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CONTROLLER REMOVES REQUIREMENT TO TEST FOR COVID-19 BEFORE FLYING DOMESTICALLY

Police Commissioner and Controller of the PNG COVID-19 National Pandemic Response David Manning this week removed the requirement to test for COVID-19 for domestic air travel within the country. Mr Manning issued Measure No. 13 – Amendment Measure to No 3 Domestic Travel Measure which revoked Paragraph 2.b and 2.c of Measure No. 3 on Domestic Travel. The amendment takes effect today, Thursday May 27, 2021. Mr Manning said that the effect of this measure is to remove the requirement that persons were required to have a COVID-19 test and return a negative result the day before flying domestically. He said whilst this requirement has been removed COVID-19 still remains a threat and all citizens must continue to practice the “Niupla Pasin” and stop the virus from spreading.

Published on May 28, 2021

https://pnghausbung.com/three-new-covid-19-deaths/

Published on May 27, 2021

THREE NEW COVID-19 DEATHS

Papua New Guinea has recorded three new COVID-19 deaths on Tuesday May 25, increasing the total number of deaths to 162. Of the three deaths reported in Jiwaka, two are males and one is a female between the ages of 45 to 60 years. The latest deaths have now increased the number of deaths in Jiwaka province to nine. The National Capital District has recorded 73 deaths, Eastern Highlands 13 deaths, Western Highlands and Simbu 12 each, Morobe nine, East New Britain seven, West New Britain six, Milne Bay five, West Sepik and Western four each, New Ireland, Central and East Sepik two each and Southern Highlands and Enga a single death each. Also in the last 24 hours, ending 12 midday on Tuesday May 25, a total of 47 COVID- 19 cases were recorded with Eastern Highlands recording the highest of 18 cases. Madang recorded 11 cases, Morobe 10 cases, NCD four cases, West New Britain two and Morobe and Central reported a single case each. Of the 47 cases recorded, 28 were males and 17 were females. Their ages range between 14 to 71 years. At the time of testing, 34 cases were showing symptoms of COVID-19. The country’s COVID-19 cases now stand at 15,415 with 162 known deaths. A total of 14,343 recoveries have been recorded. To date, a total of 112, 995 people have been tested for COVID-19. All 22 provinces including the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) have reported cases. Globally, the total confirmed cases of COVID-19 has reached 166,860,081 including 508,078 new cases reported in the last 24 hours. The death toll is at 3,459,996 including 10,807 new deaths in the last 24 hours.

