Member of Parliament, Sam Basil Jnr, has advised the Morobe Provincial Government (MPG) to be cautious about their plan to buy a K6 million aircraft. While recognizing the potential benefits for rural air service, Basil emphasized the need for thorough preparation to ensure the investment's success. He posed several important questions for consideration: 1. Does the MPG have the necessary staff and infrastructure to operate Morobe Wings Limited effectively? 2. Have proper flight protocols, safety procedures, and agreements with relevant authorities been established? 3. Is there confirmation from regulatory bodies like CASA and NAC regarding airport usage and fees? 4. Have arrangements been made with fuel suppliers to ensure consistent fuel provision? 5. Is there a clear vision for the aircraft's purpose and the future of Morobe Wings Limited? 6. Are there adequate funds to support ongoing operations, and what is the annual budget requirement? 7. Is there a capable team to manage the company effectively, free from undue influence? 8. Are all safety regulations, including ICAO standards, fully understood, and adhered to? Basil also raised concerns about incompetency and safety issues in the aviation industry, stressing the need for strict oversight and adherence to standards. He highlighted the importance of routine maintenance and competent management for the aircraft's longevity and efficiency. Furthermore, while supporting the MPG's efforts to improve service delivery, Basil urged against compromising aviation standards. He offered to collaborate with the provincial government and Morobe Wings Limited to address these concerns thoroughly. Meanwhile Basil Jnr, emphasizes the importance of prudence in the decision-making process regarding the significant investment in aviation infrastructure.

Residents of Bobong village, situated in the Wampar LLG of the Huon Gulf District in Morobe province, have faced a significant challenge for over sixty years: the daily trek to fetch water for cooking and drinking. This arduous task, particularly burdensome for women and young girls, involves hours of walking to the Erap River. There, small wells are dug near its banks to access clean water. Carrying large containers filled with water back to the village has been a routine, albeit difficult, task for the villagers, especially during heavy downpours and flooding when the journey becomes even more perilous. Monica John, who has spent a considerable portion of her life hauling water, expresses immense relief with the recent completion of a water project funded by the Huon Gulf District. This initiative aims to alleviate the burden of long-distance travel and the physical strain of transporting water containers. With improved access to clean water, the residents of Bobong village can now envision a brighter, more secure future. The water project was made possible through a bottom-up approach initiated by the local MP, allocating K100, 000 to the 65 wards in the electorate. The first batch payment of K34, 000 was provided to ward counsellors to kick-start projects in each ward. Meanwhile for Ward 18 in Wampar LLG, Ward Councilor Anthon Nawayo invested in setting up a water system in the village, ensuring that women and young girls no longer have to endure the burden of carrying water over long distances.

Madang police reports the surrender of a wanted suspect, Dominic Josuah Bou, 32 from Madang District of Madang. Bou who resides at Panitibun Island in Ward one of Norther Ambenob LLG turned himself in to the police with the aid from the local Bel community leaders. Madang's Provincial Police Commander, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, says Bou faces charges of sea piracy and boat theft within Madang and neighboring Maritime Provinces. Particularly as the skipper in the recent theft of five 40-HP engines and a 23-footer orange skin dinghy at Saissi Island, Tewai Saissi MP. Bou was subsequently taken to the Jomba Transitional Custodial Unit – National Criminal Intelligence Unit (TCU-NCIU) office where he was profiled, arrested, and charged on five counts of engine theft under Section 372 of the Papua New Guinea Criminal Code Act. He awaits court appearance in Jomba Cell. Additionally, his surrender at the Madang Provincial Police Commander's office was witnessed by officials including the Police Station Commander (PSC), Rural Commander, Officer in Charge of Criminal Investigation Division (CID), Senior Officer of the Provincial Police Command and Bel leaders, alongside his family and the media. Meanwhile Superintendent Baim stressed the Madang police's ongoing efforts against sea piracy, cautioning potential offenders. "Madang Police are currently working on curbing sea piracy & warning must be sent to all pirates out there, if we catch you, you might not see tomorrow.” “You either surrender or we hunt you down. No time to waste."

