The police and Road Traffic Authority (RTA) operations to crackdown on unregistered and un- roadworthy vehicles in Port Moresby continues and today, over 30 of such vehicles have been taken off the road.The National Capital District (NCD) Metropolitan Superintendent Warrick Simatab has praised the police officers and the Road Traffic Authority for their efforts in impounding 39 defective vehicles at the impounding yard at Eight Mile today. Simatab confirmed that the vehicles were sighted around the city, and the drivers were arrested while the vehicles were taken to the impounding yard. He said that in some instances, drivers escaped, leaving the vehicles, which the police tow truck assisted in towing to the impounding yard. He stated that since the operation began, there has been a significant change in the city. He said the police and other enforcement agencies will continue arresting and impounding vehicles if they are caught on public streets. He said so far, 22 defective PMV buses, 9 taxis and 8 private vehicles were impounded. "I want to call on all vehicle owners to adhere to traffic laws. If you are caught violating one or more, you will be arrested and charged. If the offense warrants us to impound your vehicle at the impounding yard, we will do so, giving you time to fix your car before we release it back on the road. Otherwise, it is best to keep your vehicle at home, get it fixed, and then drive it on the road," Met. Supt Simatab said. He also called on vehicle owners to check their vehicles before putting them on hire or driving them themselves on public streets. He said that if they are ignorant, the enforcement agencies will deal with them.

The shortage of buses and taxis coupled with the increase in fuel prices has seen public transport operators lifting their fares above the approved fares by the country’s consumer watchdog, prompting it to bark a warning to operators.According to the Independent Consumer and Competitions Commission (ICCC), the current operation carried out by the police and the Road Traffic Authority (RTA) in cracking down on unregistered and unroadworthy vehicles in Port Moresby city, has seen the number of Public Motor Vehicles (PMVs) and taxis reduced. This has led to the others still operating to take advantage of the situation and illegally increase their fares. “In light of this, all licensed PMV and taxi owners and operators currently providing services must strictly comply with the maximum approved fares, as published by the ICCC in National Gazette No. G21 of 9th January 2026. The ICCC has already factored in the full costs of compliance with safety and other statutory requirements when setting the fares,” the ICCC stated. The Police and RTA are currently undertaking random inspections at designated bus stops and on the major roads. Any operator found to be in breach of any rules and regulations administered by the RTA, Police, and the ICCC, will be heavily penalized. The ICCC reiterates that any operator found to be charging above the approved fares is unlawful and may be prosecuted under the Prices Regulation (Amendment) Act 2025 (‘PR Act’). Offenders may be prosecuted and, upon conviction, face maximum monetary penalties of up to K10,000 for summary offences and up to K30,000 for indictable offences. The ICCC further urges all commuters to be aware of the approved fares and report any instances of overcharging or failure by operators to complete their licensed routes to the ICCC, Police, and/or RTA. Any enquiries in relation to above should be forwarded to the ICCC on telephone number 312 4600 or on email infor@iccc.gov.pg.

Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) was filled with joy and celebration this Easter as a remarkable 176 babies were delivered between Good Friday on April 3rd, and Easter Monday, April 06th 2026.This milestone brought happiness to families across the city and highlighted the dedication of medical staff during the busy holiday period. Of the total births, 114 were boys and 62 were girls, marking a notably higher number of baby boys welcomed into the world. Among the newborns, one baby boy and one baby girl stood out for their healthy birth weights, each weighing 4.5 kilograms. PMGH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Paki Molumi, commended the staff of the maternity, post-natal, and special care nursery wards for their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of both mothers and babies. “Managing such a high number of deliveries over the Easter period was both challenging and rewarding.” “I am proud of the teamwork and dedication displayed by our maternity ward staff.” Families across Port Moresby are now celebrating not only Easter but also the arrival of new life, making this holiday season especially memorable.

