Reports of a large fire at Erimart, Erima in NCD. The Fire Service and NCD St John Ambulance Service are on the scene. Reports indicate a number of patients being treated for injuries. Please stay away from the Erima area while the fire services extinguish the blaze, and the ambulance service assists casualties. Source: St John Ambulance PNG

 Vodafone PNG has announced its intention to partner with Members of the 11th Parliament and their respective provincial and district administrations in delivering world class communication services throughout Papua New Guinea. Government Affairs Manager, Festus Maiginap, says Vodafone has created a platform to work with provincial and district governments through Members of Parliament (MP) in achieving their respective communication policies. “Our collaboration programme includes the establishment of telecommunication towers in areas seen fit by the MP and the introduction of state-of-the-art ICT service options to government administrations, school facilities and other public service establishments like police posts and health centres,” Maiginap said. He said Vodafone’s government collaboration programme complements and rides on the back of the telecommunication company’s continued network extension exercise; an investment valued at K3 billion. “All in all, this is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) approach to development in the area of communications; and we stand capable and ready to collaborate.” The inception of Vodafone into the PNG market heralds the dawn of competition in the telecommunication space with the provision of affordable services on products such as handsets and cheap data being the forefront of its mission, utilising the latest technology

A guaranteed finals berth would have most players and fans grinning ear-to-ear but it’s not the most important thing on Joey Manu’s mind. The Roosters’ roaming centre is eyeing off the showdown with traditional rivals Souths at the all-new Allianz Stadium to keep a stunning winning streak – now extended to seven games – alive heading into the Telstra Premiership finals. While it will be sweet for Manu to play finals after a facial fracture kept him out 12 months ago, he said the celebrated feud was all his teammates could talk about after dispatching the Storm. “It’s awesome. But we’re just looking forward to next week to be honest. That’s a big game in itself. It’s nice to know we are (in the finals), but our focus is next week, and then the week after that,” Manu said. “It’s going to be big. Obviously the new stadium, against the Rabbits – there’s no bigger game for us. “I feel like we’re building something nicely. It was a good win (Friday night) but we still have to improve on a few things.” Many pundits had written off the Roosters’ finals hopes after the Panthers handed them a fourth consecutive loss in Round 16. At the time, the club was languishing in tenth position, two wins outside the top eight and little seemed to be going right for the Tricolours, although Manu said the belief was always there. The 26-year-old won’t take any credit but he has arguably been a catalyst for a tactical evolution at the Roosters, given a mandate to roam in the middle of the field to add an instinctive “backyard footy” style extra threat to an offence launching into the stratosphere. It worked wonders against the Storm as he wreaked havoc, particularly in the first half as he amassed eight tackle breaks mostly in the middle of the field. The slippery centre has started five games in his customary role as part of the Roosters’ winning streak, averaging 24.2 touches per game compared to 17 per game starting at centre earlier in the season. Manu has 2.6 (13 in five games) and 1.1 (16 in 14 games) offloads respectively in the corresponding matches, while the numbers are astronomical in matches started at fullback or five-eighth. The boom in touches and second-phase play comes with the added bonus of attracting more defenders in the middle of the field, often leaving them in his wake, before producing his miraculous late passes to add to his side’s roll forward. Manu said he hadn’t changed much in his game, though he admitted to spending more time in discussions with his spine, listening and learning what makes them tick to develop the ultimate attacking threat. “I just try to get the ball in my hands whenever I can. I’ve just enjoyed being there in the middle connecting with the forwards and also the halves and that too, so I just like playing what I see,” he said. While the other title contenders now know Manu is coming at them more often, the big question is whether anyone can stop him as the Roosters aim to keep their remarkable run going right up to Grand Final day. Source: NRL.com

On Wednesday afternoon PNG Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA PNG) issued a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) closing both Lae/Nadzab airport and Kiunga Airport to all flights due to regulatory issues, effective midnight on Wednesday. Consequently Air Niugini has suspended all flights to both Lae/Nadzab airport and Kiunga Airport. CASA PNG is presently working with National Airports Corporation (NAC) to address these issues. Air Niugini will resume services as soon as the airports are reopened by CASA PNG, but is presently uncertain when this will be. We will advise as soon as we are aware of when we are allowed to resume flights. Customers are advised to revalidate their travel to the next available flight, once the reopening date is known. Air Niugini regrets the inconvenience caused, however the situation is beyond the airline’s control.