Published on May 27, 2021

https://pnghausbung.com/ongoing-menstrual-hygiene-promotion-vital/

Published on May 27, 2021

ONGOING MENSTRUAL HYGIENE PROMOTION VITAL

Ongoing Menstrual health and hygiene promotion and education is vital for everyone to break through barriers in cultural taboos, that have negative impact on women and girls well-being. UNICEF WASH Officer Issabella Warre said lack of information and education on menstrual hygiene is affecting many women and most of them need to learn how top manage this especially in rural areas and more awareness is needed. “Health care facilities and schools play a vital role carrying out awareness on menstrual hygiene so there is enough exposure so both female and male students in school can learn including men and women who are at the health care facilities”, she said. [caption id="attachment_9655" align="alignnone" width="439"] Caption: Wash officers from UNICEF and World Vision inspecting the newly built toilet facilities of Situm Primary School in Nawaeb district, Morobe province.[/caption] The European Union-Unicef Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) project continues to promote and address this in 200 schools and 36 health care facilities in four pilot project districts in Nawaeb in Morobe, Goroka in Eastern Highlands Province, Hagen Central in Western Highlands Province and Central Bougainville in Autonomous Region of Bougainville. This is under its Wash in School (WinS) and Wash in health care facilities component of the European Union and UNICEF funded WASH Klinpela Komuniti Project (KKP). Ms Warre said the EU-UNICEF WASH project with partners is helping the 200 schools in providing separate toilets with changing rooms for female students including incinerators,distribution of re-usable sanitary pads including soaps and buckets. This is because, as per the national WASH Management Information System (MIS),school census data 2018/2019 taken from the Education Management Information System, 69% out of 8008 schools nationwide lacked toilets or have unimproved toilets. Also 83% of schools either had no hand-washing facilities or had hand-washing facilities with no water or soap. “for the 36 health care facilities, the project is providing Information, Education and Communication materials for the health workers to provide awareness on menstruation and other health related issues”, Ms Warre said. This is because, of the 137 health care facilities registered on the National WASH MIS, 94% either had no toilets or available toilets were not usable. Sharing similar sentiments,World Vision WASH Manager Everlyn Mikasimo said under the EU-UNICEF WASH project, women and girls in schools and communities were provided low cost sanitary pads such as reusable pads considering remoteness of the communities and schools with less income opportunities and accessibility. “Key Hygiene Messages have also been delivered on what to do during menstruation to maintain their hygiene and also providing user friendly menstrual Hygiene facilities”, said Ms Mikasimo. She said poor menstrual hygiene caused by lack of education on menstruation, stigma, limited access to hygienic menstrual products and poor sanitation, are some of the challenges that undermines educational opportunities, health and overall social status of women and girls in Papua New Guinea. [caption id="attachment_9656" align="alignnone" width="453"] Caption: A young mother receiving buckets, including soap at a health care facility in Nawaeb district, Morobe province.[/caption] “Girls leave school when they menstruate and sometimes drop out completely because of no proper menstrual hygiene management facilities in school to cater for their needs, and also, from teasing by male students”, she stressed. Tinibe Primary School a model WASH school in the Nawaeb district in Morobe province is one school that in-cooperated menstrual hygiene management as one of its lessons to educate students on the importance of this issue. [caption id="attachment_9657" align="alignnone" width="425"] Caption: UNICEF and World Vision WASH officers inspect a school toilet in Nawaeb district, Morobe.[/caption] School Principal Sebastine Dubaba said since the inception of the EU-UNICEF WASH project, the WASH team from World Vision have been carrying out awareness to the school on menstrual hygiene management. “The WASH team provided workshops for teachers to help them understand the importance of hygiene. “ “Following this, school health clubs were formed by students and a teacher appointed to carry out awareness programs among the student body and also having rosters to clean the ablution blocks” “The appointed teacher also helps female students when they go through their menstruation and this has seen a drastic change in the attendance of the female students unlike the past” Mr Dubaba said. [caption id="attachment_9658" align="alignnone" width="410"] Caption: Wash officers carries out awareness at the Tinibe Primary School in Nawaeb district, Morobe.[/caption] Furthermore, Ms Mikasimo added that ongoing menstrual hygiene promotion is vital especially providing of resource materials for students at school club to be read both by boys and girls to understand. She said through the WASH project; “girls and female teachers now have menstrual hygiene management facilities where they can manage their life with dignity at school,” “Learning is improved and reduction in absenteeism, schools now have safe toilets with doors to provide adequate privacy for women and girls at home and both girls and boys can openly discuss and building confidence to the girls at least” She said. [caption id="attachment_9659" align="alignnone" width="414"] Caption: Separate toilet facilities built under the EU-UNICEF WaSH Klinpela Komuniti Projek for the Tinibe Primary School.[/caption]

Published on May 27, 2021

https://pnghausbung.com/gordon-international-school-invests-in-students/

Published on May 27, 2021

GORDON INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL INVESTS IN STUDENTS

With COVID-19 affecting the academic year it’s encouraging to see schools investing a little extra more in their students. The Gordon International School has recently purchased new desks for their students to provide an even more conducive and safe learning environment for their students. “The school made this investment to create an environment that will increase motivation amongst our students to enjoy learning.” says school Principal Mrs. Lucy Kula Mrs. Kula believes that in light of the challenges that are being faced with the COVID 19 protocols, having the right school furniture contributes to the comfort, posture and support of students. The students now have adequate space to store their books and enough room on their desk top to work on. The school management who purchased the desks from FairPrice Furniture worked together to get the best value for their students.

