Foundation aids school

Post Courier

St Lawrence Epakale Elementary school situated in the remote Jimi District of Jiwaka province recently launched its first permanent double classroom thanks to Digicel PNG Foundation’s continued investment in education infrastructure to provide increased access to better education in remote, rural and marginalised PNG communities .
The St Lawrence Epakale elementary school is located in Tabibuka and is operated by the Anglican Church. It lies in the high altitude with rough terrains which makes accessibility a real challenge for children as young as 7 years old.
Funded at a cost of K140,000, the investment includes a double classroom building, office space, desks, a water tank and two ventilation improved piping (VIP) pit toilets.
“Our heartfelt gratitude goes to Digicel PNG Foundation for recognising our education needs and investing in St Lawrence Epakale elementary school despite the remoteness in its location. Our children can now learn in this comfortable environment and grow to become good citizens for the future development of Jimi district and Papua New Guinea as a whole,” said Mr Sandari Panga, Head Teacher of the school.
At the launching of the classroom, Beatrice Mahuru, CEO Digicel Foundation said: “We are delighted to have touched the lives of the people of Tabibuga and especially Jimi district in a positive way. Education is the single biggest opportunity we can invest in a child in their quest for a future filled with hopes and aspirations.
“We are encouraged by the community ownership demonstrated here and are confident that the Tabibuga community will make the most of the investment made in this new classroom building. My encouragement is to look after this investment and grow the seed”.
To date the Digicel Foundation has funded 282 community based projects covering 22 provinces in PNG and put K19.79 million back into marginalised PNG communities.
The Digicel Foundation plans to continue funding community projects in the area of basic education and health aiming to support communities as they become more self-reliant in the future.

Leader concerned over illegal counting

BY PEARSON KOLO

The Deputy Governor of the Western Highlands Province has criticised a number of assistant returning officers after they resumed vote counting in the five LLGs the Electoral Commissioner declared failed.
Wai Rapa questioned why these officers, temporarily employed to run the elections, have defied the commissioner and illegally resumed vote counting.
Fourteen LLG elections in six other highlands provinces have also been declared failed by the commissioner.
“The decision and stand of the electoral commissioner with the support of the Government is clear so why are a few election officials defying the decision of the authorities of the independent state of Papua New Guinea?” the Deputy Governor asked.
Mt Hagen city was quiet yesterday after a rampage in the main market on Wednesday, sparked by Mr Trawen’s decision.

Landowners threaten closure

Dominic Puja Elwin

A landowner company has threatened to disrupt the LNG project if the Government and the Developer failed to address outstanding issues that they have allegedly failed to address.

The Hides PDL 1 Landowners Association has given the State and the PNG LNG Project developer, Esso Highlands to respond to their petition on August 22 to resolve outstanding issues or face the disruption of the project.
Speaking on behalf of the landowners, Hides PDL 1 Landowners Association chairman Hare Hengi said they were adamant that after the execution of the UBBSA and Hides LBBSA agreements, the State and the Project Developer had turned a blind eye and have given deaf ears to the issue. He said various attempts have been made by landowners to address those prevailing issues but since landowner leaders have on occasions compromised with stake holders for personal interests, the effort to pursue those issues were dropped.
“Since those issues were not successfully addressed, the majority of genuine landowners residing within the vicinity of the Hides PDL 1 area feel that all their beneficial rights are deprived and they are definitely aware that all their grievances would hardly be entertained when and during gas commercialisation in 2014 and beyond so they have collectively sanctioned Hides PDL 1 LNG Landowners Association to reach the Government and Developer for a round table dialogue with the landowners so as to sort out these issues once and for all.
“The Government and the Developer (Exxon Mobil) as key stakeholders to the PNG LNG Project must extend their hands now to accept this petition and admit liabilities, honour neglected commitments and comply with provisions in the UBBSA and LBBSA without any delay,” Mr Hengi said. The issues raised by the Hides PDL 1 Landowners through the petition are as follows:
1. Outstanding seed capital for Hides PDL 1;
2. Wellhead rental payment;
3. Water resources compensation;
4. UBBSA and LBBSA legislated nlinelandowner entitile funds
In the meantime, all the Principle Landowners of the Hides Project area were not happy with the Government since many of the issues raised in retrospect were not taken into consideration and sorted out. The landowners in a bold move threatened that if no positive response materialise from the Government and Developer within the said time frame (12 days), then they would raise the alarm for the following planned disruptions to be executed by all frustrated landowners at the Hides PDL 1 Project site, HGCP Project Site and Pipeline Route to:
1.Shut down all operation at Hides Power Plant;
2.Shut down all Wellheads (Wellhead 1,2,3,4 and 5);
3.Closure of Nogoli and Kopalu Camp;
4. Shut down operation of Juni LNG Technical College;
5. Disrupt Pipeline Construction (at designated route); and
6.Blockage of Roads
“We hereby urge the Government to consider this sensitive matter seriously and be cautious this time that the vast majority landowners of Hides PDL 1 including other affected landowners from Hides PDL 7, Komo Township and Angore PDL 8 would respect the law and pledge allegiance for the good of the Hides PDL 1 Project which is expected to contribute a greater percentage (85%) of natural gas for the PNG LNG Project,” Mr Hengi said.
Post Courier online 29 August 2013.

