The Road Traffic Authority (RTA) is taking steps to increase the safety of the public on the roads by cracking down on unregistered vehicles and those fraudulently operating as public transport vehicles, by taking them off the roads.RTA acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. John Avira said this while announcing this week the impounding of two buses in the National Capital District (NCD) and many more in Lae city.“These include buses who do not have their route numbers painted on their vehicle bodies permanently and switch route numbers at will to transport passengers in other routes,” said Mr. Avira, who is also a mandated Superintendent – Motor Traffic by RTA legislation.“The sweeping net will also include vehicles painted in taxi colours but are not registered, and do not carry appropriate yellow T registration plates in both the front and the back of their cars.”Mr. Avira stated this today following reports from the public sighting and reporting of several unlicensed buses' crew in the National Capital District putting up temporary route numbers and picking up passengers and vehicles with taxi colours but without yellow T license plates.His comments also follow the impounding of defective buses operating as PMVs in Lae with suspicious registration and safety stickers.Meanwhile, RTA Lae-based Traffic Enforcement Officers are investigating how the impounded vehicles’ owners were able to obtain valid safety stickers, valid Compulsory Third Party stickers from Motor Vehicle Insurance Limited and valid registration stickers from traffic registry.Mr. Avira said that they are intensifying operations on all illegal and unsafe passenger transport services."The law is clear. Only passenger endorsed/permitted vehicles, driven by appropriated licensed drivers, are allowed to ferry the public; and PMV buses are to operate in the specifically authorized and allocated routes," said Mr. Avira."The rationale for this law is so that appropriately licensed and road worthy vehicles - and appropriately licensed drivers - ferry the public with safety."Additionally, it is unfair for unlicensed passenger PMV and taxi services to steal business of those appropriately licensed and registered to provide that service.“Offending drivers will be issued Traffic Infringement Notices, fined and the vehicles impounded. The drivers and owners will also be referred to police for arrest and prosecution.Mr. Avira warned the public to avoid hitching rides on unlicensed passenger vehicles as their safety cannot be guaranteed and they are breaking the law."RTA is committed to ensuring that the travelling public are safe. That begins with ensuring public transport vehicles are road worthy through passenger transport licensing - and drivers are appropriately licensed to ferry passengers safely."Safety is everybody's responsibility. So, passengers too need to be choosy on their rides,” said Mr. Avira.

The Division of Lands and Physical Planning in Central Province has been strengthened with the addition of two new double-cab vehicles, survey equipment and office uniforms to improve land administration and service delivery.The handover ceremony at Konedobu, led by Acting Provincial Administrator Bala Kapa highlighted government support in building institutional capacity with the equipment blessed by Rev. Roger Joseph and prayers offered for responsible land management. The new resources are expected to boost mobility for officers conducting surveys, resolving disputes and delivering services across remote areas while also improving accuracy in planning processes. Acting Lands Advisor Mr. Kila Bae welcomed the investment, describing it as timely and strategic. “This is an important investment demonstrating strong leadership and commitment to strengthening institutional capacity within Central Province,” Bae said. He added that while the support may seem small, its long-term impact will be significant. “Our land and our integrity must never be compromised,” Mr. Bae said. “Providing mobility and technical tools will greatly enhance field operations, improve land surveys, and fast-track the resolution of long-standing land issues affecting our people.” With land disputes remaining a key challenge, the support is expected to improve planning systems, resolve conflicts and promote sustainable development across the province.