Prime Minister James Marape says “The story of our country is not bad” as many make it out to be. He said this yesterday (August 31 2022) when welcoming the 2022 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) presented by Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey which highlighted the fact that the Papua New Guinea economy was on the rebound. PM Marape predicted that by 2027, the Budget would be in surplus, and by the mid-2030s PNG would have paid off all its total sovereign debt on its way to becoming a K200 billion economy. Among the good news for PNG: • The latest MYEFO figures have the PNG economy growing by the largest Kina amount in history – from K82.6 billion in 2020 to K92.6 billion in 2021 and K110.3 billion in 2022. The K27.6 billion increase in the economy over the last two years is more than double the K12.4 billion increase in the economy during 2014 and 2015 as the PNG LNG Project started. • Treasury estimates that inflation will average 6.2 per cent in 2022 after incorporating the lower cost pressures by removing fuel taxes, assistance to lower the price of flour, rice, tinned fish and Ox & Palm; and lower education costs from the School Project Fee subsidy. The MYEFO forecasts that inflation rate will drop down to 5.6 per cent in 2023 and continue declining. • The MYEFO forecasts an increase in revenue from K13.67 billion in 2021 to K17.07 billion in 2022 - which is a 23.1 per cent increase on revenue outcomes in 2021. Not only was the ambitious revenue target of K16.19 billion surpassed, it was exceeded by K875.8 million; and • PNG’s debt to GDP ratio in 2022 will not fall from 53.3 per cent down to 49.1 per cent, which is even lower than the 51.6 per cent in 2021. “At the macro level, the story of our country is not bad,” PM Marape said. “Our country has been travelling on a positive road thus far. “In 1975 our economy was a K5 billion economy, in 2011 it was K44 billion, in 2018 it was K79.6 billion.” PM Marape commended Treasurer Ling-Stuckey for a sterling performance over the last three hard years. “Despite many criticisms, he (Ling-Stuckey) has ensured our short-term measures to keep MV PNG floating, in tough waters, are paying off. “Over the last three years, we have climbed from a K79.6 billion economy of 2018, to an International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecast of K110 billion by the end of this year. “The thermometer, in as far as our economic expansion is concerned, is rising while similar countries as ours may have regressed.” PM Marape stressed that there was a lot more work in the short, medium and long terms to be done by everyone in the country. PM Marape said Porgera Mine, P’nyang LNG, Papua LNG, Pasca LNG and Wafi-Golpu Mine should be progressed as a matter of urgency. “Short term measures include bringing back Porgera at the earliest,” he said. “P’nyang LNG will run at the back of Papua LNG construction, so instead of just a four-year construction period like the PNG LNG from 2011-2013, P’nyang and Papua will be constructed over an eight-year period. “That will mean a windfall economy as a result of construction from 2023 right up to possibly 2031. “We will make a concerted effort to consult all landowners and all provincial governments in Gulf, Western and Enga provinces for these projects. “The smaller Pasca Project, the easiest, lowest-hanging fruit, will be reactivated and that will hopefully by concluded at the very earliest. “I am very keen to work with the Morobe Provincial Government, and Governor Hon. Luther Wenge, on the much talked about Wafi-Golpu Project. “These five projects will be progressed over the next 10 years and give us the window for a K200 billion economy as I have been targeting. PM Marape warned the country of the "lazy man expectations" that money from oil gas and mining would have a permanent solutions to our economy. "Far from it, and I liken that mindset to those on steroid drugs, needing boosts all time," he said. "The dependency on the boom-and-bust of the petroleum and mineral sector must stop and the country must shift to the sustainable renewable sector of our economy. " PM Marape said everyone should work hard over the short, medium and long term. “The hard work starts today,” he said. “Everyone must contribute to the growth of our country, and when you contribute, you receive services. “We must start mobilising our people to get into agriculture, forestry, fisheries and other small businesses. "Our people own land, and bringing markets to them will ensure all of them participate in the sustainable part of our economy."

