Today marks exactly two (2) weeks since the landslide in Enga Province and the process for evacuation and relocation of affected communities has started already. In an interview with Enga Provincial Administrator Sandi Tsaka, he highlighted that the evacuation and relocation exercise in itself is another challenge faced by his administration. Tsaka said the land slide has not only affected the communities in its impact zone, however due to the fact that the landslide is still very hectic, the initial impacts zone of the landslide has grown significantly in size, further villages down the hill and others on adjacent arears are also affected by the movement of not only mud, debris and rocks but also by the obstruction of the creeks and rivers. “This is a huge risk, and that is part of the reason why we have not been able to mobilize heavy equipment and engineers on sight to start any excavation work to assist community that have been affected.” Tsaka added that they already have a Geotech team on the ground and they have had assistance from the Department of Mining and Geohazard. “We have Geohazard team on the ground from the Dept of Mininig and they have provided preliminary assessment on what they believe is not only the cause but the ongoing risk of the landslide.” “We have a team from New Zealand and Australia who had been doing aerial reconnaissance of the place.” Based on the initial decision reports, the Enga Provincial Government has made some decisions to mobilize people on site to start the work for clearing the disaster zone, including the people living downhill from the landslide and the adjacent communities on the sides of the disaster area that were initially thought to be not affected by the landslide were asked to evacuate them as soon as possible because they are also at very high risk. “We started the process of evacuation as well as relocation of these communities and it is another challenge in itself.” Enga is known for tribal fights and tribal enemies, and despite this challenge, Mr Tsaka said they are encouraged by the neighboring villages, despite their ethnic tensions everybody has been receptive in this time of disaster. “Impacted communities have been assimilated in the neighboring communities, and there is also Care centers set up on both sides of the landslide for people to evacuate to.” The landslide disaster has been declared a State of Emergency thus the Papua New Guinea Defense Force has taken over every exercise on the ground. “The disaster is under Government statutory and policy regulations comes under the Defense force.” “Right now, we have a full contingent of engineers and medical officers from PNGDF who have already mobilized and have been on the ground assisting all victims.” Mr Tsaka highlighted that all the efforts from search and rescue to recovery, evacuation exercise, relocation, emergency exercises, aid, relief assistance, technical and medical responses would not be possible if it was not for all the first responders who came forward to help. “The people of Enga and I are grateful for the support coming from all the International partners, domestic partners, provincial governments, private companies, friends and families.” “Your level of support shown to the people of Enga has been significant and we thank you for that.” Tsaka also extended his heart felt gratitude to the Enga Provincial Health Authority who also was one of the first responders providing emergency and medical assistant and has set up Care center camps on both sides of landslide.

Bank South Pacific is pleased to have its Community Partner – Brisbane Broncos in Port Moresby again this week to launch the banks’ 2024 Financial Literacy Program in schools. BSP Retail GM Daniel Faunt was happy to welcome Brisbane Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy, Skipper Adam Reynolds and other club representatives to Port Moresby on Monday 3rd June 2024. Faunt explained that BSP partners with such reputable club Brisbane Broncos as both organizations share similar core values and community commitments. The partnership with Australian National Rugby League club, the Brisbane Broncos as a community partner has helped reached over 3,000 school- aged children in selected schools through its financial literacy program since 2020 and in overall, BSP’s Financial Literacy Training in communities has covered 25,000 plus participants since. “We are excited to have Reynolds visit this year, as we all know PNG has a lot of Brisbane Broncos fans.” “The essence of his visit is to highlight the work we are doing in the communities through our Financial Literacy programs that target school-aged children and our community initiatives.” “Through that love for sports and rugby, we hope to inspire and excite the next generation of leaders to start that financial journey and develop that savings culture while young,” Faunt added. The Community Partnership also focuses on engaging with small medium enterprise owners and the bank’s leadership management development program. Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy said the club’s community partnership aligns with BSP’s having run programs like the Broncos First Nations Program and Beyond the Broncos Girls Academy programs that targets students.