The Governor for Madang province, Ramsey Pariwa, recently delivered K50,000 to remote Tangu Aid Post in ward 30 of Yawar Local Level Government (LLG) in Bogia District. Chief Steven Ikupak on behalf of the people of Tangu situated in the hinterland of Bogia District described Governor Pariwa's return to Tangu colorfully as going back with 'han mak'.Ikupak said the Governor's earlier visit to Tangu was as only the 'lek mak' and his now honoring of his commitment as 'han mak'.Governor Pariwa last year during one of his electoral visits to Bogia gathered with the Tangu people from wards 29, 30 and 31 where he announced his commitment. During the gathering he also announced that the road project to Josephstaal LLG in Middle Ramu district would pass through Tangu.Chief Ikupak said Tangu people are very grateful and appreciative of the financial assistance. Chairman of Tangu Aid Post, Barry Gagau, thanked Governor Pariwa on behalf of his executives, stating that the funding would be utilized wisely in upgrading the aid post in preparation for the facility to be granted a health post status later. He said Tangu aid post has been serving wards in both Yawar LLG and Josephstaal LLG in Middle Ramu. He said the aid post has an ambulance presented by the Bogia MP, Robert Naguri, and also uses a VHF radio communication service that was installed during the time decades ago when former governor late Peter Barter was in office.Mr. Gagau requested if the Governor could intervene to seek assistance from the Madang Provincial Health Authority to assist Tangu Aid Post. Governor Pariwa said he would inform the Madang PHA regarding the request by the chairman of Tangu Aid Post. Governor Pariwa was inspired by the turn out of school children from Tangu Primary School who turned out in numbers with their bright yellow and brown uniforms to welcome him.The children lined up from the Heli-pad area at the Tangu Primary School and led a procession covering over half a kilometer singing and praising Governor Pariwa. During his address Governor Pariwa made a commitment of K70,000 to Tangu Primary school. He urged the school board chairman, who happens to be Chief Ikupak, and the head teacher to do a follow-up letter with his office so funding arrangement would be prepared.

Remote communities in the Sumau-Garia census division of Begesin in Usino LLG of Usino-Bundi District in Madang Province were overwhelmed with joy upon the arrival of the Provincial Member and Governor, Ramsey Pariwa, to officially launch the Uria-Mopo road maintenance project.Sumau-Garia spokesman, Thomas Wekmara, said the Uria-Mopo road maintenance would greatly ease their pain of walking far distances for over 40 years to access government services and do business. Governor Pariwa made his presence felt during the launching of the 20-kilometer Uria-Mopo road maintenance project when he boarded an excavator machine to start the engine and did the groundbreaking thus signifying the commencement of the road project. The contractor Fayantina Construction is working on the road upgrade. Mr. Wekmara, commended the Governor Pariwa for allocating funding to upgrade the Uria-Mopo road."Governor, you have really started to heal our scars from walking very far distances with cargos on our backs like donkeys," Wekmara said.He added that there was a road previously from Kawawar junction to Uria and further on to Mopo, however, lack of maintenance in the last forty years had made it impassable for vehicle to travel using the road.Another vocal spokesman and Chairman of Gigaso Cocoa Cooperative Society, John Koti, said the road project would greatly assist rural cocoa and kava farmers to transport their produce to sell."We are so grateful and appreciative of your assistance to fixing the Uria-Mopo road,"However, we request the road should continue on to Eunime, Totopa, Ipisan and Kasual," Mr. Koti said."There are people and villages there, which greatly need good road access, " he added.Mr. Pariwa explained to the people that he understands the difficulties the people face because he had already walked that road. Furthermore, he originates from the Begesin area and whatever sentiments the people expressed he is fully aware of.He further explained that as the Governor for Madang Province he is responsible for all the six districts, twenty-one LLGs and over four hundred fifty-one wards. Therefore, he wants to be fair in sharing whatever little funds the Government allocates to Madang.Governor Pariwa even challenged the Inland Pipeline Landowners Association through its business arm, namely Maigari Limited, to start acquiring earthmoving machines so they would get contracts from the Madang Provincial Government to fix their own roads in the area.IPL LOA are beneficiaries to royalty and other assistance from the Ramu nickel-cobalt mining project.He challenged that if Wass Matau, a company from Coast Pipeline LOA, have built up machineries and can be given a contract by the MPG for road maintenance, there is no reason why Maigari Limited cannot do the same. Mr. Pariwa told the gathering that the Madang Provincial Government had already purchased a number of earthmoving machines which are now working in Rai Coast and Middle-Ramu districts that are considered least developed districts in the province and the country.Mr. Pariwa explained that he is placing those machines in remote places to build roads because the people there do not have road access connectivity. A female spokesperson, Cecilia Sonde, from Ward 27 in Kasual was emotional when thanking Governor Pariwa for attending the launching in person. "Just by seeing you I feel I am healed of my pain of walking very far distances to access government services," Ms. Sonde told the Governor.Meanwhile, the Member for Usino Bundi Gama, Hon Vincent Kumura, has committed K200,000 to support the Governor for the Uria-Mopo road upgrade. 