WHP first to return writs

 

By RAMCY WAMA

THE Western Highlands Province is the first province in the highlands region to return writs for the LLG elections.
The province is made up of nine LLGs and four electorates. Election for the five LLGs were failed by the Electoral Commissioner as the people were denied their democratic rights in electing their leaders.
The decision made by the Chief Electoral Commissioner, Andrew Trawen on August 15, to fail elections for the five LLGs in the province and fourteen LLGs in other highlands provinces have resulted in the closure of the Kagamuga Airport, the Highlands Highway, and other business houses in the province.
Many candidates and supporters have hardly come to terms with Mr Trawen’s decision, but other candidates and supporters hail the decision and are preparing themselves for the supplementary election that would hopefully run in September.
The Commissioner commended Western Highlands Province for being the first province to return the writs of the four LLGs that were not failed, despite some candidates and electoral officials trying to continue counting for the affected LLGs. Mr Trawen said for the highlands region, Western Highlands was the first to return the writs for four LLGs that have not been failed and that is commendable. He said Southern Highlands, Enga, Chimbu, Eastern Highlands and Jiwaka provinces will return their writs either on Thursday or before the due date on Friday August 30, 2013.
“Hela will need an extension of a further 10 days to complete scrutiny of the ballots and the Electoral Commissioner will advise the Minister responsible accordingly,” Trawen said.
 

Kewanu delivers excavator for Upper Mendi roads

Post Courier

 

JOB satisfaction for a Member of Parliament is to deliver the services in areas that need it most.
“When you put a smile on the faces of the people in the rural areas or when mothers and children have tears of joy in their eyes in appreciation for what you deliver, that is what I call job satisfaction.”
This is according to Mendi-Muniuh MP, De Kewanu, who was satisfied when delivering basic services to the people in the area who acknowledge and appreciated them with tears in their eyes and smiles on their faces.
“My election motto as appeared on my election posters was the only words “For Real Change”, and was no election “gimmick”. I stand for what I believe in and what I can deliver, starting with the basics.”
He said a school teacher who walks for kilometers and villagers who cannot get produce to the markets watched in disbelief and literally with tears streaming down their faces in Upper Mendi when the district’s new PC200 Excavator drove onto their feeder road.
Mr Kewanu said it was something they have never experienced or seen in the last 30 years.
“A medical officer became emotional when accepting one of the three generator sets delivered to Munhiu Health Centre last month.
She was emotional because she will no longer use kerosene Lanterns as light to treat the sick in the night and will now be able to refrigerate most needed medical drugs. Now they are using a generator to light up the health center.
“This, for me as a leader and servant of the people, is what I call “Real Change”... and is the “real job satisfaction I get.”
District Administrator, James Embeap added: “The over 30,000 population will be direct beneficiaries of this machine that will open up roads built in colonial times by hand.
“The paramount priority for the MP and his Administration in the District are Roads, Bridges and Electricity.
Kewanu believes that better road accessibility will pave way for other developments and services to fall-in place.
This is where he has been putting his priority over the last four months when he obtained the financial powers. “We are committed in delivering much needed services in order of priority, so road rehabilitation is what you people get first,” he said.

WHP candidate alleges illegal conduct of duties

Wednesday 28th August 2013

By PEARSON KOLO

Election officials of Lumusa Local Level Government in the Western Highlands Province have been blamed for deliberately not performing duties constitutionally.
The runner-up candidate for Lumusa LLG Paul Barlus Warte claimed that their LLG election was greatly manipulated and influenced by the assistant returning officer for Lumusa LLG and his election officials.
Mr Paul Warte said one of the failures of the ARO Tommy Peke and his election officials was that they never asked the police to assist when ballot papers were hijacked.
“Ballot papers in two council wards, Ipilisane ward 24 and Independent wards 25 were hijacked by supporters and the new president declared but the election officials never brought this up or even asked the police who were on the ground to assist,” Mr Warte said.
“The president declared and the ARO collaborated and asked the election officials to write down all the first preference votes for himself and distributed the second and third preference votes.”
Mr Warte said the people in these two council wards just stood and watched while the election officials did this in front of the police, voters’ and scuritiners of other candidates.
“The election officials and the ARO were selected among many to run a transparent LLG election but they abused their entrusted powers and hijacked the election under their position for their personal gain,” Mr Warte stressed.
Mr Warte and several other candidates who contested for the Lumusa LLG presidential seat are putting up a paper together to present to the electoral commissioner.