Patients in Bogia district in Madang province are being turned away or referred elsewhere as the main health centre struggles to provide even basic treatment.At Bogia Health Centre, staff say they cannot stabilize patients due to lack of essential medicines.Acting program health manager Sr Christine Akuram said the situation is affecting patient care every day.“Many patients come with severe infections, but we cannot help them,” she said.“We don’t even have basic drugs to stabilize them.”This means patients who could be treated locally are instead sent to other facilities.Families must travel long distances. Many cannot afford the cost.Health workers say the problem has been ongoing for more than a year.“There has been no proper medicine supply,” Sr Akuram said.The impact is also seen inside the facility.Some staff are losing motivation, with reports of officers taking time off as they are unable to treat patients.At the same time, demand for services remains high.Serious cases continue to arrive daily, placing pressure on the limited staff.Testing services are also affected.The centre has a microscope but no trained lab technician. This means samples must be sent away for testing, delaying results for up to two weeks.Despite the challenges, some services continue.Tuberculosis treatment is still available, although supplies are limited. Health workers say some patients fail to complete treatment, leading to repeat infections.The wider health system is also under strain.Many aid posts in remote areas are closed due to lack of staff. One health centre in the district is not operating.Transport remains a major barrier.“We need vehicles to reach our communities,” Sr Akuram said.She said outreach programs such as immunization and disease control are affected.Health officials are now calling for urgent support.“We need drugs,” she said.“We must find ways to get medicines to our people.”

Kina Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive education in Papua New Guinea, supporting Motu Koita students who have successfully completed their secondary studies through the Kokoda Track Foundation’s Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) program.A total of 180 students from Hanuabada, Pari, Taurama, and surrounding Motu Koita communities graduated, marking the completion of Grades 9 to 12. The achievement highlights the growing importance of second-chance education pathways in the National Capital District, especially for students who were unable to continue through the formal school system. Since 2020, Kina Bank has played a key role in supporting the program, enabling it to expand and reach more learners each year. The initiative provides opportunities for young people facing challenges such as limited school placements, financial hardship, and family responsibilities. Representing the bank at the graduation, Chief of Staff Mackhenly Kaiok emphasized the broader impact of education on communities. “Education is one of the most powerful investments we can make… creating real opportunities for young people to build better futures,” he said. The program is delivered through partnerships between the Kokoda Track Foundation, Kina Bank, the Motu Koita Assembly, and other stakeholders, ensuring access to flexible learning for those who need it most. Kokoda Track Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr Genevieve Nelson said the success of the graduates reflects the importance of keeping education accessible. “Education should never be out of reach… every graduate here today has had the courage to return and complete their journey,” she said. The graduation not only marks an academic milestone but also represents a second chance for many students to pursue further education, employment, and personal growth. With continued support from partners like Kina Bank, programs such as FODE are opening doors proving that education in Papua New Guinea can remain accessible, inclusive, and life changing.

Tropical cyclone Maila is now a category 5 tropical cyclone with guarantee catastrophic devastation in areas is passes through.The Papua New Guinea (PNG) National Weather Service (NWS) this morning issued another notice stating that sever tropical cyclone Maila category 5 warning is current for the Milne Bay province especially the coastal and island communities of Woodlark, Sudest, Misima and Rossel Islands, and also for Bougainville. People are advised to stay away from the edge of the sea and seek higher grounds until the cyclone threat passes. “Sever tropical cyclone Maila will cause very heavy rain and flooding, storm surge, coastal inundation, gale force winds, storm force winds and hurricane force winds,” the NWS stated. It is advisable that people in the impacted areas, on the path of tropical cyclone Maila, should not be going out to sea at this time, avoid flooded rivers, be careful of fallen trees, powerline and landslides. Safety is priority at this time.

The Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) has announced the new retail fuel prices for this month, which will take effect on Wednesday, 8th April 2026.This month will see significant increases in the Indicative Retail Prices (IRP) for petrol, diesel, and kerosene due to spikes in the prevailing international oil prices.The domestic retail fuel prices for this month are inclusive of the IPP for each petroleum product, domestic sea and road freight rates for the second quarter of 2026, the approved annual wholesale and retail margins for 2026, and the Goods and Services Tax (GST), including the applicable excise duties, among other parameters.Port Moresby Prices are:1. Petrol -K6.10; 2. Diesel - K7.69; and, 3. Kerosene - K7.44

Madang town in general had a calm and peaceful long Easter weekend, all attributed to the public's good behaviour. A large gospel concert at Laiwadan Oval was also hosted for the Christians during Easter which also led to the town remaining calm all weekend. Madang Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Robert Baim said most people respected the significance of Easter. “Easter is a time for prayer and peace. Most people behaved well,” he said. He also thanked the business community, local leaders, and police for helping keep the town safe. Foot patrols were conducted in many settlements. “These patrols reminded people to follow the law and live better lives,” Mr. Baim said. Police recorded about 127 incidents from April 2 to 6. Most of them were minor and quickly resolved. Eleven people were arrested. Some serious cases were isolated. Mr. Baim said there were some alcohol related incidents, but most were just minor one. He urged the public to continue working with police to keep the town safe. “Respect each other and support police so we can keep peace in our town,” he further expressed.