The National Procurement Commission (NPC) yesterday conducted its first nationwide consultative workshop on amendments to the National Procurement Act at the Highlander Hotel in the city of Mount Hagen for the Highlands region. 45 participants at the Subnational level attended the workshop and provided their inputs on the amendments. The workshop was facilitated by Mr. Jim Wiai and Mr. Wesley Dickson of NPC with the assistance of Mr. Wilfred Baliawe. The consultative workshop will continue throughout the four regions of the country before the final Bill is out.This initiative aims to enhance transparency, accountability and local business participation in government procurement activities.The key focus areas for the amendments include improved transparency measures, local content requirements, streamlined processes and integration of technology to optimize procurement activities.The next workshop is for the Momase region and will be held on Thursday, February 26th at the Lae International Hotel in Lae city.New Guinea Islands will have theirs at Rapopo Plantation Resort Hotel on Thursday March 5th, while Southern Region will have theirs at APEC Haus in Port Moresby on Wednesday March 11th.Provincial Administrators, District Administrators/ DDA CEOs or their representatives are expected to attend.

As Papua New Guinea’s digital connectivity expands, the country’s ICT regulator is urging stronger cyber safety awareness, especially among children and young people, to keep pace with evolving online threats.Speaking at the recent Safer Internet Day 2026, the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA), Polume Lume, said increased access to mobile internet has connected more Papua New Guineans than ever, but also exposed users to risks such as misinformation, privacy breaches, online harassment and data abuse. According to NICTA’s National ICT Indicators Report 2025, an estimated 4.3 million mobile subscriptions were recorded in 2024, with population coverage reaching about 77 percent — a sign of rapid digital consumption across the country. “With more children and young people encountering artificial intelligence online, they must be equipped with the skills and confidence to make safe choices.” NICTA is promoting critical thinking and responsible social media use as key defenses against harmful online behaviour, urging parents and guardians to monitor minors in navigating digital spaces safely. The Authority also called on the public to report illegal or inappropriate online content and to help foster a more positive online culture as connectivity continues to grow across the country. The remarks were issued in Port Moresby to mark global Safer Internet Day activities focusing this year on safe and responsible use of AI.

The Public Servants Netball Association (PSNA) knock-out matches produced exciting and closely contested games across all divisions over the weekend.In Division 1, National Parliament secured a strong 26–23 victory over NBC 1 in a competitive match. Customs 1 claimed a narrow win against Department of Commerce & Industry 1 in Division 2, finishing 9–6, while NCDC 1 defeated PNG Power 18–14 in Division 3. Division 4 saw one of the closest contests of the day, with the National Museum edging out National Maritime Safety Authority 18–17. National Procurement Commission also recorded a tight victory over NICTA in Division 5, winning 10–9, while Department of Commerce & Industry 2 defeated Internal Revenue Commission 2 by a single goal in Division 6, 15 –14. In Division 8, HK overcame CPTA 12–10 in another competitive match. The Mixed Division Pool A match saw National Maritime Safety Authority defeat the National Fisheries Authority 27–24, while in the Premier Division, BPNG 1 delivered a strong performance to beat PNGSF 1, 31–24. The competition continues as teams prepare for the grand finals.

