The National Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) program has allocated K250,000 each to Rabaul and Pomio Districts in East New Britain. These funds, supported by the Australian Government, are intended to boost WASH initiatives, with Rabaul recently concluding a 4-day training for data collection. Pomio District Administrator John Liskia expressed gratitude, noting that the funds will aid in developing vital infrastructure, including a new hospital in Pomio. The cheque presentation took place in Kokopo city, facilitated by the National WASH Program team in collaboration with the National Planning Department and Water Aid. These two districts are the first in the country to receive WASH funding from the national government. Mr. Liskia emphasized the importance of sustainability for future generations, especially as Pomio develops its township at Palmalmal and a Level 4 hospital. National WASH Program Coordinator Takale Tuna highlighted that the initiative began in March of the previous year with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in Port Moresby. Out of 92 districts nationwide, 20 have been included in the WASH rollout, with Rabaul and Pomio being the pioneers. The WASH Program is part of the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 4, targeting improvements in waterborne disease reduction, economic issues, and equity. The goal is to raise access to safe drinking water from 40% to 70% and improve sanitation from 30% to 60% in rural areas by 2027. ENB Provincial Administrator Levi Mano urged the districts to take ownership of the program, stressing the need for sustainability. He pointed out that the program aligns with key development plans, including the provincial SDP and district plans, and should be implemented at the ward level, with 382 wards in East New Britain. “The WASH program is one of the key result areas of plans such as the MTDP, the provincial SDP and the district plans. In ENB, we have the Ward Focus policy, so everything should be grounded at the wards” he said.

Australia has pledged strong support for the Pacific Policing Initiative, a new program endorsed by leaders at the recent Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that Australia will allocate approximately PGK 1 billion (AUD 400 million) over five years to back this initiative, which aims to strengthen regional peace, security, and cooperation among Pacific police forces. "This policing initiative continues a long history of Pacific police forces working together to strengthen regional peace and security, and to support each other in times of need," Prime Minister Albanese said. He emphasized that the Pacific Policing Initiative is a Pacific-led, Australia-backed effort, designed to improve the capability, cooperation, and interoperability among the region’s police forces. "Pacific leaders are working together to shape the future we want to see," Albanese stated. "Improving capability, cooperation, and interoperability among Pacific police forces benefits all Pacific countries and the security of our communities." He highlighted that the security of the Pacific is a shared responsibility among the region’s nations, and this initiative is meant to benefit every country involved. "We are stronger together," Albanese added. The Pacific Policing Initiative is set to boost the ability of Pacific nations to handle law and order, internal security, and tackle shared challenges such as cybercrime, drug importation, illegal fishing, and human trafficking. Key components of the initiative include establishing regional policing centers of excellence for specialist training, creating a Pacific Policing Support Group for joint deployments, and launching the Pacific Policing Development and Coordination Hub in Brisbane. These measures are aimed at transforming the capabilities of Pacific police forces and strengthening their collective approach in addressing the evolving security threats and challenges faced by the region.

Prime Minister James Marape arrived yesterday evening in Port Moresby. A full entourage of most of the Pangu-led government MPs and Cabinet Ministers was on the ground at the APEC Terminal to receive and welcome him. They immediately walked into the conference room at the VIP lounge as local media waited. The Prime Minister returns after travelling to Niue and to Tonga. In Tonga, he spent the last four days attending the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Summit. He was among 18 Pacific Island nation leaders.

Health Minister Dr. Lino Tom has handed K15 million to the Gulf Provincial Health Authority (GPHA) for major improvements in health facilities, especially Kerema General Hospital. Accompanied by Health Secretary Dr. Osbourne Liko and new GPHA Chairman Augustine Mano, Tom visited Kerema Town to present the funds. In a straightforward ceremony, both Minister Tom and Mano recognized the urgent need for change. "It is now up to the new Board to get to work and offer solutions," said Minister Tom, emphasizing that there is no time for celebration, only action. Kerema MP and Minister for Energy and Petroleum, Thomas Opa, expressed gratitude for the funds, highlighting recent concerns about the hospital. "We all have seen the pain and suffering of our people, and we must accept the criticism and start working together to improve health care service," Opa said. He urged people to support the new GPHA board and remain positive. "As local MP for Kerema, I urge all my people to remain positive and let’s work together to fix our hospital." Minister Opa also pledged district support for the board's efforts in reconstructing health infrastructure, including Kerema General Hospital. He called on local residents to work with Chairman Mano and his team to address health issues. Gulf Governor Sir Christopher Haiveta and Minister Opa also committed to backing the new board. "Gulf Governor Sir Christopher Haiveta and myself as local MP also accompanied the Minister and Chairman and his team and pledged to support the work of the new Board in the rebuilding and reconstruction phase of health infrastructure in Gulf Province including Kerema General Hospital." The first meeting of the GPHA’s new board is expected soon, as they begin their work on improving health services in the province. "Chairman Mano has made no promises as he gets to work with his new board which is expected to have their first meeting in a week or two time," said Minister Opa.