Wiru ARO arrested

BY PEARSON KOLO

THE Assistant Returning Officer for Wiru Local Level Government in the Pangia District in Southern Highlands Province was allegedly arrested by police straight after he declared the winner of the presidential recently.
The Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) Reke Manage who is out on a K1000 police bail said he was arrested by Ialibu police after he declined to sign an affidavit which he claimed he did not write.
Mr Manage said he delayed Joseph Kunkunu after he came first with 6366 votes in front of the runner up Wambi Nondi who polled 6206, a difference of 160 votes.
“Straight after the declaration, the supporters of the runner-up started a fight with the supporters of the winning candidate,” Mr Manage said.
“In the midst of the confusion, I was confronted by eight policemen from Ialibu who forced me to sign affidavits which they said I had pre-written.”
The ARO said he refused to sign and that was when he was bashed up by the police and locked up.
“I bailed myself out with K1000 but am still not sure why I was bashed up and locked in the cells,” Mr Manage said.
The election official said he had laid formal complaints with the police in Mt Hagen and Southern Highlands and wanted the police bosses to look into the matter and deal with those police involved.
According to the Wiru LLG ARO, fie out of the 39 councilors wards were declared unopposed while 34 were counted and declared and 12 presidential candidates contested with Joseph Kunkunu being declared.

Hela candidates want all LLG’s failed

Post Courier 

CANDIDATES who contested for presidential seats in the 17 Local Level Governments in the Hela Province are filing a petition to declare the elections in the province failed.
This was emphasised during a press conference in Mt Hagen last week by the candidates.
Tagali LLG presidential candidates Henny Hayale, Etape Ayage and Paul Parila who spoke on behalf of the candidates stated in their petition that the LLG elections in all the 17 LLG in the province were hijacked by few individuals who they claimed used force and intimidation.
Mr Hayabe claimed the people did not freely and fairly elect their leaders because they feared for their lies and gave in to their intimidators.
“We the leaders and candidates from Hela do not agree with Andrew Trawen’s decision to only declare failed election for Tari LLG and
not the other 16,” the candidates said.
“The other LLGs also saw some of the worst corrupt pratises in an election and we do not know why the electoral commissioner only picked Tari LLG and declared it a failed election.” The candidates in their petition stated that polling were conducted in ungazetted polling areas, candidates hijacked the ballot papers and shared among themselves, while election officials and security personal were openly threatened.
Mt Hayabe and Mr Ayage said the LLG elections this year where the people elect their presidents is a newly introduced system in the country and should have been well funded and supported by the Government but that did not happen resulting in most of the LLGs seeing a failed election.
“Counting in many LLGs in Hela has not started yet and we want to have fresh elections so that the people can democratically elect their leaders,” the two presidential candidates said.
The petition will be presented today to declare all LLG election in Hela Province failed.

MP Ganim delivers services

  Post Courier

WABAG MP, Robert Sandan Ganim continues to deliver needed services to the remote and the neglected areas in Wabag district, Enga province.
Sirunki Lutheran high and Sirunki Lutheran primary schools received a brand new Lukas Mill wokabaut sawmill valued at around K70,000 last week.
“Sirunki high school is run by the Lutheran Gutnius Church. For 17 years the school has been neglected because the Church thinks the Government should fund it while the Government thinks it’s the Church’s responsibility resulting in the school being left out. All its building infrastructure were left to dilapidation. So I decided to give them this sawmill so that they can cut their own timbers and renovate their buildings, build desks, beds, and do things like that.
“The other reason for their misfortune is that it is situated in the border of the districts of Wabag and Laiagap Porgera, neither of these district administrations had considered them for assistance because each thinks the other will take care of Sirunki resulting in the school being neglected over the years. I have now taken ownership and will place Sirunki under my administration and will continue to assist Sirunki,” said Mr Ganim.
He appealed to the Sirunki landowners to accept development and allow for the school to exist, adding that the Enga Provincial Government had allocated funds for the high school redevelopment but would be reluctant to start work if dispute was at hand.
Sirunki high also received a new 10 seater Toyota Land cruiser valued at around K120,000 from Mr Ganim as well as spray pumps, pesticides, and seeds of potatoes, garlic and onion distributed to the schools.
“This is the first time that any Member of Parliament visited our school and gave us a vehicle and a saw mill. We are very grateful to you Mr Ganim,” a jubilant Headmistress of Sirunki high school Mrs Peam Yakali said.
Mr Ganim also committed a truck for Sirunki farmers to be honoured before the year ends while Tambitanis health centre in Sirunki) will also receive an ambulance and a generator.
The Wabag MP also distributed cheques; K20,000 to the Lutheran Bishop for the Church’s administration and K20,000 each for the high school and the primary school for library books.
 

