Ok Tedi Mining Ltd (OTML) has christened and named its new crusher in a dedication ceremony held on Thursday 10 December 2020. The crusher was named the “Nurumi Crusher” following a competition to find a suitable name for the new facility. “Nurumi” means “Our” in the local Min language of the Star Mountains andthe new name fittingly embodies the efforts, heart and ingenuity of everyone involved in the construction and operations of the crusher. The dedication ceremony attended by OTML and contractor employees marked the successful completion and handover of the PGK 800 million project from the Major Project team to the Processing Business UnitOTML Managing Director and CEO, Musje Werror said, “It is the dawn of a new era and I am proud of the project team and support departments for delivering the project safely and on budget despite the challenges of dry weather and a pandemic.” He added that completion of the project is a significant milestone for the Company as it allows access to additional high-grade ore that will see a step change increase in production in 2023. This will underpin the Company’s plan to generate more than PGK40 billion of revenue between now and the end of mine life and generate significant benefits to our communities and our nation. Mr Werror acknowledged the OTML Board and former Managing Director and CEO, Peter Graham for their approval and support of the project and for having faith in the OTML team led by General Manager Major Projects Mark Thompson to successfully deliver a project of this scale. Major Projects Manager, Brendan Gowdie said, “We are grateful for the support the team has received from the OTML Board and Executive and our hope for the future is that CRP will be proudly remembered for the remarkable efforts of the people who contributed to the project.” The Nurumi Crusher’s construction phase began in 2018 and employed ore than 900 men and women at its peak with a PNG workforce of more than 85%. While it was necessary to source some specialist skills externally the project relied heavily on labour sourced locally from the Mine Preferred Area. Technical and on the job training was provided to upskill the project team and allow progression to more senior roles. Examples of this include a training and certification program that saw the progression of people from entry level roles such as a spotter to a certified scaffolder. Another prominent example was the progression of Raymond Singamis a 34-year-old local from Baktamin village, from his initial role as senior safety officer to become the Manager responsible for Operational Health & Safety and delivering a project without a lost time injury.

The Ombudsman Commission will be working closely with the Department of Lands and Physical Planning and the National Capital District Commission under its Anti- Discriminatory function to ensure that people’s rights are not abused during eviction exercise throughout the city. The Commission in a recent meeting with NCD Governor Honourable Powes Parkop and Secretary for Lands and Physical Planning Mr Benjamin Samson offered to assist in providing mediation with illegal squatters on state land following a front page Post-Courier article last week titled ‘Plan to revamp Settlements’. Chief Ombudsman Richard Pagen whilst commending the initiative by the Lands Department to free up state land for proper planning said the Commission is not against this initiative but wants to ensure that people’s rights are not abused. “The government owns the land and it also owns the people who squatter on this land, hence the government needs to cater for these people, said the Chief Ombudsman Richard Pagen. He added that pursuant to the five National Goals and Directive Principles as set out in the Preamble to the Constitution, the government has a duty to take into account people’s welfare despite them being illegal settlers. He said currently Papua New Guinea has no established Human Rights office. The Ombudsman Commission is the only office in the country now that deals with human rights issues as set out under Section 218 (b) of the Constitution The Ombudsman Commission has also recently dealt with a number of these issues under Section 218 (a)/(b) of the Constitution for the interest of the people - the Commission’s intervention in the National Airport Corporation’s Paid Parking system which resulted in paid parking being temporarily lifted and the Commission’s intervention to complete the Lae- Nazab Road Chief Ombudsman Richard Pagen urged the Lands Secretary and the NCD Governor to resettle people who are going to be affected during the revamping exercise. The Governor in response assured the Commission that there will be no eviction and that NCDC and the Department of Lands and Physical Planning are already working together to address the squatter issues. The Secretary for Lands and Physical Planning Benjamin Samson in expressing similar sentiments said “we are mindful that we are servants of the people and that we need to address these issues carefully” Both the Governor and the Secretary on the other hand stressed that land is currently a scarce resource in Port Moresby, hence the plan to revamp settlements.