Published on May 27, 2021

https://pnghausbung.com/png-power-working-with-everyone-to-improve-pngs-electricity-sector/

Published on May 27, 2021

PNG POWER WORKING WITH EVERYONE TO IMPROVE PNG's ELECTRICITY SECTOR

Countering recent criticism in the media from the PNG Energy Workers Association (PNGEWA) over structural realignments being implemented in PNG Power through its Refocus Initiative, PNG Power managing director, Mr. Flagon Bekker, has outlined that their expressed fears were in fact groundless. Mr. Bekker stated, “I fully understand why the union might be concerned that its members will be disadvantaged by the possible changes that have been flagged in discussions held about reform and refocus of PNG Power.” Mr. Bekker advised that there is regular communication between PNG Power Management and PNGEWA through the Employee Consultative Committee (ECC). Since late 2020, ECC meetings have been held monthly, where PPL matters have been discussed in close consultation with the union. Union concerns have not gone unheeded and are addressed mutually. Management had reviewed shift work arrangements and recently approved CPI salary increases for 2019 and 2020 retrospective back pay. The current concerns raised by the Union were subject of a recent committee discussion, agreeing that a presentation be made to union executives on the Refocus Initiative. “I want the Union executives to appreciate the refocus initiative for their members benefit. It is unfortunate that the executives have gone to the media with their concerns, potentially impacting a meaningful avenue for mutual discussion.” “PNG Power is just one of the State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) that the Government, through the NEC decisions NG129/2019 and 104/2020, is committed to reform to improve its service delivery and financial returns. Our Refocus activities are part of these reforms, which will necessarily result in changes throughout the organisation. SOE reform actions will enable PNG to continue to draw down support funds from the ADB and other international developmental agencies.” “The most important point is that the changes being envisaged at PPL will in fact result in more jobs, not less. PPL management and the Board see the Union as a valuable partner - partner in meeting the goal of giving at least 70% of the PNG population access to electricity,” he added. Mr Bekker noted that as with any SOE, any structural changes would have to be approved by the PNG Power Board, Kumul Consolidated Holdings, the SOE Minister and NEC before any implementation and that in PNG Power, due process would always be followed. In explaining the PNG Power Refocus Strategy, he noted that, “this will retain and increase the number of employees. We have already added positions to our current structure. We will work with the Union to achieve this and the starting point is the PPL Refocus Strategy. This will drive the customer orientation change in our culture. It will put the right people in the right places, nationally, putting our customer needs first.” “As I have said in many Town Hall meetings with PNG Power staff, we have many challenges to overcome. Retail electricity tariffs were frozen in 2013, so that although all our costs have risen annually with CPI, our income unfortunately has not. We are also owed a huge amount of money by Government departments. Past years lack of maintenance is causing disruptive blackouts. We all have to work together to overcome these.” Mr Bekker explained further, “Worldwide and in the region, electricity markets have transformed to achieve greater good for country economies. PNG Power assets have great potential to create revenue streams and maximise their utilisation to achieve efficient delivery of electricity services. We must look at the best options to achieve this.” “Reform is inevitable for the power sector in PNG as it has been and continues to be across the globe. PNG is not unique. Reform will consist of a measured, step by step approach by PPL and the other market participants. It will mean lower power prices for the people of PNG through transparent, competitive investment and operating processes in generation, transmission and distribution and retail business units. Reform is about change. Change for a better stronger and more sustainable sector.” He noted that after the recent passing of enabling legislation, the forthcoming establishment of the National Energy Authority (NEA) will result in the transfer of regulatory functions from PNG Power and ICCC to that body. He emphasised that PNG Power cannot act as a regulator and an industry player at the same time, that it could not be the referee and player and the 3’d umpire. It must now behave in a more commercial manner to implement the programmes necessary to achieve the Government's electrification agenda. Mr Bekker noted that a future commercial model would see PNG Power become a competitive player in the market while the single buyer will be responsible for power requirements in electricity grids in the country. “I want all PNG Power staff to understand the vision that we have for the organisation and its important role in achieving the goals of the Government; this requires that we must act in a commercial manner, especially in dealing with donors and investment parties.” “We should not be afraid of change; we must all embrace it.”