The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will provide an additional K2 million for emergency humanitarian assistance based on needs identified in Enga Province last week. The additional funds now bring to total K4million as part of U.S. contribution to the Enga relief effort. Ambassador Ann Marie Yastishock stated that by listening to the community and following their lead, the United States is supporting the people of Enga Province as they recover from this tragedy. “This increase in funding is in direct response to what USAID experts heard and saw in Wabag and Mulitaka last week.” “We are tracking the situation closely to ensure that relief efforts and supplies are coordinated and get to where they are needed most.” USAID’s relief efforts will include logistics support, protection, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) assistance. USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance disaster response experts travelled to Wabag and Mulitaka last week to coordinate relief efforts with PNG government agencies including the National Disaster Centre, the Enga Provincial Government, humanitarian partners, and other donors to ensure that relief efforts are coordinated and tailored to the needs of communities affected by the landslide.

Enga Provincial Government is the first Provincial Government to sign an MOU with Climate Change Development Authority and Global Green Growth Institute on Climate Finance Initiative for Resilience and a Sustainable Transition (Climate FIRST) on Monday in Port Moresby. Climate FIRST was jointly announced by the Hon. Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia, and the Hon. James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, during their Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in Canberra on 8 February 2024. This partnership program aims to increase PNG’s access to large scale climate finance and investments to strengthen the climate resilience and adaptation of PNG and its people in communities, to enhance low carbon development, providing a positive impact on PNG’s overall security, stability, and prosperity. Australia has committed AUD20million (approximately PGK50million) funding for the project from March 2024 to March 2028. The funding will be explicitly used to further facilitate and mobilize a target of USD 400 million climate finance and investments that will supplement the Government of PNG’s medium-term investments on climate action. The project is implemented in partnership between the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA), the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), the Australian High Commission (AHC) on behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Australia, and the Provincial Administration of seven provinces which include Eastern Highlands, Enga, Manus, Milne Bay, Morobe, New Ireland and Simbu. The Inception Program will be the first opportunity to bring all stakeholders together to discuss implementation arrangements at the national and provincial level. The first day Monday 03rd June is a workshop to deliberate on the objectives, expected results and risks of the project. It will also be a chance to deliberate on existing and new partnerships that will contribute to the expected outcomes of Climate FIRST. The second day, Tuesday 04th, June, will be a formal inception meeting that brings in key stakeholders to recognize, affirm and understand their roles and responsibilities in the project. The inception meeting will kick-start with a signing ceremony of the memorandum of understanding agreements between CCDA, GGGI and the seven member provinces of Climate FIRST. The signing ceremony signifies the starting of the partnership and a relationship between the parties under Climate FIRST for the next four years, starting from June 2024 – March 2028. Enga Provincial Administrator Mr. Sandis Tsaka highlighted that the first component of the project has been significant both in terms of the actual impact of raising Climate Change awareness and the dual strategy of addressing climate resilient economy and actually mitigate change impact in the community. Tsaka stated that Disaster and everything happening is the impact of Climate Change therefore the partnership on the ground has been important for all to bring awareness across the government and the local people that Climate Change is real, and we all have a part to play. “Climate Change is a multi-sectoral issue and challenge that we collectively need to address.” “To mobilize resource continues to be a challenge but I am encouraged by the way our partners, GGGI and CCDA has taken the initiative to bring all partners together to address Climate change.” Tsaka added that he hopes to work together with CCDA and all the partners not only for Enga but across the country in this context of Climate Resilience and a Sustainable Transition.