More than 30 water tanks have been delivered to Rurei village in Selau,North Bougainville, providing local people with easier access to clean waterfor drinking, cooking, sanitation and hygiene. The tanks were delivered under a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) project initiated by the Rurei women’s group and supported by the Australian Government under the Bougainville Partnership Program. The water tanks are attached to houses in the village., providing around 450people with clean water. Easily accessible water reduces the burden of water collection. I In manyplaces – Rurei included – this is a task undertaken by women and girls,taking time away from education, employment and community activities. Local leader Helen Kenjue, a retired teacher and Project Coordinator, saidthe project has had a positive impact on people in Rurei. “I am happy to see everyone especially women and girls having easy accessto clean water,” Mrs Kenjue said. “We’re achieving the sixth Sustainable Developmental Goal and that is toensure everyone has access to water and sanitation.” Prior to the arrival of the water tanks, local people would walk down to thebeach on low tides to collect spring water and on high tides would travelinland to fetch river water. Each household spent up to an hour each day fetching and carting waterfrom sources that were often not clean and potential hotspots for waterborne diseases. Australian High Commission representative Winifred Oraka said that accessto water is a human right and vital for health and wellbeing. “Australia is proud to support projects which are community led and makepositive, sustainable impacts on the lives of Bougainvilleans. “All people deserve access to clean water, which reduces the risk of illnessand the spread of disease. This is always important, but particularly now as we learn how to managelife with Covid-19,” she said. The WASH project also saw Rurei leaders supported to undertake healthand hygiene training, learning protective practices and safety measures tobe shared with the community. The project was launched in November at the Autonomous BougainvilleGovernment’s Department of Community Development.

Coral Sea Hotels have continued a long-standing arrangement with the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC), to provide accommodation and venue assistance to assist the PNGOC with its preparation of athletes for major sporting events. According to Coral Sea Hotels Group General Manager, Peter Laigaard Jensen, the hotel group has been a long term supporter of the sporting ambitions of PNG, through the support of PNGOC. “We were there for the Pacific Games in 2015 as a major sponsor, and we have always welcomed sports officials and players at our establishments”, commented Mr Jensen. “Sport is an important part of community living in PNG, and our representatives bring much prestige and honour to the country” continued Mr.Jensen. “If we can contribute to their preparation through the provision of high quality hospitality, then we are confident that they will be in the best position to do PNG proud.” In responding to Mr Jensen, the Secretary General of PNGOC, Auvita Rapilla, thanked Coral Seas Hotels for their long and continued support of sport in PNG. “We are grateful for the invaluable support from Coral Sea Hotels, a partnership that has grown over the years for our mutual benefit”.

The National Capital District Commission is open for discussions with the Australian Government to build a new market at the Boroko Central Business District, Deputy City Manager Ravu Frank says. Market is part of the people’s culture and that this potential has to be harnessed with building more market spaces for them, he said. The National Government and NCDC are on the same page in making sure the economic empowerment of women and girls continues to become a priority in addressing socio-economic issues, said Mr Frank.  He stressed that many unemployed residents rely heavily on market spaces to meet their basic needs.  MR Ravu was speaking at Gordons on Thursday (10, December 2020) at a small yet an important occasion where the Australian High Commission was presenting keys belonging to a container of Covid-19 equipment and prevention tools.  “We have built many markets in the city but the demand for market space is still very high. People vending outside the Gordons open space is a testament. Our people vending under the trees, along the road sides which are not safe and need for new market is very crucial. This is the main source of income for unemployed men and women to raise their family.”  Ravu flagged that significant attention of the Australian Government be given to the market sector.  He used the occasion to thank   the Australian High Commission for the partnership in recognizing the importance of empowering women and girls economically.  Ms Amanda Young, who is the Australian High Commission’s First Secretary responsible for subnational governments, said out of 12 markets nationwide, three markets in NCD were fortunate to be included in its Market Economic Recovery Inclusion (MERI) Program.  Ms Young said the MERI program is aimed at helping local authorities minimizing the spread of COVID-19 at market places. It is also extended to help improve governance of market, building capacity, training and economic empowerment. “This is important as markets play important role in the community. We are happy to work with NCDC and   corporates with UN women, Department of Community Development and other partners and, make the market places safe and clean for all. “Right across PNG, women comprise of most market vendors and users so pretty cool we listen to their voices and support them to remain safe. Without markets, an income will be cut for the many who depend on it so it’s vital that markets continue to operate during this national pandemic,” Young said. NCDC Market Manager Charlie Pengi also thanked   the Australian High Commission for their timely support towards making market spaces in the city much safer in light of Covid-19 threat and accessible to women.