The Hela Provincial Government has funded the training of its Hela based Police Mobile Squad officers at the McGregor Mobile Squad Base in Port Moresby, with the officers passing out this week after completing the program.Deputy Director of the Mobile Squad Directorate at McGregor, Chief Superintendent Florien Luvi, confirmed that Hela is among the first provincial governments to directly fund training for its Mobile Squad unit through its own provincial budget. “The Hela Provincial Government is one of the first provincial governments that is stepping forward to fund training for the Mobile Squad based in their province,” Chief Superintendent Luvi said. He said the support was timely. “The police officers need training, and it was a timely help for the officers to undergo such training,” he said. Chief Superintendent Luvi also encouraged other provincial governments to follow Hela’s example and support the Mobile Squad units stationed in their respective provinces. He said the trained officers will return to their home provinces to provide policing services to local communities. The Executive Officer of the Hela Provincial Government, Mr. Amos Libe, speaking on behalf of Hela’s leaders and people, thanked the McGregor Mobile Squad Base for conducting the training. He described the training as an added advantage as the officers prepare to address law and order challenges in the province. Mr. Libe said the provincial government has taken additional steps to strengthen policing capacity in Hela. He said thirty-two new police houses have been built and will be officially opened next week when the officers return home. He added that ten (10) police vehicles have been purchased and are ready to be presented during the opening of the houses and the welcome ceremony for MS09 members. Mr. Libe said construction of the remaining balance of the 100 houses is ongoing and will soon be completed. He said the Hela Provincial Government is serious about addressing law and order issues and is investing directly in police accommodation, vehicles and essential resources to attract and retain officers in the province. Mr. Libe further stated that more than half a million kina was allocated to fund the training, including necessary gear required by officers to perform their duties. On behalf of the provincial government, he thanked David Manning and police management for approving the request to train the officers. He said the trained officers will serve not only Hela Province but also the country when called upon for deployments elsewhere in PNG. Mr. Libe also acknowledged the support of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force from Goldie, who assisted in the training program.

Western Province is piloting World Vision Papua New Guinea’s first Universal Service Coverage (USC) Place-Based Initiative (PBI), an evidence-driven approach aimed at ensuring every household in Oriomo-Bituri Local Level Government (LLG), South Fly District, has access to safe, reliable and sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services by 2028.The initiative, led by World Vision Papua New Guinea, is designed to strengthen WASH systems through detailed community-level data collection and strong local leadership. It represents a coordinated effort to reshape how essential services are planned and delivered in one of the country’s most geographically challenging districts. South Fly District Administrator Wasewa Saebi, who has been in the role for nine months, described the initiative as timely and necessary. He acknowledged the district’s vast and difficult terrain, scattered settlements, numerous river crossings and high transport costs, which have long hindered effective government service delivery. “I have seen the commitment that World Vision brings to the communities it serves and it is truly inspiring,” Saebi said. “Your officers sleep in tents, move from village to village, collecting data and delivering training, even in places the government struggles to reach. That is why I am proud to support this Place-Based Initiative in Oriomo-Bituri LLG.” He emphasised that partnership is essential to achieving universal coverage. “The government can only do so much. It requires technical support from partners like World Vision to bring services to people, even in the most remote parts of the country,” he said. In February 2026, a key milestone was reached with the completion of an enumerators’ training workshop. Nine local enumerators were trained to collect accurate household-level data using digital tools, including the mWater survey application. The training combined technical instruction with practical field exercises, ensuring participants understood both the mechanics and the importance of data collection in guiding future WASH planning and investment decisions. Among the trainees was Cherisma Katam, a young mother taking part in such an initiative for the first time. She said the experience empowered her and highlighted the importance of women’s participation in community development. “Many young women, especially mothers, stay at home because of household responsibilities and never get the chance to take part in opportunities like this,” she said. “Being here makes me feel empowered, and I hope it encourages other young women to step forward.” Another participant, Kemrock Tom, said the introduction of real-time digital data collection would strengthen planning and decision-making, not only for Oriomo-Bituri LLG but potentially across the country. What is unfolding in Oriomo-Bituri LLG is being described as more than just a pilot project. It is a model for inclusive, community-centred development in remote regions of Papua New Guinea. Through baseline data collection, the initiative will identify households relying on unsafe water sources, families without access to toilets, and communities where hygiene practices remain limited. The findings will guide decisions on where to build new water points, strengthen sanitation efforts and focus hygiene promotion activities for maximum impact. The goal is to achieve more than 90 percent WASH coverage in the LLG by 2028, supported by quarterly and annual benchmarking to track progress and update performance scorecards. While stakeholders acknowledge that achieving Universal Service Coverage will require sustained commitment and collaboration, leaders in Western Province say the foundation has been laid. With accurate data, strong partnerships and community ownership, the province is moving closer to a future where every household has access to safe water, proper sanitation and improved hygiene services.

