PNG Haus Bung

Acting Chief Secretary to the Government, Ambassador Issac Lupari has conveyed the Executive Management and staff of the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council and the entire PNG Public Service, deepest condolences to Lady Roslyn and the Morauta family on the passing of the former Prime Minister, Sir Mekere Morauta, KCMG. Sir Mekere is the current Sitting Member for Moresby North-West Electorate until his passing yesterday (Saturday, 19 December, 2020) in Brisbane. "His death is a great loss to the people of Moresby North-West and Papua New Guinea as a whole." Sir Mekere, 74, from Kukipi Village in Gulf Province graduated at the University of Papua New Guinea and was the first Papua New Guinean to receive a Bachelor in Economics in 1970. His contribution to Public Service, as a senior Public Servant and Department Head, Governor of the Bank of PNG, Minister and Prime Minister is unsurpassed. He was an eminent economist and spearheaded economic and public policy reforms that continue to deliver benefits to our people and our nation to this very day. "Sir Mekere was a visionary leader who leaves a lasting legacy. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may we be forever grateful for the contribution that he made."

A man of few words, with a long decorated political career of just over 20 years, the late Sir Mekere Morauta had contributed immensely to the growth and progress of Papua New Guinea before his passing and will be sadly missed by his political family circle and those who met him and came know him in person. The late member for Moresby North-West Sir Mek died peacefully on Saturday in Brisbane, Australia after a long battle with cancer, according to a statement from his family. He is survived by his wife Lady Roslyn and son James Morauta. Funeral arrangements will be made available at a later date. Sir Mekere was born in 1946 in Kukipi, a coastal village east of Kerema in the Gulf Province of Papua New Guinea. He was educated at local primary schools, at Kerema High and at Sogeri National High. He went on to study at the University of Papua New Guinea, where he obtained a Bachelor of Economics in 1970. He was also an exchange student at Flinders University in South Australia. In a statement from his family, Sir Mekere Morauta was the first graduate in Economics from the University of Papua New Guinea.  He became a Member of the Papua New Guinea National Parliament in 1997 as a member of the People's Democratic Movement (PDM) and was Prime Minister from 1999 to 2002.  From 1997 to 2012 and 2017 to 2020 he held the seat of Moresby North-West in the national Parliament. Prior to entering politics, Morauta was Secretary for Finance (1972-1982), Managing Director of the Papua New Guinea Banking Corporation (1983-1992), Governor of the Bank of Papua New Guinea (1993-1994), a company director and successful businessman. As Prime Minister, Mekere Morauta is credited with initiating significant constitutional and economic reforms.  In 1999 the Papua New Guinea economy was on the brink, with government finances in disarray and a currency that was spiralling to inconvertibility.  Morauta devised and led a rescue package, which stabilised the economy and the budget.  Key institutions of state were strengthened, and important reforms were introduced to the financial sector, especially in banking and superannuation, and to the structure and workings of the public sector.  Constitutional changes were also introduced which brought stability to politics in Papua New Guinea and laid the foundation for the orderly development of political parties.   As Minister for Public Enterprises from 2011-2012, Morauta re-set the primary focus of the Independent Public Business Corporation, concentrating on strengthening it to undertake the important job of rehabilitating the state-owned enterprises. After retiring from politics in August 2012, Sir Mekere was appointed by the leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum as the Eminent Person to review the Pacific Plan.  The report was published in 2013. In 2012 he was also appointed Chairman of the Papua New Guinea Sustainable Development Program Company. In 2017 he re-contested for Parliament and won the seat of Moresby North-West. Sir Mekere was born in Kukipi Village, Malalaua District, East Gulf, to Morauta Hasu and Morikoai Elavo. His father, Morauta Hasu, was a leader of the Toaripi people of East Gulf, a Local Government Councillor, and Deacon of the London Missionary Society (later United Church). He was prominent in the Cooperative Movement for the Toaripi Association. Picture sourced:

A female staff member of the Divine Word University Administration was arrested and charged with thirty-nine (39) counts of stealing by false pretence and another thirty counts (39) counts of misappropriation of over K400,000.00, belonging to Divine Word University in Madang. Mrs Florence Roberta Airegi Castro-Sale of Tinganalom village, Kokopo District, East New Britain Province was reported to the National Fraud & Anti-Corruption Directorate (NFACD) by the Divine Word University, Administration alleging misappropriation of funds over K700, 000.00 belonging to the University. Upon receipt of the complaint, NFACD commenced investigation into the allegations made  which revealed that Mrs. Florence Roberta Airegi Castro-Sale whilst being employed by Divine University as Data Entry Officer / Accounts Payable, deliberately posted the duplicate claims to different account codes instead of the appropriate account code for Tuition Fee Refund. The alleged perpetrator manipulated the System on different dates & time through altering the name (description) of the student by adding characters, rearranging Initials, first name & surname back to front and vice versa to avoid a match in the system, which would have been rejected. The duplicate cheques were then brought to the signatories for signing. It was quite difficult for the signatories of the account to suspect anything because the unsigned cheques were accompanied with genuine (approved) documents and most cheques were Pay Cash and not by payee’s name. After signing, she then at different dates and time cashed the cheques whilst she deposited some genuine payments. She then misused other genuine and duplicate cheques. Through this scheme, she cashed a total of 112 fraudulent cheques over the Bank counter and walked away with K423, 587.00 money belonging to Divine Word University by abusing the school (DWU) policy and system of Students Tuition Refund. She was interviewed at Jomba Police Station, Madang and after the interview and completion of arrest and charge procedures, she was later detained at Jomba Police Station cells and will appear before the Madang District Court this week. Photo sourced:

News just in: We have received confirmed reports on the passing of the member for Moresby Northwest Sir Mekere Morauta today. Government sources close to late Sir Mek said he died in Brisbane Australia after a long illness. More updates to come as new information is made available.

Bank of South Pacific is proud to announce the launch of their online payment solutions for Tactical Ranger Systems (TRS), a local SME that specializes in providing innovative ICT solutions and valued added services to consumers and business in Papua New Guinea. “We aim to be the most agile end-to-end ICT solutions provider in PNG leveraging both our experience and expertise in security and digital technologies to customers over sound business practices and strong affiliations with various well-known tech vendors around the world”, said Director of Tactical Ranger Systems Ricky Kirori. He added on saying that as far as online payments are concerned, TRS goal is pretty simple, to bridge the technology gap and reduce the complexities that SME’s face in transacting securely and seamlessly with their customers. We like to keep things simple, and convenient, believing that tapping into a variety of online payment options for all SME’s is valuable, and attracts more business for them and in return, restoring trust and reliance with us and our digital platform and partner, BSP.  Our key products in focus are web design and development, hosting and software service solutions,” added Mr Kirori. TRS ICT Operations Specialist Glen Kiapgugu also said that, TRS understands the competitiveness of these specialized niche markets, however, envisions itself to be a pioneer portraying continuous improvement in reliability, adaptability with pricing and technology to protect customer loyalty. “Online transactions are rapidly evolving as a global trend and emerging technology in the digital space. More and more businesses are offering payment solutions in so many different forms, utilizing online payment platforms can considerably mitigating issues such as cumbersome processes, long queues, insecurity in transactions and risk of exposure,” added Kiapgugu. TRS operates headquarters in Port Moresby providing advanced innovative, reliable, modern security and ICT solutions to local businesses. Director of Tactical Ranger Systems, Ricky Kirori

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.