Today marks exactly twelve (12) days since the landslide disaster in Mulitaka, Enga Province on 24th May 2023, around 3 am in the morning, and up to this day only 7 bodies have been recovered so far. In an exclusive interview with PNG HAUSBUNG, Enga Provincial Administrator Mr Sandis Tsaka gave a significant insight into the events happening on ground in the disaster zone. Tsaka stated that on the dreadful morning, upon receiving the alert, a mobile assessment team was sent instantly down to the area to compile a report which was then sent to the National Disaster Office to evaluate discussions with the International Partners to get support. “Within the space of 12hrs, we had actual first emergency team on the ground not only carrying out assessments but also assisting the communities in terms of emergency relief efforts.” Mr Tsaka highlighted that the landslide is still very hectic, the initial impacts zone of the landslide has grown significantly in size, further villages down the hill and others on adjacent arears are also affected by the movement of not only mud, debris and rocks but also by the obstruction of the creeks and rivers. “This is a huge risk, and that is part of the reason why we have not been able to mobilize heavy equipment and engineers on sight to start any excavation work to assist community that have been affected.” “The locals have been using spades and digging with their hands to find their loved ones.” Tsaka stated that as of Sunday afternoon, the official death toll stands at 7, and sadly numbers of dead bodies that are yet to be recovered is estimated to be significant. From preliminary estimate, the number of dead bodies buried under the landslide could be around 500. He said they have undertaken Social Mapping since the disaster, speaking to the survivors and the communities around the disaster zone to find out who they remember were living there and are not here now. Tsaka elaborate that since the last census in 2010, that is the only government record of people 18 years and above so the other significant portion of the population below 18 years of age still not accounted for. “We are using the National Statistical Office population profiling data which basically says 42% of the population is estimated to be below the age of 16 years old.” “So, extrapolating that, the government has officially released the numbers of the impact communities at around 7400 plus.” Mr Tsaka further added that that landslide area used to be a high population concentration area, where people migrate to temporarily reside or transit through because it is next to the main highway where people from the rural areas come to access services, education and health services and other opportunities. “We are afraid that people who are not from the area, their numbers will be significant because out of the 7 dead bodies recovered, 3 are not from the area, they are outsiders who were transiting.” “This makes the identifying of the actual number of people buried a bit more difficult, but we are confidents that with the social mapping we are doing, we will be able to provide some certainty to the death toll soon.” Mr Tsaka further highlighted that the challenge now is the emergency respondence to search and recovery phase now. It's been 12 days since the landslide and chances of finding any survivor is zero therefore, they have called off the search and rescue phase and are currently in the search and recovery of the dead bodies. Tsaka added that with the amount of mud, debris, and boulders it has been very difficult to recover more bodies so in the next 72hrs the Enga Provincial Government including Enga Provincial Disaster office will need to decide what to do now at the end of two weeks period after the landslide. “This is a critical juncture and what's happening now is the continues landslips and also the public health risk from the decaying bodies, all these are considered while we look at the next stage of recovery for everyone affected here.”

Stop and Shop customers living outside of the city limits in the Moresby Northeast Electorate do not need to travel distance into the city to do their shopping anymore because CPL Group is pleased to announce the opening of a brand-new Stop & Shop Supermarket at 8 Mile, Port Moresby. Following the devastating challenges the Company faced in January 2024, CPL still stands true to its customer services by making it more convenient for its customers by opening up a brand-new branch. Stop & Shop 8 Mile, is conveniently located in the New Horizon Building Complex along the ATS Road, opened on June 3rd, 2024, and is only a few minutes away from the Kennedy, SkyView and Malolo Housing Estates, along with many other surrounding communities. Stop and Shop, 8mile will open from 8am to 7pm daily. CPL Group Chief Executive Officer, Navin Raju said, “The opening of the 8 Mile shop exemplifies our resilience and commitment to serving the Papua New Guinean community.” “This convenient new location will provide residents of the area with easy access to a wide range of essential goods and services.” “Furthermore, the 8 Mile Shop embodies CPL Group's dedication to supporting local businesses.” “By stocking products from PNG's SMEs and suppliers, we support these vital members of our economy who have experienced a reduction in sales volume since January.” The Opening of Stop & Shop 8 Mile now brings the total number of our Supermarkets in Port Moresby to six – adding to the Brand’s current shops in Waigani Central, Downtown, Boroko, Badili and Airways. CPL Group remains committed and steadfast as PNG’s favourite retailer, and we extend a genuine invitation to our loyal customers in 8 Mile and those living outside of the city limits to visit the new shop and experience the Stop & Shop difference. “Your continued support is what fuels our growth and allows us to give back to the communities we serve.”