The Papua New Guinea Women’s National Football Team, the PNG Bilums, have departed Port Moresby for Fiji via Brisbane to compete in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Oceania Qualifiers, scheduled from February 27 to March 5 in Fiji.The Bilums will begin their campaign against Vanuatu on February 27, before taking on host nation Fiji on March 2 and New Caledonia on March 5. All group fixtures will be played at Govind Park in Fiji. Head Coach Eric Komeng said preparations over the past month have been positive, with the squad showing strong focus and commitment in camp. “The team has trained well and the attitude throughout preparation has been excellent,” Komeng said. “We know the competition will be tough, but we are ready to embrace the challenge.” He added that every nation in the tournament shares the same ambition — securing a pathway toward the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027. “Our players are highly motivated and determined to represent Papua New Guinea with pride. They understand what is at stake and are prepared to give their very best.” The Oceania Qualifiers are part of the qualification pathway to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 in Brazil. Papua New Guinea will be aiming for a top-two finish in their group to advance to the final stage of the competition in New Zealand in April. Blending experienced players with emerging young talent, the Bilums travel with confidence and belief as they once again compete on the regional stage. The Papua New Guinea Football Association encourages all Papua New Guineans, both at home and abroad, to support the Bilums as they proudly represent the nation with passion and determination.

The Governor of East New Britain Province, Michael Marum, recently called on all public servants across the province to reset their mindset and renew their dedication to delivering better services in 2026.Speaking at the 2026 Public Servants Dedication Service, Governor Marum said this year’s theme, “Reset and Renew: A Dedicated Mind for Better Service Delivery,” is both timely and necessary as the provincial government strengthens its commitment to effective and accountable governance. He emphasized that public service is not merely employment, but a responsibility entrusted by the people of East New Britain. “Before we improve systems or increase performance, we must first renew the way we think, the way we serve, and the way we lead.” The Governor challenged officers across all provincial departments and agencies to move away from a “business as usual” approach and instead embrace service with purpose, integrity, professionalism, and accountability. He acknowledged that while progress has been made in several sectors, public expectations for efficient, transparent and results-driven service delivery is increasing. “Development is not measured by documents produced, but by lives improved.” Governor Marum reaffirmed the Provincial Government’s commitment to strengthening systems, improving inter-departmental coordination and ensuring that budget allocations translate into tangible services for communities throughout East New Britain Province. He further stressed that no policy or funding allocation can replace personal responsibility, urging every public servant, regardless of rank, to take ownership of their role in delivering outcomes for the people. Governor Marum also acknowledged the important partnership between government and church leaders in shaping ethical leadership and reinforcing values of discipline, humility and service within the public sector. He expressed confidence that 2026 can be a crucial year for the province’s public service if officers commit to renewed dedication and higher standards of performance. “Let 2026 be remembered as the year our public service reset its mindset, renewed its dedication, and delivered greater and better services for our people.”

The Wantuat High School in the Leron Wantuat Local Level Government (LLG) area of Markham District, Morobe Province, marked a significant milestone with the service dedication of a newly completed 80-room boys' dormitory and a new generator at the school campus.The dormitory, valued at K200,000, was constructed by Naban Building Construction Limited. Construction began in 2018 and was completed in 2025 despite a number of logistical and operational challenges over the years.During the official handover ceremony, Construction Administration Manager Lavoni Yomsa acknowledged the difficulties encountered throughout the project period but expressed satisfaction that the company had successfully delivered the building. He said the contractor remained committed to completing the project to benefit the school and surrounding communities.Headmaster Kuyom Bafenuc received the keys on behalf of the school administration and acknowledged the efforts and perseverance of the builders in bringing the project to completion. He assured those present that the new facility would be properly maintained for the benefit of current and future students.Observations and information gathered indicate that under Mr. Bafenuc’s administration, the school has recorded notable improvements in student discipline and academic performance. These improvements saw the school achieve second place in academic activities in Morobe Province last year.The new dormitory is expected to greatly improve student accommodation, while the generator will provide reliable power supply to support boarding and academic operations. Community leaders, parents, teachers and students who attended the dedication described the development as a major boost for education and infrastructure growth in the area.