GoFood (PNG) Mobile App is an online order and food delivery service that began operations in 2016, being the first to market to offer an “Uber-Eats” experience in Port Moresby, with Eftpos payment at point of delivery. Today the customer’s experience has been enhanced with the recent launch of GoFood (PNG) Mobile App, from organising pizza from Mr Mikes Pizza, pasta from Lamana, curry with basmati rice from The Cellar, Burgers from Dirty Kitchen and soup from Yummy Kitchen is now so easy and at your fingertips with the GoFood Mobile App. Customers can pay immediately via the app and enjoy their meal. The delivery service is affiliated with over 28 major restaurants and popular eateries in Port Moresby and has already impressed customers with a very prompt delivery service. Currently the business is providing the service only within Port Moresby and are looking at branching out to other major centers in the near future. The GoFood (PNG) Mobile App is available on the App Store and Play Store to download and you can start ordering straight away. Arranging meals for the family or for our self when you do not have the time or arranging delivery of lunch to your office or for your children at school is much more convenient with the app. Fee charges will vary based on the delivery location within Port Moresby. The app allows you to create your account, set up a profile, and invite your friends to utilize the service. The app offers a wallet to store money value using the BSP Payment Services, you can transfer funds to the wallet securely and conveniently with BSP Pay electronic funds transfer, as well as using your Visa or MasterCard. Mrs Anang Operations Manager for GoFood said, “BSP e-Commerce platform has added value to our business by providing us a convenient payment option for all our valued customers throughout Port Moresby city”. She further stated, “Technology is vital for any business whether you are an SME or large corporate. GoFood is one of the few SMEs that has launched services online in partnership with BSP, expanding the reach to customers anywhere, domestic and in other parts of PNG or overseas, to simply pay with Visa and MasterCard and we will deliver to a location within Port Moresby, for mealtime, a social event or corporate event.” BSP is enabling local business to access digital payments platforms making it convenient for customers to pay anytime anywhere with a convenient and secure online experience and enjoy doorstep delivery.

NCDC will ban open fire cooking and the selling of home bottled drinks in public places for health reasons. City Manager Ravu Frank made this known in a public notice which effectively gives notice of the ban after 30 days of awareness. “We are placing a ban on these activities in high consideration of the health of the city residents. “Some people may consider these activities for their convenience but the bottom line is they are doing more harm than good for their fellow residents and in the process violating the Public Health (Sanitation & General) Regulation, the Food Sanitation Regulation, the Informal Sector Development and Control Act and other relevant legislation which the NCDC is obliged to apply as the municipal authority and the designated local health authority,” Mr. Frank explained. The handling and processing of the goods involved in these activities has raised public concern on the unhygienic manner in which the items are prepared for human consumption and NCDC as a regulating body has taken on board the relevant concerns to ban these activities in public places. “We consider open fire cooking in public places and the selling of home bottled drinks as public health risks considering the questionable manner involved with the processing of food and drinks and the environment they proceed from. “So to avoid serious health issues, we considered banning these activities in public places as a viable solution to protect the health of the city residents and in the best interest of public health,” the City Manager said. The move to ban these activities is within the powers of NCDC as the designated health authority and in accordance with its enforcement powers of the legislation concerning public health and the food and sanitation regulation. A video that went viral on social media capturing a couple washing publicly disposed plastic containers in contaminated water purportedly to fetch water for sale has proved the unhygienic nature of these activities and has further prompted the need for the ban. Mr. Frank is seeking public co-operation and support in these circumstances and urges city residents to understand the importance of their health over other considerations. At the lapse of the 30 days awareness period NCDC enforcement officers or agents will not hesitate to physically remove offending persons within public places including bus stops and traffic intersections including the confiscation of their goods.

Effective action against corruption is essential for economic growth and it should be the number one priority for the new Marape government says community advocacy organisation ACT NOW! Recent findings published by the National Research Institute has reaffirmed the importance of good governance and the rule of law in attracting new investment, increasing employment opportunities and boosting government revenues. The findings reinforce earlier research published by ACT NOW that showed how just a one-point improvement in PNG’s corruption score could boost the economy by K10 billion a year or 14%. That would be equivalent to over K1,200 for every woman, man and child in PNG. The new NRI findings are contained in a paper titled “Comparative Analysis of Governance and Economic Growth in Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuaty. It discusses good Governance based on the indicators of Political Stability, Rule of Law, Control of Corruption and Government Effectiveness for the three countries. The paper highlights that Governance plays an important role in providing a conducive environment for investment, human development, opportunities for employment and economic growth. Vanuatu was applauded for “best performances in political stability and rule of law” and Fiji for “best performances in the control of corruption and government effectiveness”. The country’s leading research organization recommended the following for Papua New Guinea, in order to achieve good Governance; • Provide adequate funding to all economic and political institutions and promote secure and safe communities. • Strengthen the judiciary and law enforcement agencies to conduct their duties without fear or favour. • Provide effective governance institutions and tougher penalties against people who engage in corruption practices. Improve effectiveness in service delivery and streamline responsibilities of the public sector and private sector. Along the same lines, ACT NOW! has also published its own Policy Proposals for Open and Accountable Government which contain a comprehensive plan to improve governance and public oversight. ACT NOW’s Campaign Manager Eddie Tanago said corruption is a huge problem in PNG and it has a huge economic cost. “In our region, PNG is ranked on Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI) as one of the most corrupt countries." "If these measures recommended by NRI and ACT NOW! are taken onboard this will greatly improve PNG’s CPI score." “Just a one-point improvement, could be worth over K1200 for every man, woman and child in PNG and that is K10 billion in total, which is equal to a whopping 14% boost to our annual economy’." Tanago said the new Marape Government should solemnly take on board the recommendations from NRI and ACT NOW!. Picture credit: RNZ