With forty days left before the grace period ends and before the eviction exercise takes place at Bushwara/ Saivara at Nine Mile just outside of the Nation’s Capital, more than 6000 illegal settlers have been urged to evict voluntarily from Nambawan Superfund Limited land. However, about 200 contributors of Nambawan Superfund Limited, most of which who obtained housing advances to build their homes at Bushwara/Saivara at Nine Mile have called on NSL board and management to refrain from carrying out the eviction but cater for them in its development plan. The contributors questioned NSL board and management whose interest it is working for, by issuing notices of eviction on portion 2156, 2157 and 2159 by which the eviction is set to take place on July 10. The contributors who believed that over the years their contributions to NSL have made NSL board and management prosperous now described the actions of NSL board and management as “insane and irresponsible” driven by “greed showing lack of interest to the welfare of 200 affected contributors” who make up 1% of over 200,000 NSL contributors throughout the country. One contributor Ms. Angela Philip, NSL membership number # 201391 is questioning what kind of housing project is NSL trying to build for its contributors? “I’ve already built my house, just include me in your development plan, I do not need to be evicted if the Housing project will be for NSL contributors,” she said. Another Contributor, Ms. Hilda Aipi NSL membership number # 366993 said what kind of a superfund will bring itself too low to demolish the homes of its contributors throwing out women, children, elderly and even babies out of their homes onto the streets. Both Angela and Hilda make up the 200 NSL contributors living among the 6000 population in the three affected portions at Bushwara/Saivara at nine mile, NCD. There has been a tussle between NSL and the settlers most of which are public servants and working population in the private sector and retired public servants who have been living in the affected portions for some time. Kepsey Puiye, a Freelance consultant who recently resigned from the Department of Petroleum and Energy questioned NSL over its motive to evict over 200 contributors. “Whose interest is NSL pursuing if it can blatantly ignore its own contributors and members (of which I am one) currently owning properties at Bushwara by issuing a blanket eviction notice. To begin with, NSL's approach and attitude is seriously questionable.” “Whose interest does it promote of its very own legitimate financial members and contributors are ignored. It reeks of bad air here. How can my fund manager bark at me like a dog?” Mr Puiye added that the principal source of funds to breathe financial oxygen into NSL's lungs came from its members, therefore it does not make any sense when NSL treat its legitimate members contemptuously by issuing a blanket eviction order. Mr Puiya furthers stated that NSL is wilfully treating its own members with contempt, because in the National newspaper in November 2021, NSL said it will develop the Bushwara land to build affordable houses for its members. “The blanket eviction notice contradicts some of its own public statements, that is why I say that the whole matter reeks bad air and only God Almighty knows the intentions of NSL and individuals orchestrating the whole eviction exercise.” Puiya continued that most of us living in Bushwara are genuine citizens and some of us have made profoundly significant contributions to the PNG economy, including the PNG LNG Project and other mining and hydrocarbon projects in our nation. Currently, the settlers are seeking a judiciary review of the National Court decision in which the court ruled in favour of NSL. Meanwhile, over 6000 residents living on the three affected portions have called on NCD Governor Powes Parkop to intervene. “We call on governor Parkop to intervene as he was the one who advised us not to appeal the National Court decision in 2021 where it ruled in favour of NSL.” “We could have challenged the court decision if not for Governor Parkop’s advice. Now that eviction is on foot, we call on the governor to intervene as lives of 6000 plus people including men, women, school children and babies are on the line,” said Chris Pia, former Internal Revenue Commission officer. Governor Parkop in 2021 visited the bushwara area four times assuring the settler that he was working with NSL board to find a solution. On the 26th of August 2021 governor Parkop assured the settlers at Kumul street that he had meetings with NSL board consisting of Reginald Monagi, Anthony Smare and Richard Sinamoi discussing a win-win solution for NSL and the settlers. Governor Parkop has urged NSL not to carry out eviction despite the court victory. “NSL may have legal rights to develop this place, but they failed in their moral right by not developing this place in the last 29 years.” “The law requires one to develop a place in five years of which NSL failed to do so” said governor Parkop. The settlers stated that the land was empty but over time, they added value to it, connecting roads, power, water supply among other amenities lifting the area's profile and then seeing the value added to the area NSL wants to step in and evict settlers, this is truly not acceptable.