Work has already begun on the 12 kilometre Sirunki-Mulisos road which Mr Ganim funded at K400,000 under his DSIP grants.
Renowned development author, Robert Chambers wrote in part “isolation (lack of education, remoteness, being out of contact) sustains poverty: services do not reach those who are remote; illiterates cannot read information of economic value, and find it difficult to obtain loans.
“Isolation means lack of contact with political leaders or with legal advice and not knowing what the powerful are doing”. Isolation therefore is a physical cause of poverty for many in PNG.
 

But Sirunki which is situated between the border of Laiagap Porgera district and Wabag district in Enga Province is the very opposite. It is not isolated but situated on a flat stretch along the main highway connecting Enga’s provincial capital, Wabag to the gold rich Porgera in the West. The people are now seeing changes taking place with Ganim as its political leader. For “what the eye does not see, the heart does not grief about”-Old English Proverbs. If only can there be more visits, especially by those in power and control of public resources, rural poverty can be perceived more realistically and by merit given the attention it deserves.
 

Court order delaying compensation payment

By DAVID MURI

All legitimate claimants to the Tari airport land will be paid as soon as a pending court injunction is lifted, says acting administrator William Bando.
He made this promise in Port Moresby yesterday after principal plaintiff of Tari Airport Landowners Group Association, Alembo Wangarere, ridiculed the administrator for deliberately delaying the release of their K10 million compensation from the National Government.
“He’s (Wangarere) an important part of the claim. We will pay him personally. We’ve got a special consideration for him,” Bando said.
But the administrator cautioned Wangarere not to drag the matter into the court house as it would further delay the process and cost them money. He also asked Wangarere to refrain from issuing threats against him or his family. Mr Bando said the Tari airport compensation issue is a very sensitive matter that needed collective input from the distribution committee he heads. Bando said the aggrieved Wangarere is part of this committee that is sanctioned by the provincial executive council to identify claimants and distribute payment.
Mr Bando stressed that all 12 clans identified in the claim including Wangarere, will be paid out once the order is lifted.
Bando, flanked by members of the distribution committee, including his deputy administrators Kove Waiko and Hetra Hekele, expressed dismay at the manner in which Wangarere and his lawyers absconded meetings in Tari to solve the compensation issue.
He asked Wangarere not to depend on outdated historical data to pursue his claim.
Bando said Tari airport is a vital link to the new province and as such, all rightful landowners must be properly identified and paid to avoid further disruptions to this essential facility.
Wangarere claimed that Bando had intentionally defied lawful directives from various authorities including the Prime Minister’s office, Chief Secretary Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc and Hela Governor Anderson Agiru to release the money held in a trust account. “We have no intention in keeping the money but it’s their court order that is delaying the process,” Bando said.
Administrator Bando said there is a new directive that supersedes the previous directive that Mr Wangarere is depending on. The money is held in a trust account by Hela Provincial Government. The matter will return to . 

More Fresh Water Supply for NCD Communities

 

Source Em Tv News 

 

 

 

Communities at Burns Peak in Port Moresby will now have excess to fresh water supply.

 

Eda Ranu, in partnership with NCDC and North-West MP Michael Malabag, are funding this project.

The Burns Peak community has not had piped water for over the past 25 years. It will now enjoy constant water supply at a cost of K900, 000.

 

Chairman of Burns Peak Water Committee Ben Babire said for the past 2 years he has been fighting for water services for the community.

 

“We have heard on the Radio, seen on TV and read in papers about other areas getting water supply…and now it happened in Burns Peaks after a very long wait,” said Babire.

 

Electorate Member Michael Malabag said the dialogue between his office, Eda Ranu and NCD was significant for the delivery of such a service.

 

Chief Executive Officer of Eda Ranu Henry Mokono said Eda Ranu is delighted to carry out this water project to the residents of Burns Peak.

 

Chairlady of Eda Ranu Mary Karo advised the community to take ownership of the project and stop illegal connections.

 

MP Malabag and NCD Governor Parkop presented K500, 000 to Eda Ranu to support the project.

 

Governor Parkop was privileged to do the ground breaking. Work will commence in the next 2 weeks.