In a bid to enhance the academic experience for students, the PNG University of Technology management has taken decisive steps to address concerns raised by students regarding certain subjects. The Management has announced plans to enlist industry experts and professors from within the university to conduct additional classes to bolster understanding and proficiency in these subjects. Despite encountering various challenges, the university management remains committed to improving learning standards. Notably, the university has welcomed the arrival of seven new professors this year, with an additional eight expected to join in the near future. Among the new recruits, two professors specializing in Hydrology and Transportation have already accepted offers at the School of Civil Engineering. Their commencement at the university is pending completion of visa requirements. Furthermore, the university has secured commitments from two Associate Professors in Geotech and Transport, who will join once formalities are finalized. Management has shortlisted candidates for four other positions, with efforts underway to expedite the recruitment process. Additionally, acknowledging student concerns, the management is also addressing requests for a change in the Head of School. This decision, however, remains within the prerogative of management and will be treated as such. Emphasizing its core mission of preparing students for the industry, the university management assures minimal disruption to classes and adherence to the academic calendar. Following discussions with students, a mutually beneficial approach has been adopted, leading to the students agreeing to return to classes. Concurrently, the management is committed to addressing other highlighted issues, recognizing that some may require sustained attention. Meanwhile this announcement comes with the authorization of Dr. Garry Sali, Acting Vice Chancellor, reaffirming the university's dedication to providing a conducive learning environment for all students.

Air Niugini has advised the traveling public that their flights to and from Rabaul have been further downgraded from Q400 aircraft to Dash 8 due to the continuous runway repair works at Tokua airport, Rabaul. The National Airports Corporation (NAC) according to a statement, has reduced the operating runway length to allow for critical repairs as well as to ensure safe operations, hence, Air Niugini’s restriction to limited Dash 8 operations only. Air Niugini’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Gary Seddon stated that in addition to the runway shortening, Air Niugini are only permitted to use the runway for half a day. “Though this causes additional challenge to the Air Niugini operation, we appreciate that it’s a necessary step to ensure fit-for-purpose infrastructure.” “This is as per Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by NAC two weeks ago.” “The runway work is expected to be completed by 30th June.” Additionally, with the presently restricted runway length, and the current wet weather, should it rain in the morning, this may also mean that Air Niugini would be suspending all flights for the day-something the airline has been forced to do recently. Meanwhile Air Niugini regrets the inconvenience caused, however safety is always of paramount importance in our operations and has appealed for understanding and patience from their valued customers, whilst the runway maintenance works are being conducted. “Our dedicated staff will do everything to assist you with your travel to and from East New Britain.” “We are grateful to our customers for their continuous support and patience.” “Where possible, consider rescheduling travel plans until after the maintenance program.” “Air Niugini will resume Fokker jet operations from 1st July.” “Air Niugini plans to introduce the new Airbus A220 service to Rabaul in late 2025.”

Cricket PNG (CPNG) recently announced the PNG Siales U19 Team that will be representing the country and taking part in the ICC U19 WOMEN’S T20 WORLD CUP EAP QUALIFIER that will be held in Bali, Indonesia from May 12th- 21st, 2024. The PNG U19 Siales will depart Port Moresby on the 7th of May 2024 and will prepare for five additional days in Bali before the event starts. The 14-women team line up is as follows: 1. Dika LOHIA Captain 2. Margaret WARI 3. Oala KEVERE 4. Duna ALEX 5. Lakshmi RAJADURAI 6. Esther VAGI 7. Dadina GAUDI 8. Gabe THOMAS 9. Warimo EWANA 10. Veavu GEREA 11. Nancy KONE 12. Winnie OA 13. Ravu PALA 14. Loa RANU Additionally, Cricket PNG also announced the coaching staff supporting the team during the 9-day event. Current PNG Lewas batter, Pauke Siaka, joins the staff under a new and exciting ICC 100% Cricket Future Leaders EAP Coaching Programme to develop female coaches. The full staff is: Nao KAMEA Team Manager Mahuru DAI Siales Coach David DREW Lewas Coach Pauke SIAKA Assistant Coach Daphney SIAMOLI Physiotherapist Meanwhile Pauke has had a great career as a Lewas player, and her form in the current Isuzu T20 Smash shows us that there is plenty of international playing time ahead of her as Cricket PNG hopes to keep her in the game for much longer than and share her knowledge with future players.