This news just in! PNG now has a total of 760 COVID-19 confirmed cases with 31 new cases reported in the last 24 hours. West New Britain have recorded an additional 20 cases, East New Britain recorded 8, New Ireland province with 2 new cases and 1 new case for Western Highlands Province. Continue to practice your COVID-19 safety measures, listen in to the news at midday on our Legend FM News, Yumi FM News and Nau FM News. For more on this story, follow our news website pnghausbung.com.

As the count down to the Lae Biscuit sponsored 2020 Snax 9s tournament is a day away players and officials are reminded of standard rules and regulative processes that sets a successful outcome of the tournament over the three days. It is as well paramount on the supporters, fans and the general public to take into consideration, as we all anticipate more than just footy but another event that is inviting for all to enjoy. The rugby league 9s rules have always been the same in the last 6 years of hosting the Snax 9s totalling 9 minutes of each half in the pool challenges and the added 15 minutes each way in the finals series. And it is the same again this year.   In the Snax 9s it is regulative that at any one match only three Digicel Cup players can take the field and not more going back to the primary aim of exposure and identifying raw talents.  Full team on registration comprise 20 players and 5 management staff per allowed and signed registrations including consent forms. Instead of a scrum the feeding team takes a tap and a 10 metre gain is awarded without the find the line penalty. Points aggregate in a match duration is awarded through tries and successful goal conversions. No field goal is allowed or entertained at all during the course of any match. A tied score line forces the golden point and whoever scores first wins. Following the normal rounds of pool matches seeing a team having to play three matches from the respective 8 pools of 4 teams each, the top two in each pool advances to the qualifying stages while the bottom two is eliminated forthwith. The top two in each pool than advances into the criss-crossing matches with losers eliminated and winners securing a spot up the ladder to stay in the game. The public is reminded that gate fees is K2.00 only and no drugs and alcohol will be entertained within the premise of the tournament. Into the 7th year of the Snax 9s and it is encouraged the bigger community takes part encouraging a family oriented exciting tournament.

The member for Kompiam Ambum Sir John Thomas Pundari has explained that his move to the government ranks is purely in the interest of the people he represents in his electorate. “Over the last few weeks our people have watched on as we their elected leaders have been in political camps. There are underlying reasons for the politics that have been played.” Sir John said as mandated leaders, their first and foremost duty is to act for and on behalf of the people they represent. “The New Year fast approaches and the leaders that crossed the floor today have put politics aside for the interest of our people to pass the National Budget.” He said one of the fundamental issues that lies beneath the political movements over recent weeks has been Porgera. He said as Engan leaders, Hon. Tomait Kapili and himself are very concerned that Porgera reaches a favourable outcome for the Landowners, Province and Nation. He added the issue on Porgera amongst others, has been in the forefront of our decisions and as elected representatives of their people they have a duty to ensure that they are not silent as the future of the mine is discussed and the SML is renewed. He asked when there will be another time to ensure their people's concerns are addressed? For 30 years, they have been operating under an SML Agreement and the expiry presents the only opportunity for them to do it right. “Hon. Kapili and I demand we do this right.” He said for these reasons they have done what they have done. “Politics aside we must always put our people and their interests before all else.”

Parliament has again been adjourned to the 20th of April 2020 at 2pm in today's sitting. The much-anticipated Vote of No Confidence did not take place as 18 Members of Parliament crossed the floor from Opposition and returned to the Marape-led Government side of the floor. Today's session covered the reading and passing of the 2021 National Budget for the second time. The Opposition was not given a chance to respond to the 2021 National Budget. Meanwhile, the Opposition camp is now in a meeting and Government is expected to address media in a conference at Loloata Resort later today.