Kompiam wants help

BY PEARSON KOLO

THE people of Kompiam District in Enga Province have been neglected by their MP for the last 15 years resulting in them missing out on basic services.
The only road access from Wabag to Kompiam is negotiable only by four wheel drive vehicles and the Kunap River is impassable by both people and four wheel drive vehicles when it is flooding during rainy seasons.
There has been no administration in Kompiam district for more than 15 years and there is evidently no government services.
Enga Governor Peter Ipatas who was in Kompiam this week was surprised that his convoy had to drive across the river through a bypass cleared by the people themselves through the river.
Governor Ipatas told more than 2000 people in Kompiam district that he had already provided K5 million for the construction of the bridge and was surprised to see it had not been fixed yet.
“The Enga Provincial Government under my leadership is always providing for services in the district every year,” Governor Ipatas said.
“It is now the responsibility of the Open Members and their District Development Planning committee to implement and provide these services.”
Grand Chief Ipatas said open members must put aside their election or other feuds and serve the people they represent.
Leaders from Kompiam openly claimed their Open Member for more than 15 years and now Environment Minister John Pundari had been deliberately ignoring them for more than 15 years now.
A leader Asik Keikya said road upgrading projects had always fallen short along the way and does not reach Kompiam while funds meant for developments in Kompiam had always been diverted elsewhere.
“The people of Kompiam understand that the K5 million for the Kunap River Bridge has allegedly been diverted to Minister Pundari’s company and the actual work has not occured,” Mr Keikya said. It is common understanding among the 40,000 plus people of Kompiam, Yangis and Lapalama that John Pundari hates the people of Kompiam.”
Another leader, Las lokaleo said Kompiam had regressed since John Pundari became Member some 15 years ago.
“Likely for the people of Kompiam, the Baptist church came to the area which provides all basic services like Health, education and water supply to the people of Kompiam,” Las said.
The leaders said they have faith in some of their elites like Ken Nanga and several others who are close to Minister John Pundari to fix the bridge and road.  
 

School funds govt for infrastructure projects

Post Courier

The Arwalgai Primary School in the Nebilyer District gave the Western Highlands Provincial Government K50,000 for the construction of several infrastructure projects.
The primary school has engaged the provincial engineering unit to oversee the construction of buildings, which include a double classroom and two teachers’ houses.
Kenbo and Nunga High Schools in the Dei District were the first schools to undertake such a project. Building construction in all three schools will begin next year with two new high schools starting their pioneer grade nine classes.
The engineering unit provides the technical knowledge and contractors to work on government funded projects. Several local MPs have engaged the unit with funding to manage and oversee projects worth millions of kina.
The Dei MP, Wesley Nukundi also has plans for a new multi-million kina ring road.    

Hagen show set to roll this weekend

By JOHNNY POIYA

The world renowned Mt Hagen Cultural Show is on this weekend at the Rabiamul Rugby oval.
Described as the most diverse, colourful, unique and primitive cultural display in the South Western Pacific region, the show is expected to attract a large number of international and local visitors.
Started in 1964 by the colonial Australian Administration to unify all the warring tribes in the region, the show has now gained commercial status, making it a single activity in the country attracting the largest number of international tourists.
Well over 300 international visitors are expected to flock to the Rabiamul field.
During the recent launch of the construction of the provincial headquarters, a prelude of the show was demonstrated when a large number of western Highlanders, Tolai and Manus dancers in traditional regalia entertained the crowd.
Governor Paias Wingti during his first provincial budget announced the closure of the provincial tourism office with the former events chairman Samuel Angimb and his team disbanded for unknown reasons.
Regardless, an interim team under Gabriel Kuntin has been working around the clock to have the event staged with the traditional taste, style and atmosphere it’s seen since since 1964. Governor Wingti said the show was an annual event and it was important for the tourism and hotel industry in the province and it had to be staged regardless of any setbacks.
The Western Highlands Provincial Government is the major sponsor with Daewon Trading another major supporter.
Well over 60 traditional cultural groups from around the country are expected to demonstrate the country’s cultural singsings and dances at the field.
Mr Kuntina said: “Though it was a bit of a rushed job, we got everything in order and we should have a normal Mt Hagen Cultural show on the weekend.”
The show begins Saturday and ends on Sunday.    

Basil Congratulates LLG Presidents

PDL 2 landowners want new board

By RAMCY WAMA in Kutubu

Landowners of PDL 2 in Kutubu, Southern Highlands Province, want an election for a new management for their Umbrella Company because the interim management appointed by the courts have not complied with court orders for an AGM to elect new members.
The 117 Incorporated Land Groups Chairman (ILG) of Namo’Aporo Landowners Association, who are direct beneficiaries of Kutubu Oil and PDL 2 of the LNG gas project, petitioned the interim management of the company to step down.
The landowners were overlooked by the management of their umbrella company from benefiting from their rightful shares received from Kutubu Oil for the last twenty years, including the recent multi-billion kina LNG project.
Sixty out of 117 ILG chairmen, who make up the Namo’Aporo Landowners Association, petitioned the chairmanship of John Kapi Natto and the management to step aside for not following the court order for a fresh election for the management of the company as per court order OS No 647 of 2010.
The Chairman for the Waunabo Sirigi ILG, Paul Yawe told Post-Courier in Kutubu that Mr Kapi and his management team had failed to conduct both the election and the annual general meeting as ordered by the National Court on February 13 and again on April 23.
“The Court appointed terms of the Interim Management of Namo’Aporo Landowners Association Inc which comprises of Mr Kapi as Chairman, Emma Atakaro as Vice Chairman, Roy Faso as Public Officer/Secretary and Peter Heno as Treasurer.
“But that has lapsed twice. The court ordered on February 13 for the election of the management committee on April 20, 2013, but that had failed. The court again allowed the interim management to run the company on April 23 until August 10, 2013 for a fresh election to be held to appoint the Management of Namo’Aporo Landowners Association Inc.
“They have failed to conduct an election on August 10, as Ordered by the Court proceedings OS No 647 of 2010, to elect the substantive Management Committee of Namo’Aporo Landowners Association Inc,” Mr Yawe explained.
He said: “Therefore, we, the sixty ILG chairmen call on the court not to re-appoint Mr Kapi and his interim management.”  
 