A study responding to Tourism Promotion Authority’s need to determine baseline understanding of the scope for domestic tourism development has been recently conducted. Domestic tourism data collection study is an important tool for Papua New Guinea’s tourism sector, which has received recommendation from the Asian Development Bank’s Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative (PSDI). The publication of this study in April this year follows a series of stakeholder engagements from 1 to 2 June last year, including a workshop conducted in Port Moresby which was facilitated by PSDI with the support of the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA). It highlights the promise in PNG’s domestic tourism data before the pandemic and emphasizes the need for reliable data collection methodologies to inform policymaking and measuring performance in the tourism sector. TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo, said that the launch of the study signifies a significant step for PNGTPA. “As we embark on a journey to strengthen our focus on the domestic market, especially encouraging our people to explore their own backyard, establishing baseline data through one of the recommended approaches suggested in this study offers a start to quantifying the scope and nature of domestic tourism potential." Mr Uvovo highlighted further that the publication of this study marks the dawn of a new era for PNG's tourism industry. “It provides us with a clear roadmap to strengthen our vast potential for domestic tourism, laying the foundation for a resilient tourism landscape that benefits both our citizens and our economy.”

With Alternate Government trying to challenge Prime Minister James Marape and the government of the day in a Vote of No-Confidence, with members of the parliament running to and from the Opposition Camp to the Government Camp, the anti-Corruption watch dog of Papua New Guinea warns against the use of any public funds to fund their camps. Transparency International Papua New Guinea (TIPNG) is calling on the Government to not use public funds to pay for political camps, such costs should be paid for by each member of the coalition and doing otherwise would be an abuse of official powers. In a statement, TIPNG also calls on the Ombudsman Commission to issue a notice to all Government Departments during this time of political horse trading to remain neutral. Of particular importance will be the role of state lawyers to maintain the integrity of their office and to not take sides but provide impartial advice to the institutions of state and our parliamentarians. "Rather than informing us of their political numbers, leaders of political camps should issue clear statements on their development priorities and also communicate how they plan to tackle corruption" said Mr Peter Aitsi, TIPNG Board Chairman. “MPs have a duty under the Leadership Code not to diminish respect for and confidence in the integrity of the State in Papua New Guinea, and this includes respect for laws on votes of no confidence, parliamentary processes and party registration procedures which should be independently administered in the public interest respectively by the Parliamentary Offices of the Speaker, the Clerk and the Registry of Political Parties.” Mr Aitsi further highlighted that citizens’ rights and media freedoms should not be undermined for political gain. The Cybercrime Code Act must not be used selectively to silence political opponents nor to suppress public debate as well. “The focus for the national integrity and law enforcement agencies during this time should be to protect and safeguard public funds, such as DSIP which belongs to the constituents of an electorate and not the MP, public funds must not be misused to garner political favor or loyalty.” Section 5 of the Organic Law on the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), defines corrupt conduct by a public official as including abusing official functions and exercising official functions in a way that is not impartial. He further added the Section on 45 of the Organic Law on the ICAC establishes a legal duty on those subject to the Leadership Code, including Political Party Leaders, MPs and heads of public bodies and state agencies, to report corrupt conduct to the ICAC. “These provisions of the ICAC support the existing constitutional powers of the Ombudsman Commission, under the Leadership Code, to investigate alleged or suspected misconduct in office.”