Ahead of the September Parliament sittings which anticipates another Vote of No Confidence from the Opposition's alternative government side, Pomio MP Elias Kapavore has unofficially decided to return to the government side, responding to calls from LLG Presidents in Pomio District. Kapavore, who joined the opposition three months ago, now acknowledges the ongoing support from the Marape-Rosso government, which has led to significant development in the district. "After joining PANGU Pati, we have seen a lot of support, especially with the connection of the missing link along the south coast corridor, which previous governments overlooked," Kapavore said in a statement. He also noted Prime Minister James Marape's two visits to the district within a short period as a sign of strong commitment. Key developments include four bridges already built, with materials ready for a 100-meter bridge across the Mekei River. These projects aim to improve connectivity between wards, LLGs, and the district headquarters at Palmalmal, extending to the provincial capital, Kokopo. Kapavore’s decision follows pleas from Sinivit and Melkoi LLG Presidents, who emphasized that Pomio has greatly benefited from PANGU Pati's leadership. "We saw that PANGU recognized Pomio District when the Member was with the government side," said Sinivit LLG President Boniface Gerep, adding, "Apart from the bridges, we also got support to purchase the MV Pomio 2 vessel." Kapavore's return to PANGU Pati is seen as a move to ensure continued development in Pomio District. He also highlighted PANGU Pati's historical significance as the founding political party of PNG's government and its longstanding connection to leaders from Pomio District and East New Britain Province.

The Waigani Committal Court today, Wednesday August 28th, struck out misappropriation charges against Jordan Imal, the former Acting Managing Director and CEO of NiuSky Pacific Limited. The charges were related to the purchase of a company vehicle, a decision that Imal defended as both necessary and appropriate. "Today, the Waigani Committal Court struck out the misappropriation charges brought against me by Robin Kawat in relation to the purchase of a company vehicle," Imal stated following the court's decision. He strongly maintained his innocence, describing the charges as "malicious and entirely unfounded." Imal clarified that the vehicle in question remained the property of NiuSky Pacific. "At no point in time have I taken possession of the vehicle and used it since its purchase," he said. The decision to buy the vehicle was based on consultations with NiuSky's Executive Management Team and was aimed at addressing the company's operational needs, including reducing its significant vehicle hire costs. "By late March 2024, the company had already spent close to K2 million on vehicle hire costs alone, and continuing this practice would have placed further strain on the company’s financial position," Imal explained. The purchase, he added, was a more cost-effective solution, also driven by security concerns over the previously allocated vehicle. Imal emphasized that the vehicle's cost was structured to ensure NiuSky would not incur financial loss. The payment was to be recouped through post-tax salary deductions, with ownership only transferring after full repayment. Despite the transparency of the purchase, Imal was asked to resign, and legal proceedings were initiated by Kawat. However, Imal noted that the complainant failed to provide any evidence linking him to misappropriation during the three-month court process. Imal expressed his gratitude to the court, stating, "This experience has reinforced my belief that integrity and truth will ultimately prevail."

Prime Minister James Marape has honoured a longstanding commitment to Niue by stopping over in the island country to announce the transfer of the outstanding K5 million to the Niue Government. Accompanied by his wife, Mrs Rachael Marape, they made a stop over at Nuie on Sunda, August 25th, after departing from Port Moresby enroute to Tonga for the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ meeting in Nuku’alofa, the capital of Tonga which convened today, Monday August 26th. In a statement today, he said he was received by the Premier of Niue, Dalton Tagelagi in a ceremonial welcome showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the island, and later was hosted to a welcome reception held in his honour, where he announced that the PNG Government was fulfilling an unmet K5 million promise from 10 years ago. He said he it was his duty to ensure it was met, explaining that, “We owe it to early Niuean Christian missionaries who came to Hanuabada and Pari villages which has led us to this special bond of kinship with Niue." Marape also acknowledged the PNG diaspora in Niue, which he said was a big community of people, with 10 percent of the Niue population owing their heritage to PNG through the early missionary connections with the Motuan people of Port Moresby. “I appreciate Premier Tagelagi for Niue’s warm welcome to me and my wife, Rachael, as we try to entrench our two people’s relationship." Prime Minister and his wife also engaged with local representatives and community members, further solidifying the bonds between Papua New Guinea and Niue.