East Pangia road gets K500,000

By MELISSA MARTIN

The Southern Highlands Governor William Powi has allocated the second batch of funding of K500,000 for the completion of the East Pangia Road.
He presented the cheque to Yau Contractors, a local construction company, last weekend at Apenda, Pangia witnessed by hundreds of people.
 

This brings the total funding allocated by the Provincial Government for the Pangia Station to Apenda Village road to K1 million during Governor Powi’s short stint in office.
The first K500,000 was allocated in December 2012 to Yau Contractors who satisfactorily completed the job. The 30,000 people of East Pangia and their community leaders commended the Governor for funding the deteriorating condition of the road.
East Pangia’s four Ward Councillors Pimi Taita, Tike Akowai, Paul Kilinga, Carlton Punupo commended the Governor to support their local MP and Prime Minister to develop key infrastructure.
They said they have never seen tangible services and developments in a place like Pangia and there has been nothing on the ground to reflect the existence of a good Provincial Government.
 

Councillor Pimi Taita of Pangia Station Ward 1 said though their local MP and Prime Minister Peter O’Neil funded major infrastructure at the district, Governor Powi’s funding assistance fully complimented O’Neil’s efforts.
“The Governor’s support and commitment to the people of East Pangia shows his unwavering support and commitment to work closely with the local MP to develop basic infrastructures.
“We haven’t seen the local MP and the Governor working together for the common good of the people,” he said.
 

Mr Taita said the people of Pangia can see the Governments presence and support which isn’t another ground breaking ceremony adding to the many potholes they already have.
The leaders also praised the Governor for the change of culture in Mendi where Governors are followed with convoys of vehicles and supporters are paid huge amounts of money for bogus claims at the expense of the people.
Mr Henry Yakura thanked and praised Mr Powi for having the confidence in his company and the quality of work he has delivered to award his company the contract for the second time.  

WHP LLG Candidates Not Happy

 

 

 

 

Candidates contesting the local level government elections in Mt. Hagen, Western Highlands Province, are not happy with the way the elections were conducted.

 

They claimed proper procedures were not followed in the polling areas, which resulted in double voting, hijacking of ballot boxes, and even selling of ballot papers to candidates.

A petition will be presented to the Western Highlands election Manager Philip Talepe to have this issue addressed.

 

A convoy of vehicles with some disappointed candidates for ward councils and presidents told the public in Mt Hagen that the 2013 LLG Elections were not transparent.

 

They assembled at the Queens Park Oval to express their concerns and called on the Electoral Commissioner Andrew Trawen to declare it as a failed election.

 

Three term Hagen rural LLG President and deputy governor for Western Highlands Province, Wai Rapa, who is defending his seat was vocal amongst the candidates.

 

He said leaders should be elected through a democratic and transparent system.

 

They have petitioned the electoral commission with an eight point facts about the running of the election in Western Highlands Province.

 

At the same time counting continue in Hagen Central and other parts of Western Highlands with some winners declared.

 

Other candidates have agreed that the counting should proceed without further disruption.

NRI Weighs Positive and Negatives of Asylum Deal

Em Tv News


The National Research Institute weighed out the positive and negatives of the Asylum seeker issue.

 

National Research Institute’s Gande James commentary starts off with the negative implications:

First, there are no proper institutional mechanisms put in place to regulate the effects of the arrangement. For example, there are no separate laws like the Asylum Seeker Act to deal with any issues of asylum seekers.

 

Those who are granted refugee status will not enjoy all the human rights owed to them under the refugee convention. He says violence is endemic in PNG, so refugees will not be physically safe.

 

He talks about the lack of services given the chronic poverty in PNG and the lack of capacity of the PNG government and its institutions.

 

He says the deal is against International Law and other supporting legislation.

 

For example, Australia is likely to violate Article 31 of the refugee convention not to penalize an asylum seeker on account of his or her “illegal” mode of entry to Australia. 

 

In terms of the benefits, Gande James says the Government of Papua New Guinea only has the spin off benefits of the deal.

 

 He says PNG does not need extra money or aid to enhance its economic development.  The negative repercussions need to be carefully considered.

 

Instruments that will govern the administration of Asylum seeker processing in the country was signed on Tuesday by Foreign affairs minister Rimbink Pato and Australian high commissioner to PNG Deborah stokes.

 

The Memorandum of Understanding covers 24 key areas including the right for Australia to transfer refugees from Australia to PNG, and processing centres may be built anywhere in PNG.

