The people of Sisimakam village along the Kiunga- Tabubil Highway in Western province want an access to the Indonesian part of landscape to enable ease to medical and other services for El Nino affected people.The local Member of Parliament (MP) for North Fly district, James Donald, raised this during the opening of Sisimakam to Py'nang access road, and Sisimakam-- Hawenai-- Rwarengre road project at Sisimakam village on Monday this week.It is understood that the North Fly District Development Authority (NFDDA) has been working closely with the Fly River Provincial Government and Development partners within the province to connect an easy route to Indonesia for relief supplies.MP Donald said that in the coming days, the NFDDA will continue to work together with relevant authorities to put in place shortest route to Merauke and Yetetkun side of the Indonesia border, so as to cater for affected families in Western Province.He said this is achievable if all parties work together to fast track and link Alice pit to Yetetkun side of the Indonesian territory for relief supplies."The National Government, and relevant authorities in charge of border must work together to stage border post facilities at Putmambin border of PNG side. People in Western are affected due to continuous dry weather conditions. I called on all authorities to work together so as to serve our people in Western Province."The prolonged dry weather conditions in Western Province have been affecting families for a month now; therefore, collective efforts are needed to serve the people.

Kina Bank is enhancing security and convenience for its corporate clients through its recently launched upgraded Corporate Online Banking (COB) platform.The upgraded platform reflects Kina Bank’s ongoing commitment to innovation, security, and next generation digital banking solutions, empowering businesses across Papua New Guinea (PNG) to operate more efficiently and with greater confidence.Kina Bank Executive General Manager, Business and Retail Banking, Rayeleene Elston, said the upgrade represents a significant milestone in the Bank’s digital transformation journey.“This upgraded platform makes it easier, faster, and more secure for our business customers to manage their banking. It is another important step in our commitment to delivering innovative digital solutions that support business growth and success,” Ms. Elston said.The enhanced COB platform introduces a range of new and improved features designed to streamline business banking operations and provide customers with greater control, including:Multi-currency and international transfer capabilitiesBulk payment upload functionality to improve efficiencyA new administrative portal enabling greater control and streamlined user managementThese enhancements provide businesses with a more intuitive, reliable, and efficient banking experience, supporting improved financial management in today’s fast-paced operating environment.Kina Bank remains focused on delivering secure, customer-centric digital solutions that enable the growth and success of its business customers.

Bougainville’s elected leaders, comprising the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) and Bougainville Members of the National Parliament, have reaffirmed their unity, solidarity and collective commitment to a peaceful and lawful pathway towards Bougainville Independence following a leadership meeting held in Kokopo, East New Britain Province.The leaders said their deliberations were guided by the Bougainville Peace Agreement, Part XIV of the Constitution of Papua New Guinea, and the Bougainville Way of consensus, which continue to provide the foundation for progressing Bougainville’s political aspirations through dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect.President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, His Excellency Ishmael Toroama, and ABG Vice President Ezekiel Masatt led the meeting, which was attended by Bougainville Regional Member Peter Tsiamalili Jnr, North Bougainville Member Francesca Semoso and South Bougainville Member Timothy Masiu. Central Bougainville Member Jimmy Miringtoro participated in the discussions but was unable to attend the meeting in person. The meeting discussed Bougainville’s independence aspirations and the way forward, with leaders reaffirming their commitment to work together in the best interests of the people of Bougainville.The leaders acknowledged that while they hold different responsibilities, they share a common obligation to uphold the aspirations of the people of Bougainville and ensure that all actions continue to be guided by dialogue, consensus and respect for constitutional and political processes.They further reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a united front on matters concerning Bougainville’s political future and agreed on the importance of continued collaboration between the ABG, Bougainville Members of the National Parliament and other key stakeholders.The leaders also highlighted the importance of ongoing engagement with the National Government and National Parliament as discussions on Bougainville’s independence continue. They expressed confidence that a coordinated and united approach would strengthen Bougainville’s position as preparations continue towards future governance arrangements and broader independence readiness efforts.   In acknowledging the mandate given by the people of Bougainville, President Toroama said, “We, the leaders of Bougainville, extend our heartfelt gratitude to our people whose mandate guides us. Our people have given us the vote, and it is our solemn responsibility to uphold their aspiration.”  “This moment is both historic and spiritual. We commit ourselves to walk this path with courage, humility, and unity, ensuring that the aspiration for independence is realized in peace and dignity."