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has unveiled an ambitious national housing and land reform agenda aimed at reshaping urban development and improving access to land ownership for Papua New Guineans. He acknowledged persistent inefficiencies within the country’s land administration system and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to reforms, building on policy directions introduced in 2020. “Accessing land titles in this country should not feel like going to the moon and back. We are reforming this system to make it easier, faster, and fairer,” the Prime Minister said. As part of the initiative, the Government, in partnership with the National Capital District Commission and other agencies, has identified land in Port Moresby’s northeast corridor for large-scale residential development. “We are planning to create at least 5,000 new allotments in the city as part of a broader vision to deliver organized and well-planned suburban living,” he said. Prime Minister Marape said land allocation would prioritize Papua New Guineans actively contributing to the economy, including workers, small business owners, and taxpayers. “We want to support workers, SMEs, and those in the formal economy. Through structured arrangements with employers and institutions such as the Internal Revenue Commission, land can be allocated more efficiently and transparently,” he said. He also revealed plans for a long-term, state-supported housing finance scheme designed to promote generational ownership. “We are developing a 49-year loan programme backed by the State — an intergenerational model where parents begin ownership, and children can continue. This is about building long-term security for families,” he said. The Prime Minister added that the Government will explore voluntary resettlement options for individuals struggling to sustain urban livelihoods. “City life is challenging. For those who wish to return home, we will work with provincial governments to support resettlement and reintegration,” he said. At the national level, he called for stronger collaboration between provincial governments and urban authorities to unlock land for structured development. “We have land in abundance. What we need is coordination, planning, and the political will to convert that land into organized settlements and suburbs,” he said. Prime Minister Marape reiterated that the long-term vision is to modernize Papua New Guinea’s cities and replace unplanned settlements with properly designed communities. “Our goal is to eliminate unplanned settlements by 2030, or no later than 2035, and replace them with organized, serviced communities where people can live with dignity,” he said. He also announced plans to establish a dedicated Urbanization Office to drive nationwide reforms in city planning, land access, and settlement upgrading. “Government can no longer ignore the land issue. It is one of the most critical development challenges we face, and we are taking decisive action to address it,” the Prime Minister said.

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) National Weather Service (NWS) this morning issued out a tropical cyclone warning to people in the Milne Bay province as the category 3 tropical cyclone Maila crosses over the islands. The NWS’s warning is current for the Milne Bay province especially the coastal and island communities of Woodlark, Sudest, Misima, Rossel islands, and Bougainville- the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. People are advised to stay away from the edge of the sea and seek higher ground until the cyclone threat eventually goes away. “Tropical cyclone Maila will cause very heavy rain and flooding, storm surge, coastal inundation, gale force winds and storm force winds,” the NWS stated. Looking at the current location of tropical cyclone Maila, it is about 180 kilometers Northeast of Rossel Island and 250 kilometers Northeast of Misima and 240 kilometers southeast of Woodlark Island. The tropical cyclone has caused damages on ground already with pictures and videos uploaded to social platforms showing the devastation of infrastructures like high voltage transmission lines, bridges, and vegetation, food gardens and buildings like homes, businesses and government facilities. The NWS will be providing further updates on the movement of tropical cyclone Maila as the day progresses.