Before leaving the country on Sunday, August 25th, to attend the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders' Summit in Tonga, Prime Minister James Marape called on the Opposition to ensure they correctly follow the process this time for their planned vote of no confidence against his government. “We welcome the challenge by the Opposition. Our Constitution provides for a vote of no confidence, and the Opposition is welcome to move one." "The Prime Ministership is not my birthright,” Prime Minister Marape said in a brief media conference before leaving Port Moresby. He said his government has worked hard these past five challenging years, which include going through the COVID-19 pandemic period. He pointed out that despite the difficulties, his administration has worked hard to maintain stability, progress in the country, and managing the economy. "I am also yet to see credible policies by the alternate government. Pangu ... have so many reforms going on with the good policies of my government. I challenge the alternate government to come up with better policies." “We have managed the economy over the last five tough years, and everyone knows our record," he said. He further reminded all Members of Parliament (MPs) of their duty to carefully assess the leadership abilities of potential alternate prime ministers when the vote of no confidence is tabled. “Parliament is sitting for two weeks, so I urge the Opposition to fill in the vote of no confidence form properly this time," Marape said, pointing out that this is why the Parliamentary Business Committee (PBC) had rejected their VONC attempts five times due to errors. "The PBC sits on Wednesdays, so fill in the form properly before 4:06 pm on Tuesday, September 3. On Thursday, it goes on notice, and we come back the following Thursday and deal with it,” Marape explained. “Section 145 provides for the Opposition to move a vote of no confidence; however, I urge them to get it right this time and not repeat the mistake of not properly filling out the vote of no confidence form as they have done five times already." The Prime Minister stressed the importance of getting the form right by September 3, 2024, especially given the upcoming national events, which include the Pope’s visit on September 6, the Independence celebrations on September 16 , and also the parliamentary tribute to the late Central Bougainville MP, Simon Dumarinu, on September 3. He said these are significant events that need to be given proper attention. “If you want to change a mandated government, do it properly, not making mistakes like little school boys."

Two male suspects are now in police custody following a violent attack on four men from Tubusereia village at Johnson’s Farm along the Magi Highway. The incident, which occurred early this morning (Sunday, August 25th) during the long weekend, has sparked outrage and concern among the community, and condemnation from the Governor of Central Province. The attack involved three assailants armed with bush knives who targeted the men as they attempted to fix their broken-down vehicle. The Officer in Charge, Constable Smith Lama, from the Police Operations Center in Port Moresby, reported that the situation escalated when the attackers, believed to be residing near Johnson’s Farm, assaulted the men. The driver, who is a deacon in his village, was reportedly kidnapped during the attack. The victims' family alerted the police at around 4 AM, prompting an immediate response. Central Province Police, under the command of ‘Romeo Bravo 2 Charlie’ and the Quick Response Force, swiftly responded to the distress call. Two suspects, identified as recent migrants from Enga Province, were apprehended at the scene and are currently held in custody at the 15 Mile Police Station. Authorities are continuing their search for the third suspect. The attack has elicited strong condemnation from Central Governor Rufina Peter, who in a statement this afternoon, expressed her deep concern over the increasing violence against Central Province residents, particularly in areas with a growing influx of migrants. “The attack on our people at Johnson’s Farm is not only shocking but deeply troubling." "Such violent acts undermine the peace and safety that our communities have long cherished." "I call on the relevant authorities to ensure that justice is swiftly served and that the perpetrators of this crime are held accountable,” Governor Peter stated. She also emphasized the need for a stronger law enforcement presence and increased community vigilance in Central Province to prevent such incidents from recurring. “This attack is a stark reminder of the challenges we face as a growing province." "While we welcome development and new residents, we must ensure that the safety and security of our people remain a top priority," she said, adding, "I am committed to working with law enforcement and community leaders to strengthen our efforts in maintaining peace and order." The Central Provincial Government is closely monitoring the situation and will cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies to bring justice to the victims and their families. Meantime, Governor Peter has reassured the victims' families that her office would provide any necessary support during this challenging time.