15 MPs from the Opposition just crossed the floor of parliament to join the Marape-led government in light of a looming Vote of No Confidence. Reports from in the house confirmed Sir John Pundari, a signatory to the VoNC motion led the opposition MP’s who crossed the floor while the sitting was about to begin. The MP’s that defected from the Opposition include: Sir John PundariSam BasilPeter Yama,Sasindran MuthuvelNick KumanJoseph YopyyopySam AkoitaiChris NangoiKevin Isifu John KaupaFrancis ManekeWestley NukundjRichard MaserePeter SapiaDouglas Tomuriesa Parliament is now in session. More updates to follow:

Parents and students of the new Wingei High School in Yangoru Sausia District, East Sepik Province will dig deeper into their pockets to pay for school fees to register their kids in the 2021 academic year.   “We have worked out the school fee structure from the National Education board and have come up with the school fee structure for 2021. The school fee structure had been calculated to include project fees, teaching and learning and other costs incurred. Also includes GST,” said Headmaster Mr Amos David. “School fee structure for grade 9s is K950 and parents have to pay 75% of that which is K720 and grade 10s, K990 so parents must pay K750. Parents have to pay 75% during the registration week next year and pay the other 25% later during the school year.” Wingei High School is relatively new. This year the school had 3 grade 9 classes with just a little over 150 students. For the 2021 Academic year, the school will be having more than 300 students which include the new grade 9s selected from the feeder schools and current grade 9’s continuing to grade 10. Mr Amos said there was an increase of K50.00 in the fees from the K900.00 school fees for this year and parents must pay 75% of the total fees for next year so their kids can be eligible to register.    He said one of the main issues that the school faced during the 2020 academic year was parents not paying their outstanding component fees. “The notice for the 2021 school fee structure was put out early so parents are made aware and adhere.” “The 75% paid will cover for Term 1 and 2 and they can pay the rest for term 3 and Term 4. I am urging parents to pay the 75% so their children can be registered. He further added that all school fee payments must be done to the school’s bank account as no cash payments will be accepted at the school. Mr Amos also expressed the need for specialist buildings such as an admin block, science lab, ICT lab, classrooms for Expressive arts and Home economics lessons. The school also needs a few teachers houses to cater for the teaching staff.

Ensuring equal opportunity and social inclusion in the workforce is a priority for the PNG Government, as evidenced by the progress in implementing the Public Service Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) Policy that was launched in 2013. The GESI policy provides guidance to PNG’s public servants in addressing unequal power relations experienced by people on grounds of gender, wealth, ability, location, ethnicity, and language within their own workplaces. The Hela Provincial Health Authority (HPHA) has enthusiastically taken on the challenge of implementing the GESI policy by establishing a workplace culture that embraces GESI principles and values including through establishing a GESI help desk. The desk was set up as a referral and support system that promotes gender equity and social inclusive practices which reflect a positive, respectful and fair work environment. HPHA aims to see that GESI is mainstreamed into its governance systems and structures to create a productive and collaborative workplace which is then reflected in the services that the PHA provides. Although the GESI help desk was only established in 2019, the PHA has begun to see positive changes because staff are more aware of what GESI is and its importance. Robert Pokaya, HPHA GESI Acting Manager said, “Since the establishment of the help desk, I’ve began providing individual staff with referrals to services such as family and sexual violence, police, security, counselling and legal advice. He adds, staff are more aware of the role GESI plays in the workplace. For example, at Magarima Health Centre, officers were able to identify that, males and females used the same toilets which posed a security risk for females. After raising this concern with the help desk, the PHA was able to build separate toilets which Improves safety for women and girls. Dr James Kintwa, Hela PHA CEO said, “In Hela, where the environment is quite challenging, GESI will be used as an important tool that will change the behaviour and essence of our staff not only at the workplace but in the communities that they live in.” ‘We endeavour to create a work culture that is courteous, fair and values individual differences. We see this as a core aspect of building a positive environment which is the essence of GESI.