PNG Power Limited (PPL) staff are working continuously to restore electricity supply across provinces affected by the developing Tropical Cyclone Maila. The weather system is tracking south, with Oro Province and Milne Bay Province expected to experience strong winds in the coming days. Chief Technical Officer Tony Koiri confirmed that over the past 24 to 48 hours, strong winds have brought down power lines in Gazelle District, while flooding at Warangoi, Lake Hargy, and Ru Creek hydro stations forced temporary shutdowns. He said work crews are actively restoring damaged power lines and clearing debris caused by flooding to maintain electricity supply. Reports have also been received from Madang Province, Morobe Province, Kimbe, and East New Britain Province, where strong winds and heavy rainfall have caused widespread damage to power infrastructure. Mr. Koiri stated that PPL teams in these affected areas are working tirelessly to reconnect communities despite challenging and hazardous conditions. He added that operations are being maintained at critical facilities such as the Warangoi Dam, while crews continue to repair fallen lines and remove storm debris. He emphasized that safety remains the highest priority, urging the public to stay clear of fallen powerlines and allow technical teams to carry out restoration work without interference. Mr. Koiri further noted that many customers in East New Britain are expected to remain without electricity for an indefinite period, as transmission and distribution networks have been severely impacted by heavy rainfall and other contributing factors. He said assessment teams are currently on the ground, with a full damage report expected to be compiled by tomorrow.

State-Owned Enterprises are working collaboratively to restore essential services following disruptions caused by the developing Tropical Cyclone Maila in the Solomon Sea. Engineers and crews from PNG Power and Water PNG are on the ground responding to widespread storm damage, particularly in East New Britain. Restoration efforts are ongoing as teams work to reconnect electricity and water services affected by strong winds and heavy rain. Air Niugini is also working closely with the National Airports Corporation to restore airport operations impacted by adverse weather conditions, while continuously monitoring the evolving cyclone system. Chief Executive Officers of the State-Owned Enterprises have confirmed through their respective boards, and to Kumul Consolidated Holdings, that recovery and restoration of critical services are actively underway. Coordination with Provincial Administrations, Police, and other government agencies is supporting a rapid response to the storm and strengthening preparedness for other regions along the cyclone’s projected path. Electricity Supply PNG Power’s Chief Technical Officer, Tony Koiri said teams are currently on the ground reconnecting affected communities. He noted that despite hazardous conditions, staff are maintaining operations at critical infrastructure such as the Warangoi Dam while also repairing fallen power lines and clearing storm debris. He emphasized that safety remains the top priority, urging the public to stay clear of fallen powerlines and allow crews to carry out their work safely. Mr. Koiri explained that some areas will continue to experience extended outages due to damaged poles and lines, with restoration timelines depending on the severity of the damage. In locations where infrastructure remains intact, power is being progressively restored. He added that where power lines have been brought down, repairs may take several days as new poles are installed once weather conditions improve. PNG Power teams are also assessing damage across impacted areas and pre-positioning resources in regions that may be affected by the cyclone in the coming days. Water Supply Water PNG Chief Executive Officer James Young confirmed that flooding at pumping facilities has led to temporary shutdowns, which are currently being addressed by response teams. He said water supply in Rabaul and Kokopo has been disrupted due to damage at several facilities, with Rabaul experiencing more significant impacts, while only areas in Kokopo are affected. Mr. Young stated that the interruption is expected to be short-term, with pumping facilities likely to resume operations within the next 24 hours as conditions improve. He also warned that as the storm system moves south, areas such as Alotau and up the coast toward Port Moresby may face increased impacts. He further noted that extreme weather can affect tap water quality and supply due to turbidity entering the system and potential pipe bursts caused by overflowing groundwater. Water PNG crews are monitoring vulnerable sites and remain on standby to respond to any further disruptions. Mr. Young advised the public to prepare by storing clean drinking water in bottles or containers in case of interruptions to the water network. Air Travel Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer Alan Milne reassured the public that the airline is closely monitoring Tropical Cyclone Maila and other weather systems that may affect its operations. He said that weather monitoring is a standard part of airline operations, and the current cyclone is being tracked continuously to assess any potential impacts on flight schedules. Mr. Milne confirmed that Tokua Airport experienced a temporary closure on Sunday but operations were quickly restored through the efforts of the National Airports Corporation, highlighting its strong recovery capability. He added that Air Niugini’s operational teams will continue to monitor the cyclone on an hourly basis and provide updates to the public on any changes affecting flight operations. Further updates will be issued by State-Owned Enterprises and Kumul Consolidated Holdings as more information becomes available.