eastern End Police Commander Philip Kumo has been commended for the efforts in the fight against the illicit drug. Meanwhile few of the suspects involved in cultivating marijuana in Kagua were taken to Ialibu Police cells yesterday while police continue to crackdown on the use of the illicit substance.

Air Niugini flights out of Kagamuga Airport in Mt Hagen to Port Moresby had to be cancelled this morning. This is due to the fuel supplier Puma Energy being unable to access US dollars to purchase Jet A1 fuel to supply Air Niugini and other airlines around  the country. This newsroom checked at Kagamuga Airport this morning and flights PX  181, PX 183 and PX 185  for this morning had been cancelled. A notice at the airport gate has advised customers to rebook their flights at the Air Niugini office in Mt Hagen city. It is not certain if there are going to be any flights in the evening and the next day.