“Don’t let anyone say anything that will drown you. Observe, learn, and listen.” That was the encouragement 23year old Matthew Konilio of Matt7 Media had to say as an encouragement to the young, upcoming generation of videographers-to always stay focused. With inspiration that came from watching American Comedians - Key & Peele, Matt7 Media has come a long way and achieved so much in the past five years since he started releasing his videos. In an interview with PNG HAUSBUNG, Matthew- the man behind the lens, from a mixed parentage of Central and New Ireland Province started getting into the craft of video shooting and editing videos in grade four as a hobby but was well into it by the time he graduated from High School. “I started taking it [videography] seriously in 2019 before going pro in 2020.” “I was inspired by the Key & Peele skits on YouTube.” “How they did their videos and how they could tell a story in such a short film caught my attention.” Matt7 Media has been successful in delivering all 10 videos of the Maimai Inc Volume 1 album aside from doing interviews and short films for big name clients. “One of my biggest achievements would be the screening of my videos of the Maimai Inc Album at the Cosmopolitan in March.” “It was a fun experience-working with the boys, it felt like everything was meant to happen the way it did.” “It was a great experience that I am grateful for especially shooting in my home province –New Ireland.” Konilio mentioned that Matt7 Media is filming a TV show as part of the Eat Smart Campaign with PNG Chef-Julz Henao. He stated that the biggest challenge that he has is the interview shoots for the big companies but has managed to overcome that and is looking forward to more collaborations with them. “You’re not just editing their videos; you get to learn about what they do and end up learning something good every time.” Having achieved so much in his own little ways, he has established a great media company that have delivered on so many levels across the events that he has participated in. Meanwhile, Konilio stated that his plans for Matt7 Media was to expand in the future and continue in the path that he is in currently. “I want to create a bigger platform for myself.” “I want to have one or two guys helping me out in the future and I will definitely continue doing big projects for my big clients.”

Six (6) out of the nine (9) convicts detained from the successful drug bust at the start of April in the Gulf province will be transported to the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Correctional Service (CS) Bomana facility outside Port Moresby due to rumors of bribery at play to release prisoners. The Provincial Police Commander (PPC) for Gulf, Chief Inspector (CIP) Jeffery Lemb told PNG Hausbung that he believes that some police officers have accepted bribery to release the prisoners; therefore, the prisoners will have to be transported out of the province. PPC Lemb said the six prisoners will serve out their sentences at the Bomana Correctional facility. Of the total 9, four (4) were sentences to 17-years, and two (2) to 13-years under the new Control Substance Act 2021. However, for the three (3) remaining prisoners, the court magistrate has postponed their court case due to outstanding preparation in the prisoners’ profile. PPC Lemb went on to explain that the new Controlled Substance Act 2021 is an appropriate penalty to charge for individuals who exercise and encourage illegal and dangerous activity in the provinces across PNG. It satisfies drug case penalties, to scare off illegal drug activities. The PPC also shared that from the estimated number of criminals sentenced for drug cases throughout his years in command have accumulated to almost 700, which shows the commitment of Gulf police to actually conduct police operations to stop illegal drug activities. He said this is quite a big number of convictions and cases handled by his officers compared to other centers like Port Moresby city, where he says police drug operations there seem to be unreasonably quiet for a bustling city.