Dr Henry Ivarature from Papua New Guinea has been appointed Deputy Director of the Australia Pacific Security College at The Australian National University. He brings over 30 years of experience from working in the Pacific to the APSC and will lead our strategic engagement. He has extensive program management experience at country, regional, and international levels. He has been involved in large-scale socio-economic and infrastructure development programs with the Papua New Guinea Sustainable Development Program in PNG’s Western Province, good governance initiatives under the Pacific Plan with the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Fiji, and a DFAT-funded program on public sector leadership and institutional strengthening with the Pacific Institute of Leadership and Governance (PILAG). At PILAG, he also facilitated the training of over 600 public servants in project and financial management in eleven districts in PNG. Working with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance’s AsiaPacific Office in Canberra, Henry explored the nexus between democracy and development. Henry also served in the Office of the Chief Secretary to Government in the PNG Department of Prime Minister & NEC during the period of the reformist Prime Minister the late Sir Mekere Morauta. He helped establish a central agencies coordinating committee to strengthen cabinet decision-making. He later coordinated PNG’S representation to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. Dr Ivarature has also tutored at the University of Papua New Guinea and the University of the South Pacific Centre in Tonga, lectured at Tonga’s ‘Atenisi Institute and was a Senior Research Fellow at Papua New Guinea’s think-tank, the National Research Institute. He has a keen interest in politics and draws on his regional experience to discuss Pacific regionalism, security, and geopolitics in the Pacific which he also shares in blogs and at lectures for the ANU’s Department of Pacific Affairs, the Australian War College, and the National Security College. He studied Tongan’s knowledge, attitudes, and practices on reproductive health to graduate with a PhD in sociology in 1994 from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. His current research interests include political instability in Melanesia and Pacific regionalism. His latest publication is titled ‘The hidden dimension to political instability: Insights from ministerial durations in Papua New Guinea from 1972-2017”, which was published in Asia & the Pacific Policy Studies (2022). Dr Ivarature has been a Pacific Fellow at the APSC since March 2020.

The Conservation and Environment Protection Authority through its sustainable Marine Environment Division is currently conducting a 1- week Market survey, EAFM training and awareness program on Daru Island with provincial fisheries officers and representatives from the treaty villages in South Fly including Bula, Jarai, Mari, Tais, Buzi-Ber-Sigabaduru, Mabadauan-Mawatta-Tureture, Katatai-Kadawa, and Parama. This Creel and Market Survey is to collect data to assess the status of the marine resource being fished in the South Fly and estimate fishers´ catch and effort. It is also aimed to find out if endangered species are being traded and sold, and to inform management options for a South Fly Artisanal Fisheries Management Plan. The South Fly fishers will also be trained in applying the principles of EAFM (Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management), which are to find a balance between environmental conservation for fisheries, and fisheries management that focuses on providing income for people’s livelihoods by managing their fishing activity. The fishers in this area are from villages recognised as PNG Treaty Villages under the Torres Strait Treaty (1984). This area is rich in marine resources such as Barramundi, Mudcrab, Jewfish, Lobsters, Prawn, turtles and dugongs. The team will also be conducting awareness on threatened species to Daru High School Students later on during the week. This training and awareness is made possible under the Arafura Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Phase 2 Program (ATSEA-2) under the National Fisheries Authority and the local NGO Eco-Custodian Advocates. Photo credit: CEPA Marine Division