 

The MOU may jointly be altered if the need arises.

Hela MPs urged to work together

By DAVID MURI

UNITY is vital to success in Hela, says one of the men behind the creation of the new province.
The prominent son and first Hela author Damien Arabagali said political leaders in the resource-rich province should unite to move it forward.
Arabagali said Hela’s destiny depend on Governor Anderson Agiru and Tari-Pori MP James Marape, adding the province’s progress or lack of it will depend on their relationship.
“We must sort out all the petty little issues for the good of our people. Differences will not assist us,” Arabagali said.
He appealed to the two leaders to put their political differences aside for the welfare of their people.
Arabagali said both Agiru and Marape played key roles in the creation of the new province and should continue to co-operate in order to develop their infant province.
He said the two leaders had differences in the appointment of the provincial administrator’s post currently held by William Bando, whom he described as being “a meat in the sandwich”.
He said the Hela people will not be completely liberated if political leaders continue to have conflicting opinions on how their affairs are managed. He likened Hela as an incomplete house with posts and no roof.
Arabagali stressed that he was at loggerheads with Agiru and Marape but forgave them both in the true spirit of unity and oneness for Hela’s greater prosperity.
“Agiru shunned me in the oil and gas summit in Sydney and Marape diverted a car that was appropriately allocated to me by the then Somare Government in 2008 under my duly-appointed position as special facilitator of Hela,” he said yesterday.
But Arabagali said he forgave both men and holds no grudge to this day. “If I had the guts and forgave both of you, why can’t you forgive one another?” he challenged.
He has this advice for the two leaders: “When someone steals your wife don’t retaliate but leave it to nature to take its course.”
He said Hela was the food bowl of PNG as it hosted the lucrative LNG, adding political leaders should be cautious when dealing with sensitive issues that would inflame tensions.
Arabagali said he was proud that Agiru and Marape had finally achieved the result.  

Chairman enraged by new ILG

Post Courier 

Buta Luguni Landowners Association chairman, James Hame, yesterday was so angry when reading about the incorporated landowner group (ILG) formed by landowners for benefits from the proposed multi-million kina Hewai hydro-electricity project in Tari, Hela Province, in the Post-Courier.
 

Mr Hame said those landowners who had formed the ILG did not consult him or any member of his tribe.
 

“I want to advise whoever is forming the new or interim ILG for Hewai Hydro Electrification project that there is Luguni Landowners Association in place, consisting of ILGs in the area under myself as the chairman,” Mr Hame said.
He said the landowners from the two tribes Yape and Hanadape that live along the vicinity of Hewai falls and the Tangali River in the Hayapuga LLG area of Tari District did not consult him as he was the chairman of the interim Buta Luguni Landowners association who have an existing ILG.
 

“Any ILGs formed outside of the Buta Luguni Landowners Association is illegal. As chairman of the Buta Luguni Association, I want to advise those illegal interim executives to consult me so we can change the ILG chairman,” Mr Hame said.
The multi-million kina Hewai hydro electricity project was initiated by Hela Governor, Anderson Agiru, and is expected to produce more megawatts of electricity than the current existing hydro plants at Yonki, Kaguel and Sogeri in Port Moresby.

Tari LOs form ILG

  Post Courier

LANDOWNERS of the proposed multi-million kina Hewai hydro- electricity project in Tari, Hela Province have formed an interim incorporated landowner group (ILG) to push for their benefits and participation.
The landowners are from the two major tribes Yape and Hanadape that live along the vicinity of Hewai Falls and the Tagali river in the Hayapuga LLG area of Tari district, Hela Province.
The landowners met at Kobalu PNG LNG project camp on Saturday to organize themselves into their different clans and nominated their interim ILG chairmen.
The Yape tribe and its clan ILG chairmen nominated are Penda clan — Mr Andrew Pulupe; Paipa — Mr Isaac Mandolo; Huguru – Mr Talipe Tayanda; Honuma — Mr Piyari Pangale and Terama, Mr David Pangale.
The Hanadape tribe has three major clans with their nominated ILG chairmen. They are from Porowali — Mr Simon E Kopia; Kelawali — Mr James Iapra and Peperaya — Mr Taumuni Matialu.
During the meeting the landowners welcomed and thanked the Hela Provincial Government under the leadership of Governor Anderson Agiru for the establishment of the proposed hydro-project that is expected to produce more megawatts of electricity current than the existing ones at Yonki, Kaguel and Sogeri in Port Moresby.
The landowners also welcomed the engagement of international developer Innovative Agro Industries from the LA Group of Israel who have already begun the feasibility study and design of the project.
The Innovative Agro Industries are already in Hela trying to develop three major agro industrial centres at Koroba, Piwa in Tari and Hulia in Komo Margarima district — which is also initiated and funded by Governor Agiru.
During the meeting, the landowners also passed four resolutions for the Hela Provincial Government and the developer to address. These resolutions include payment of seed capital for the landowners to their umbrella company prior to the commencement of the project; that the developer must consult the chairman of the interim ILGs prior to revealing of the hydro-development plan or in carrying out other tasks at Hewai Falls.
They also resolved that the developer and the Hela provincial government assist the landowners in any form of assistance needed and that the land must be incorporated and registered prior to the commencement of the hydro-project.
Landowners representative Mr Andrew Pulupe said while they wholeheartedly support this project — which is of significant importance to Hela and the country — it was equally important that the developer and the provincial government communicate and have a dialogue with the landowners for the smooth development of the project.
 