The United States Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Law enforcement Training Centres (FLETC) and Department of state’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (NIL) representatives visited Papua New Guinea recently over the week of April 22. The representative s of the FLETC and INL met with members of PNG Criminal Justice System, including the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, Bomana Police Academy, Department of Justice and the Attorney General, PNG Customs Service, Department of Transportation, and the National and Supreme Courts of Papua New Guinea. And an additional meet with the United Nations agencies, diplomatic partners, and members of the Embassy Port Moresby Team. FLETC Assistant Director Mark Adamchik remarked “upon his encounter with our RPNGC counterparts, it became abundantly clear that our shared vision and values would create a strong foundation for joint cooperation going forward.” With the PNG Partners in the frontlines of advancing Prime Minister Marape’s Law and order agenda, the FLETC and NIL team identified areas of cooperation and assistance with the PNG partners. FLETC, with funding from INL is prepared to provide law enforcement training, in-service programming and curriculum strengthening, and in standardization of police professionalization initiatives across PNG. The PNG Government will be assisted by INL to strengthen the criminal justice system throughout practical skills training for law enforcement officers, coast guards, environmental authorities, financial intelligence units, and judicial institutions in accordance with the U.S pacific Partnership Strategy. INL focuses on improving local capacity to fight to create a justice system that meets international standards, enhances regional stability and security, and helps support the PNG’s vision 2050 and the Boe Declaration. A component of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, FLETC provides career-long training to law enforcement professionals to help them fulfill their responsibilities safely and proficiently. Through strategic partnerships, FLETC also partners effectively with law enforcement and criminal justice agencies around the world to combat transnational criminal threats that challenge our communities and countries.

The state-of-the-art Butukua Academy in NCD has another milestone development in progress – the construction of staff houses. Already the groundworks for the new six teacher’s residences project has started, with its completion anticipated for June 2024. On Saturday 27 April 2024, the actual ground-breaking ceremony was officiated by Moresby South MP and Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko, witnessed by NCD Governor Powes Parkop, Chinese Ambassador His Excellency Zeng Fanhua, Shenzhen City Representative LI Pu, and Chairperson of the school board, Lady Ni Cragnollni. The school, located in the Moresby-South electorate of NCD, is a symbol of the PNG-China friendship, and according to H.E. Zeng Fanhua, is a model school that has set a high standard for this country. Minister Tkatchenko, who has always maintained his continued support for the school, took the opportunity on Saturday to thank Governor Parkop for his support to Moresby-South with the Chinese Government, praising the fast-tracking of the project’s construction in progress. “Thank you, Governor Parkop, for supporting Moresby South with the Chinese government's Shenzhen sister-city relationship." "Here we are today (Saturday 27 April 2024) on another phase of development for Butuka Academy.” "With the Shenzhen local level government, NCDC, the leadership of Foreign Minister Wang Yi, President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping, our Prime Minister James Marape, and our government, it all comes down to partnership, making things happen, working together to educate our future generations.” H.E. Zeng Fanhua, impressed with the academy and support given, reiterated to all in attendance that Chinese Education Minister Huai Jinpeng, during his official visit to PNG, had signed a Memorandum of Understanding together with Governor Parkop for Chinese teachers to be engaged to teach other subjects aside from Mandarin (Chinese language). He added that under the agreement, the teachers would be arriving in the country to teach the students, hence the units were being built for them. "This academy is big, with more than a thousand students and families benefiting from this school and these students realize their dreams of studying and one day contributing to the future development of this country.” "Butuka remains a priority for the Chinese government, and we are committed to this project." "Butuka Academy is a successful story of people-to-people exchange between China and PNG." "Last June (2023) the first PNG final of the Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students was successfully held here.” “Last month (March 2024), 20 teachers and students from Butula went to China for a cultural exchange program for the first time.” “They experienced Chinese cultural heritage, real customs and development achievements.” “The groundbreaking of the teachers' residences at Butuka Academy we are witnessing is funded by Shenzhen City and constructed by CSCEC.” “This marks the latest achievement in implementing the important consensus and outcomes reached by the two Leaders.” “It's also the latest practice of supporting the development of Butuka.” "In recent years, leaders of China and PNG have reaffirmed support for Butuka on several occasions at bilateral meetings." "We will continue to work with Minister Tkatchenko and Governor Parkop to coordinate this project, support this academy, and make great contributions to friendly exchanges between the partner schools Butuka Academy was built through a sister-city partnership between Shenzhen Clty and Port Moresby. The school was officially opened by President Xi Jinping in 2018. Meanwhile, Minister Tkatchenko also announced hopes to build a similar school in Taurama, within his electorate.