UNFPA kicks off a two-day youth dialogue in Alotau today, the latest in a series of engagements in Milne Bay in support of youth engagement in the province. The dialogue is being completed in partnership with Milne Bay Provincial Health Authority. UNFPA Young Ambassador, Bronwyn Kili, met with Milne Bay Provincial Administrator, Mr. Ashan Numa ahead of the two-day dialogue with youth networks and advocates. Mr Numa thanked UNFPA for the opportunity that this dialogue has given to youth voices in the province. “It is through such dialogues that our youths are given prominence and they have the opportunity to share the issues they face,” said Mr Numa. The team from UNFPA also met with Provincial Health Authority CEO Dr. Perista Mamadi, as well as presenters from FSVU, Milne Bay GBV Secretariat, juvenile justice and other stakeholders. The two-day event features break out sessions on gender-based violence survivor referral pathways and sexual and reproductive health and rights. The dialogue also invites attendees from selected youth networks and partners to present their ideas and experiences to inspire peers and partners to address issues affecting youth in the province. This series of dialogues was preceded by two evening dialogues held at the University of Papua New Guinea in partnership with the Schools of Journalism and Public Relations and Creative Arts.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority (NAQIA), recently hosted the African Swine Fever Stock Inspectors’ Practical field training in Port Moresby. Twenty-one Livestock officers from various provinces throughout Papua New Guinea attended this three-day practical training. The training was opened on Monday 22 August 2022, by the FAO Papua New Guinea Head of Office, Mr. Bir C Mandal, who stated that “This training will further capacitate the provincial officers with the practical knowledge on animal handling and sampling skills which is needed for reporting ASF disease incursions. FAO is committed to its partnership with NAQIA and stakeholders through its Country and Regional programs and support. The collaborative effort from all partners and stakeholders at the national and sub-national level is crucial in combating ASF, and other transboundary diseases”. The FAO Asia-Pacific regional ASF project funded by USAID, aims at building capacity in the provinces to respond effectively to ASF disease outbreaks. FAO in collaboration with NAQIA, in 2021 conducted ‘ASF Detection and Emergency Response training for Paravets and Stock Inspectors’ in SHP, EHP, ENB and NCD. 134 Provincial and District Livestock officers attended these trainings and will be gazetted as Stock Inspectors, thus strengthening the network and capacity for effective support to the disease response in the provinces. The need for more hands-on and practical experience was identified by the participants of the 2021 workshops. The ‘Stock inspectors’ practical field training’ held recently, follows on from the previous training held in 2021. This capacity-building activity was also identified in the NAQIA ASF response plan to upskill and capacitate provinces to respond to threats of ASF incursions. The three-day training consisted of theory sessions followed by a day of practical, hands-on sessions revolving around the Animal Health Emergency Response Plan and a case scenario simulation to give the Stock Inspectors a taste of disease investigation out in the field. The participants were taught proper biosecurity principles in disease investigations including putting on personal protective equipment used in an animal disease investigation, collecting history of a disease incident, proper restraining of pigs and chickens, and how to collect blood samples. This was followed by practicing how to handle and pack samples, and finally how to prepare the samples and test for ASF using the ASF rapid test kits. Participants were provided with Stock inspectors kits. These kits contained basic equipment a stock inspector would need when attending to disease investigations: gumboots, raincoat, notebook, clipboard, disposable aprons, gloves and masks, hand sanitiser, biohazard materials bags, FAO Farm Biosecurity manual, relevant units of the SPC Paraveterinary Manual, and a flash drive containing training and resource materials. The three-day training ended on 24 August 2022 with a small closing ceremony and presentation of certificates of participation. In his closing remarks, Mr. David Tenakanai, General Manager of Technical Services, NAQIA, acknowledged the 21 livestock officers from throughout PNG, stating the “the trained livestock officers are the eyes and ears of NAQIA on any animal disease outbreak in the country”. Mr Tenakanai praised the ongoing partnership between FAO and NAQIA who have been at the forefront of the fight against ASF since the preparedness stage and the first detection of the virus in PNG in March of 2020, and the response stage up to now. FAO’s ongoing support to NAQIA and ASF, under the USAID funded ASF project, includes the provision of 300 ASF antigen rapid test kits and copies of a newly developed set of FAO resource materials: Guidelines for African swine fever (ASF) prevention and control in smallholder pig farming. FAO Head of Programmes, Miss Mirriam Mondia presented the test kits and hard copies of the four different ASF Biosecurity guidelines to Mr Tenakanai on Friday 19 August 2022 at the NAQIA Headquarters.