In line with the global observation of Safer Internet Day on February 7th , CPL Foundation is pleased to announce the successful completion of our Cyber Sawe PNG Training for young people in Buka, Bougainville. As part of CPL Foundation’s key objective to enhance women and girls’ education and their empowerment in Papua New Guinea, the Cyber Sawe PNG initiative aims to expand PNG children’s knowledge (especially young girls) on computer technology and safety practices while on the internet with their mobile phones and computers. The two-day workshop, which ran from the 18th– 19th of February, saw over 30 young people attend and learn various topics such as Cybergames, Physical Security, Digital Traces, Cyber Safety and Coding. Workshop facilitators, Athan Kopar and Samuel Dakulala from CPL, said that they were pleased with the outcome of the workshop. “It was a new learning experience for most of the participants, but everyone was engaged in the training and used the opportunity to share what they learned with their friends and families”, said the facilitators. The workshop was jointly supported by Regional Member for Bougainville, Hon. Peter Tsiamallili, Raibro Construction, Jack's of PNG and Vodafone Papua New Guinea. Hon. Peter Tsiamallili emphasized the importance of cyber security education in this day and age. “I am, very pleased with this initiative and thank CPL and CPL Foundation for bringing this training to Buka. We hope more of these types of trainings can take place in the future.”, he further adds. The Cyber Sawe Trainings was initially introduced in 2022 in Port Moresby, and is part of CPL Foundation’s core objectives to empower women and girls through access to education & literacy programs, improved health-care services and economic empowerment opportunities.

The continuous rainy weather over the past few days has affected our raw water source. Our Water Treatment Plant’s normal operations and distribution of water supply has been impacted and has affected our supply. Water PNG Limited would like to advise our valued customers in Morata, 8 Mile, 9 Mile, PAU, Bio Farming, Moitaka, Kennedy Estate, McGregor Barracks, NASFUND, Bomana, Malolo Estate, Laloki, Mendoza Estate, Graceville, ATS, Skyview, 2G, Kilakila, Sabama, Horse Camp, Pari Village, Badihagwa, Idubada, Kanudi, Parts of Town, POSCO DAEWOOD POWER and Tatana that there will be an immediate total shutdown of water supply today (Wednesday 22nd February 2023). This emergency shutdown will allow our technical team to restore normalcy to our Plant’s operation and our main distribution system. We are currently closely monitoring this situation and attending to it. It is anticipated that with the current trend of power outage and rainy weather predicted to continue, the full restoration of our supply may go beyond 24 hours. We will commence soon with carrying out water rationing to areas already affected by this situation. For further information, please contact us on the following numbers: 703 11573, 750 10287, 756 42987, or 756 42933.

The Secretary of PNG Department of Information and Communications Technology, Mr. Steven Matainaho has expressed concern over the misinterpretation of the intent of the Draft National Media Development Policy (draft Policy) by various media outlets. Secretary Matainaho clarified that the current version of the draft Policy has no intention of giving powers to the government to control the media or infringing on the constitutional rights of freedom of expression. “The draft media policy aims to provide a legislative framework to strengthen the work of the PNG Media Council and enable structural and budget reforms to fund development programs for the PNG Media Council and universities” says Secretary Matainaho. Secretary Matainaho added that the draft Policy seeks to promote the media industry and unlock several benefits, including improving the conditions surrounding the media profession. Most importantly, the PNG Media Council will continue to operate independently of the government, similar to other professions such as the law (PNG Law Society), medical (PNG Institue of Doctors), and engineering (institute of engineers) professions. The government is focused on working towards one of its pillars in vision 2050 on “Knowledgeable Society”, to help us work closely with media to achieve that. The government, through the National Media Development Policy will support the development of a diverse and vibrant media ecosystem, with a range of independent media outlets that are free to report and disseminate censored informative and news contents. This can help ensure that a diversity of voices and perspectives are represented in the media landscape, which is essential for promoting an informed and engaged citizenry. By the government’s input in investing in education and training, promoting media literacy, and supporting a diverse and vibrant media ecosystem, it can further add value to the creation of a knowledgeable society where citizens are well-informed and engaged in the public sphere. The Department of ICT also acknowledges concerns raised by the Community Coalition of Corruption in its press statement on 16th February 2023, regarding certain functions proposed to be established in the Department of ICT. The department is currently working to address these concerns in the next draft (2nd version) and welcomes input from stakeholders to improve this draft policy. The draft National Media Development Policy is available for consultation on the PNG Department of Information and Communications Technology website.