With the support of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), PNG Power Limited’s Feeder Team Initiative have generated K7.5 million (US $1.9 million) in additional revenue by using data analysis to identify billing errors and improve service delivery. Revenue gains, according to a statement, were made in the first three months of the Feeder Team Initiative’s implementation and are expected to continue and grow as the program moves beyond Port Moresby. USAID Country Representative Nino Nadiradze stated that the United States was proud to support PNG Power Limited. “As they increase revenue and improve the efficiency of service delivery, important steps on the Government of PNG’s path to 70% electrification by 2030.” PPL General Manager for Retail, Kingston Albert shared that the positive impact of the Feeder Teams on PPL's operations and service delivery has been substantial. “From improved revenue collection to enhanced customer satisfaction and reliability in power supply, the Feeder Team Initiative has ushered in a new era of operational excellence at PPL.” Additionally, development of the Feeder Team concept was initiated in June of 2022. “This innovative strategy addresses longstanding challenges within PPL's distribution network, including elevated loss rates.” “Hand-picked staff receive specialized training from PPL and USAID’s PNG Electrification Partnership (USAID-PEP) in technical operations, revenue protection, retail customer service, and energy balance creation before moving into the field.” Meanwhile feeder teams are currently working in Port Moresby, and PNG Power Limited is planning to introduce teams nationwide.

It was an occasion for celebration as the Tainalederea Netball Association held a huge launch for their 2024 season competitions, attended by their local Moresby South MP Justin Tkatchenko on Saturday 27 April 2024. This mostly Kerema section of Vabukori village in the Moresby South electorate of NCD has experienced what sport can do for their community. Apart from the local MP, who is also Minister for Foreign Affairs and also responsible for National Events, the launch was graced with the presence of the pioneers of the association who initiated it some 20-odd years ago. Today, the youngest players are under 10, and the association has high ambitions for a few of these youngsters to one day play for the national team, the PNG Pepes. The little-known Tainalederea community came alive, with the four teams taking part in the competition showing off their vibrant colours from their newly shown uniforms, through their MP’s support for women SME in the electorate. The competition was revived in 2020, following a two-year absence when association president, Roselyn Maso, pursued her studies overseas. She returned, and due to the popularity of the netball competitions have meant for this community, received support from the local MP to revive it. PNG HAUSBUNG was fortunate enough to be provided transport to and from launching to witness the excitement and celebration the women and girls had in store for their upcoming competitions, with Minister Tkatchenko trying to take on a player to score in one of new hoops for this competition. Minister Tkatchenko, although failing to score, was happy and impressed with the resilience of the women and girls in this tiny section of Vabukori village. "I'm here this morning to say thank you to all the hard-working women for getting this netball competition off the ground again." "From young and old, congratulations for launching the 2024 netball competition.” "I give my respects and honour to our senior women who started the netball competition many years ago. "To all my wonderful women of Tainalederea, thank you for your support, and wish you all the teams all the best in this competition." Tkatchenko acknowledged the organizing committee for their effort in putting everything together. "T believe the competition will roll over in the next months which will allow villagers and community to get together and enjoy sports." "Netball and other sports bring our communities and families together so we can all have a good time in the name of sports." The Minister received more hurrahs when he assured the women and girls of his attendance to their grand final later in the year. Also present to witness the event was Foreign Affairs Secretary Elas Wohengu. Ms Maso said the competition was initiated about 20 years ago but was put off for some time. Together with other women leaders in the community, they revived it on September 16, 2020, successfully completing two grand finals. Ms Maso said this time there are four teams comprising six divisions, under 10, under 15, Under 17 and Under 21, and a masters division. "1 revived the netball competition in 2020 to bring a sense of unity for women and girls.” "Aboul 95 percent of the players are unemployed, and others are still in school.” "Through netball, the ladies are strengthening their sisterhood while growing women's ministry.”