New Porgera Limited (NPL) made an announcement today that they will assist the Papua New Guinea Defence Force with the clearance of the main road leading to the Porgera gold mine and the Porgera valley, located in Enga Province approximately 30 kilometers from the devastating mountainside collapse. In a statement, NPL said it is mobilizing heavy earth-moving equipment on both the Porgera and Wabag sides of the slip to assist in the clearance of the road. A geotechnical engineer provided by the New Zealand government with expertise on landslides is also expected to arrive soon to advise on recovery activities. The mine’s community relations team continues to engage with medical and other relief teams on the ground offering assistance, which to date has included food, first aid materials and other essential supplies to the location. NPL is also coordinating with other resource companies in PNG to provide longer-term assistance by the industry to the victims of the landslide. NPL further said that there were no employees with residences in the path of the landslip site and a handful of employees living in the impacted area reported no damage to their homes. Despite the landslides, the Porgera mine is currently operating without restriction. Meanwhile, Barrick CEO and President Mark Bristow extended his condolences and sympathies to the affected villagers as they and the PNG government respond to this tragic event. Mr Bristow stated that at this time of need, Porgera stands ready to provide additional relief and assistance to support impacted families and communities.

More than 2000 lives are feared to have been buried under tonnes of debris and boulders in the recent landslide in Mulitaka LLG in Enga Province. Following this tragic disaster, the United States of America through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), will provide the equivalent of approximately K2million (US D$500,000) for emergency humanitarian assistance. The USAID’s relief efforts will include logistics support, protection, clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) assistance. This USAID will leverage existing partnerships with the PNG’s National Disaster Centre and the Provincial Disaster Centre to ensure that relief meets the needs of the affected communities. In a recent statement from the United States President Joe Biden, he pledged United States support to the people and the government of Papua New Guinea and also shares his personal condolences to those whose families have been buried under the land slide. “Jill and I are heartbroken by the loss of life and devastation caused by the landslide in Papua New Guinea,” said President Biden. Also highlighting US commitment to providing support and relief assistant, Ambassador Ann Marie Yastishock emphasized the U.S commitment stating that the United States is working with their partners here in PNG as they lead rescue and recovery efforts. “This assistance will help meet the immediate needs of the people of Enga Province as they begin rebuilding their lives.” Currently the USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance disaster response experts are working with the government, humanitarian partners, and donors to ensure that relief efforts are coordinated and tailored to the needs of the communities affected by the landslide.

Nothing beats the sound of Tolai Rock and Sepik Disco, these where the tunes Papua New Guineans grooved to back in the early days of the PNG Music Industry back in the 80s and early 90s. The best from the Pacific Gold Studio (PGS) and CHM studio will put together an act this Friday night 24th May at the Cosmopolitan, Tolai Rock Legends with likes of Leonard Kania, George Telek Mamua MBE, Kanai Pineri and Uralom Kania from the Jnr Kopex Band; they will feature the best from Sepik Disco, Willie Sebas from the Sagothorns Band. In an exclusive interview with PNG HAUSBUNG, Leonard Kania highlighted that this will be the first time after almost 30 years these artists will come together to host a concert at the Cosmopolitan in Port Moresby city. “I did not have support or proper funding, but I felt we needed to sing together for the good old-time sake, so I flew Telek and Pineri from East New Britain down, to join Uralom and I and we invited Sepik Disco favourite Willie Sebas to join us, and I flew him down from Wewak,” said Leonard Kania. Kania stated that they want to play all their original songs that made PNG Music Industry grow in the earlier years of music in the country. “This one night only, is the night we will play all the original music that most of you grew up listening to or most of Papua New Guineans had so much sweet memories attached to.” Telek also highlighted that it was sad when comparing music from the past to the trend of how music is created by young artist today because the original style, tune and taste is lost, computer software have taken over the true definition of becoming a music artist. “We want new artist and the young generation to come on Friday and experience the real taste of PNG music,” said Telek. “We want to refresh your memories and bring back the sweet memories and revive the feeling you felt back in the day when you were listening to Tolai Rock and Sepik Disco.” Tickets for the concert are going for K50 presold and K60 at the gate. These five legends invite fans who grew up to their songs and promise to give them a night to remember. Kanai Pineri also shared a piece, stating that even though they are old, they sure will give all those who turn up for the night the very best of Tolai Rock and Sepik Disco. “Mipla no kam long pilai Boom box (We are not here to play from a boom box) but we will deliver the best of live band this Friday Night, 24th May at the Cosmopolitan.” All 5-legend artist will each play 6 of their best hit songs and the main act of the night and closing artist will be Leornard Kania.