Deputy Prime Minister and Lae MP, John Rosso, has provided an update on the ongoing work at the Yalu Bridge. Rosso stated that the Department of Works & Highways, along with contractors, currently have four excavators on site working to divert the Yalu River back to its original course. "Once the river is redirected, we will begin backfilling on both the Lae and Nadzab sides of the bridge," Rosso explained on Saturday, August 24th in a social media post. He emphasized that the large quantity of materials required means the backfilling process will take some time. To ensure continued access, Rosso noted that the wet crossing downstream of the bridge will be maintained. "We will still maintain the wet crossing from time to time to allow light and emergency service vehicles to have access," he assured. "All focus on it to try to restart it. Yalu Bridge is on track," Rosso reassured the travelling public and locals of Morobe this morning, Sunday August 25th, to PNG HAUSBUNG and other local media in Port Moresby. "It's an unfortunate event caused by extreme weather." "The weather has eroded the side of the Yalu Bridge which is an old bridge." "While it has eroded, the massive floodwaters have now subsided." "They are doing a wet crossing which is accessible by four-wheel drive." "The Works Department finished last night at 10 o'clock," Rosso confirmed this morning. "They are working 24 hours to try to ensure that the temporary bridge bypass is open so that we can have heavy traffic for the Highlands Highway passing through." He also revealed that a few months ago, in anticipation of upgrading Infrastructure, construction had begun on a new bridge. "We have also, six months ago, have already begun construction of a new four-lane bridge that will replace the existing Yalu Bridge." "It is in progress, a new four-lane bridge. The pilings have been done already, and now they are still working on it." "The weather in Lae, as everyone knows, as rainy Lae, it always floods. And the unprecedented weather just causes catastrophe for the highway." "But the good Works Minister is on top of it and doing every effort with his staff to rectify the issue immediately," said Rosso. Prime Minister James Marape also confirmed this before leaving the country for his travel to Tonga this morning. "The bridge will have a permanent four-lane bridge that we work on." "A 90-metre four-lane bridge, or we've asked the contractor to ramp up the permanent bridge." "As part of the road from Lae to Nadzap that we are doing the four-lane, the permanent bridge will be ramped up also," said the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister James Marape has assured the people of Papua New Guinea (PNG) that his government is working hard to address both immediate and long-term challenges. As he departed the country today at around7:30am, Sunday, August 25th, for the Pacific Islands Forum summit in Tonga, Marape urged citizens to focus on the progress being made rather than be swayed by political opponents. "We are working consistent with what we set out to do in 2019," Marape said in a brief media conference at the APEC Terminal at the Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby. He emphasized that the government has made progress in its six focus areas: Economy, Education, Health, Infrastructure, Law & Justice, and Growing the Economy. In light of the onslaught of criticism from the Opposition this past week alone, the Prime Minister called for the public to judge his government in 2027, saying, "If they are not satisfied, they can get us out of office." Marape highlighted efforts to reduce the country's debt, with a plan to achieve a balanced budget by 2027 and a debt-free PNG by 2034. He also added significant improvements in education, including the return of over 100,000 students to school, and the expansion of tertiary institutions. He said in health, the government has reopened the country’s cancer facility and is working on new heart and kidney centers. As for Infrastructure projects like the Connect PNG Programme, he points out that they are also underway, aiming to link roads, ports, and airports across the country. "These are only some of the work we are doing in our focus areas," Marape stated, adding that only a government with "guts, will, and determination" can make such changes. Meantime, during his absence, Deputy Prime minister John Rosso will act as Prime Minister.

The Papua New GUINEA SP Hunters delivered a masterclass performance in Round 23 of the Queensland Rugby League Cup, overwhelming the Western Clydesdales with a decisive 46-12 victory at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. A crowd of 7,952 supporters were energized by the fine weather and the excellent ground conditions, the Hunters showcased their dominance from the start, demonstrating why they are a force to be reckoned with in the finals footy. The match began with a glimmer of hope for the Western Clydesdales as Drew Timms crossed the line in the 5th minute, securing the first try of the game. However, this lead was short-lived as the Hunters quickly responded, taking control of the match with a series of well-executed plays. Joshua Lau was the standout player early on, scoring back-to-back tries in the 15th and 27th minutes, setting the tone for the Hunters' offensive onslaught. By halftime, the Hunters had already secured an 18-6 lead, with Elijah Roltinga and Benji Kot adding to the scoreline in the final moments of the first half. Jamie Mavoko’s reliable boot converted three of the four first-half tries, further solidifying the Hunters’ advantage. The second half saw the Hunters continued to pile on the points. Benji Kot and Brandon Nima crossed the line within just four minutes after the break, followed by a try from Judah Rimbu in the 54th minute, and a second from Elijah Roltinga in the 62nd minute, completing his brace. Whallan Tau-Loi capped off the Hunters’ scoring spree with a try in the 71st minute. Mavoko was flawless with the boot, converting all seven of the Hunters' tries, leaving no doubt about the outcome of the match. The Clydesdales managed to add a consolation try in the 75th minute through Emry Pere, with Corey Fenning converting both of the team’s tries, but it was far too late to mount any serious comeback. The Hunters’ 46-12 victory is a testament to their skill and cohesion as a team. The eight-try performance, coupled with seven conversions, highlights their ability to capitalize on opportunities and maintain pressure throughout the game. This was a tough lesson against a superior side for the Western Clydesdale, they will need to regroup quickly as they look to finish the season on a high note. As the Hunters celebrate this comprehensive victory, they remain a formidable opponent for the finals week, showcasing the talent and passion that Papua New Guinea rugby league is known for.