Published on May 27, 2021

https://pnghausbung.com/oil-search-seeking-beneficial-outcome-with-ppl-for-40mw-png-biomass-and-solar-farm/

Published on May 27, 2021

OIL SEARCH SEEKING BENEFICIAL OUTCOME WITH PPL FOR 40MW PNG BIOMASS AND SOLAR FARM

Oil Search confirms that the Company received a letter from PNG Power Limited (PPL) that could significantly impact the PNG Biomass Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) which was signed between both companies in December 2015. The Company has analysed the implications of the letter’s unforeseen ‘notice of termination’ and is currently engaging with all key stakeholders including Markham landowners and development partners to assess the potential impact of a cancelled PPA. The PNG Biomass project is aligned with the PNG Government’s ambition to diversify the country’s energy mix and complement the drive to create jobs and long-term opportunities for the people of PNG. The project will provide more than 500 direct jobs and stimulate many more across industries in the region. It also has the potential to make PNG a leader in renewable energy and enhance the country’s reputation globally. “For the power sector and the people of our country, it is important that we find a way forward to bring the project’s low cost reliable energy onto the Ramu Grid. We intend to work with PPL to find a resolution to move forward together. We are ready to build the power plant and solar farm. We have met all obligations in the PPA under our control in order to reach Financial Close and we have strong funding support from international agencies who recognise the social benefits of this project. We have a dedicated team ready to work with PPL to support them to meet their obligations. We are ready to be part of the power solution and the energy mix and help the country transition to 100% renewable by 2050,” said Leon Buskens, Oil Search Country Manager. PNG Biomass has enormous energy benefits for PNG. It will provide the Ramu grid with up to 40MW of renewable, clean, affordable and reliable energy, from biomass power generation and a solar farm. The project will help stabilise the Ramu Grid and reduce blackouts in Lae. In 2018, Oil Search lowered the project’s power price significantly at the request of PPL. Ever since, the Company has continued to work closely with all stakeholders, including lenders, grant funders and contractors, to ensure an extremely competitive levelised cost of power that will result in material savings to PPL. In the process, Oil Search has attracted grants from the international community to the benefit of PPL worth over USD40 million (K140 million). “This is a compelling project for reliable power generation and creates large financial savings for PPL. Our PNG Biomass project is an excellent example of sustainable development, attracting widespread interest and admiration from the international community. PNG Biomass is truly a world-class sustainable tree farming and energy operation. This is an outstanding opportunity for PNG to showcase what it can do on the global stage,” adds Mr Buskens. The local inclusive economic growth that can be generated with PNG Biomass is substantial. PNG Biomass has already invested K18 million into the communities in the Markham Valley in the form of land rentals, employment, labour, contracts, sponsorships and much more. Mutual trust and confidence with the landowners have been built over more than a decade. The outcome of this partnership is a leading-edge precision tree farming operation and a world class nursery employing state of the art monitoring, measurement and testing. A comprehensive baselined environmental management plan has been developed across all aspects including air and water quality, soils data as well as individual tree growth, leaf analysis and GPS area mapping. The automated seedling production system produces a consistent supply of high-quality fibre cell seedlings and is one of only a handful of such systems worldwide. Specialised planting techniques are employed for deeper soil cultivation, resulting in minimal soil erosion and disturbance.

Published on May 27, 2021

https://pnghausbung.com/eiti-implementation-in-papua-new-guinea-helps-shape-policy-in-the-png-mining-and-petroleum-sectors/

Published on May 27, 2021

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