UPNG FORUM SQUARE Burning Against the Asylum Seekers deal between PNG & AUSTRALIA...!!

 

 

 

Francesca Baiwog

Right from the day when PM O'Neil opened his mouth and agreed to take in Asylum seekers/refugees, I have been reading posts day after day from morning till night about PNGeans posting about the issue. In fact, I was watching the news on TV and jumped out of my chair and started swearing.. so mad that I could not even eat my dinner. I have a few questions and points to make here...

Why did PM O'Neil accept PM Rudd's offer? What in the world was he thinking? Did he have any consultation at all with the people of PNG? Did he forget that PNG is stricken with it's own problems and that he is yet to work around all those problems to find lasting solutions to them? How is he going to cater for all those asylum seekers? Has he thought of our West Papuan neighbours who have been in POM for ages a...nd have not been granted residency status? Has he got social security for the West Papuan people in place? In PNG, 97% of the land is owned by the people, which means only 3% is owned by government. Where will he purchase the land from to give to these asylum seekers/refugees to live and work on in order to survive. PNG does not have social security and where will these people get their support from for survival?

People are coming in numbers by boats to PNG; knowing that they will be PERMANENTLY RESETTLED IN PNG. Do we have the land for them?? NO.. PNG has a very small land mass compared to Australia (PNG has 462,840 sq km compared to Australia which has almost 7.7 million sq km). 80% of the 22 million people live in and round cities and along the coast covering only 1% of the Australian continent. Why can't Australia re-settle them in-land and let them do farming?? Is PM O'Neil prepared to send them to his electorate? We do not need asylum seekers.

I was listening to the NINE News yesterday; and there was this male asylum seeker from Bangladesh who sexually harassing a legally blind female.. And so do we need them?? No way. There is another issue I want to share here as well... In Sweden, only 6% of its population is made up of immigrants. Since then; the rate for rape has increased by 500% because of Asylum seekers/Immigrants from War stricken Muslim countries, which means 1 in 4 women has a very high chance of being raped. And 70% of these rape cases are committed by Muslim men. Do we need those people?

Tribe urges chairman to report on K7m

By RAMCY WAMA

THE Palgei tribe in Jimi electorate has called on their chairman, Steward Mark of the Timber Resource Purchase Agreement (TRP) group to explain and clarify the use of K7m to them for leasing their land.
The spokesman for the landowners, Mr Kange Kel had raised this concern. The same concern was expressed by Jimi local MP, Mai Dop, on the floor of parliament early last month when he asked the Minister for Justice and Attorney General where the money is.
A total of K10m was allocated by the National Government but K7m was released through the National Forestry Authority to the TRP investment beneficiaries in 2012.
The money has not reached the rightful landowners and the next of kin for the investments their forefathers and fathers have made.
Mr Kange said, “We are still waiting for the K7m to be equally distributed among the seven sub-clans of the Palgei tribe in Jimi electorate. Mr Mark distributed only K50, 000.00 each to the seven sub-clans and advised us that he will distribute the remaining K6.65m when the money is cleared.”
He said since then, Mr Mark never returned to the village to to report to the beneficiaries on the balance.
“We demand an explanation and clarification from Mr Mark as to how he used the balance of the K7m payment,” Mr Kel said.
If the remaining K6.65m was used for investment purposes in other businesses, are the beneficiaries part of the investments?” Mr Kel asked.
He said the genuine landowners had used all the resources they had and some loaned money from creditors to finance their costs involved in following up on the balance since the payment was made in 2012.
“Now we are caught up with credits. The creditors are after us for their money. Our families and relatives back in the village are hoping that we will return home with the balance to share with them,” Mr Kel said.
He called on Mr Mark to explain and clarify publicly where the balance of the K7m is and if the money was used to invest in other busineses ventures, explain why he used the money for investment purposes without the consent of the beneficiaries.
“I want Mr Mark to explain to the office of the Public Curator, Department of Treasury, Finance, and the National Forestry Authority the use of the K7m.
“If the money was used to pay the creditors, then he has to provide the list of the creditors so that we can verify it with the creditors that are after us, the genuine landowners and beneficiaries.
“We want him to explain either on the media or back in the village so that the stakeholders of Palgei TRP and the government departments who facilitated the payments must know the use of the public fund,” Mr Kel explained.