In celebration of International Women in Engineering Day (IWED), ExxonMobil PNG (EMPNG), the operator of the PNG LNG Project, honours the women whose leadership and expertise keep the Project running safely, reliably, and efficiently. Among them is Alma Gaso, an engineer whose journey is as inspiring as it is unconventional, and whose work reflects the growing presence and influence of women across the energy industry.Alma is from Popondetta in Oro Province and is the second of three siblings. She is also the only engineer in her family, a distinction that makes her journey even more special. Outside of her work, Alma enjoys traveling, she loves Japan for its delicious cuisine and Thailand for its beautiful beaches.Her engineering journey, however, was not always part of her plan. “I never planned on becoming an engineer. Life just took me down this path, but I enjoyed the journey, and I like where I’ve landed.” That openness, to learning, exploring, and embracing unexpected opportunities has played an important role in shaping her career. For someone like Alma, who found engineering by chance, opportunities for exposure and encouragement matter deeply. Today, she sees a positive shift with young girls given opportunities and encouragement to pursue engineering careers.Alma joined ExxonMobil PNG (EMPNG) in 2015 as part of the fourth cohort of engineering graduates and was one of only two female engineers in her intake. Over the years, she has gained diverse experience across a range of engineering roles, as well as in business functions beyond her technical field. Alma also had the opportunity to undertake a two-year expatriate assignment at ExxonMobil’s Singapore office. During this time, she served in two key positions, first as an LNG Commercial Manager, and later as an LNG Supply Planner. In these roles, she was responsible for managing LNG sales and marketing and planning and scheduling LNG deliveries to long-term buyers for the PNG LNG Project.Today, Alma is back supporting the PNG LNG Project, where she thrives serving as a Machinery Engineering Lead, a role that combines her technical expertise, leadership, and problem-solving abilities. She describes her work in a way that brings it to life, “Machinery engineering is like being a doctor, but for machines. We diagnose problems, fix them, and make sure everything runs at its best. “The exciting part is troubleshooting issues, it’s like being a detective, piecing together clues to solve a problem.”Asked to describe herself in three words, she responds simply — adaptable, positive, and easy-going. Yet her journey reflects much more, a quiet determination and the courage to grow in a field where women are still underrepresented. What motivates Alma is both the challenge and the people. No two days are ever the same in engineering; there is always something to improve, optimize, or rethink. But beyond the technical demands, it is collaboration that inspires her most.“There’s so much to learn from others, their experiences and their stories, "she added.Her goals extend beyond personal success. In an environment where safety and precision are critical, Alma’s work contributes directly to operational excellence. She leads with confidence and care, ensuring that systems perform efficiently while maintaining the highest safety standards. “I want my work to improve safety, efficiency, and performance, but also to inspire others to step out of their comfort zones,”Behind Alma’s success is the value of mentorship and the importance of strong role models for young girls. She credits her mentors who have helped guide her journey.Like many in her field, Alma works in high-pressure environments, particularly during critical operations. She manages the demands through careful planning and teamwork. Alma’s journey reflects a broader shift happening across the industry. Women in engineering are no longer just increasing in number, they are shaping decisions, leading teams, and helping define the future of the industry.Still, her path has not been without challenges. One of her biggest has been developing the confidence to speak up. “I’m still working on it,” she admits, “but I’ve become more comfortable sharing my perspective.” Those moments, speaking up in a room full of professionals, stand out to be meaningful achievements. “They might seem small, but they show growth.”Alma’s story also highlights the importance of early exposure through initiatives like ExxonMobil PNG’s Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day (IAGTED) program. These programs help open doors and inspire the next generation of women engineers by breaking down stereotypes and building confidence early.“If there’s one thing I want young girls to take away,” Alma says, “it’s this – be curious, be adaptable, and don’t limit yourself.”As EMPNG continues to invest in programs that empower young women, stories like Alma’s are the proof of what is possible. Her story is a reminder that when girls are encouraged to explore, learn, and believe in themselves, they don’t just enter engineering, they reshape it

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in partnership with the National Disaster Centre (NDC), has successfully concluded the Provincial Disaster Centre (PDC) Institutional Capacity Assessment Validation Workshop in Port Moresby recently.The workshop brought together Provincial Disaster Coordinators from across all 22 provinces of Papua New Guinea to review, validate, and strengthen the findings of a nationwide institutional capacity assessment. The assessment examined key dimensions of disaster management, providing a comprehensive overview of strengths, gaps, and opportunities at the provincial level.During the workshop, participants:Validated key findings on institutional capacity across disaster management systems.Identified priority gaps and opportunities to strengthen preparedness, response, coordination, and recovery efforts.Shared practical experiences, lessons learned, and good practices from provincial disaster management efforts.Developed actionable recommendations to inform both provincial and national capacity strengthening roadmaps.Provincial Disaster Centers play a vital role in coordinating disaster preparedness, response, and recovery across Papua New Guinea; thus, strengthening their institutional capacity is critical to improving resilience, safeguarding lives and livelihoods, and ensuring communities are better equipped to respond to future shocks and hazards.“This workshop marks an important step towards building stronger, more responsive disaster management systems at the provincial level,” said Mr. Martin Mose PNG NDC.“By grounding resilience efforts in local capacity, Papua New Guinea is reinforcing its ability to respond effectively to disasters and protect its communities.”The assessment and validation workshop were jointly implemented by NDC and IOM, with financial support from the United States Government and the Government of Australia. Theircontinued partnership remains instrumental in advancing disaster risk management systems and strengthening resilience nationwide.IOM and NDC extend their sincere appreciation to Provincial Disaster Directors, Provincial Disaster Coordinators, government counterparts, and all partners for their strong commitment and collaboration in building more effective and inclusive disaster management systems across Papua New Guinea.

The National Superannuation Fund Limited (Nasfund) is proud to announce the rollout of its first mobile service booths, bringing full member services directly to workplaces and remote communities across Papua New Guinea (PNG).Starting in Port Moresby, the Mobile Service booth is fully equipped to deliver:On-the-spot ID card productionMember statement printingBenefit eligibility screeningAccount and benefits updatesThis rollout is made possible by upgraded, high-speed satellite internet through Starlink.With download speeds of 90+ Mbps, our teams can now operate securely and efficiently from remote sites where traditional office internet is limited.It means faster service, real-time updates, and no more delays for Nasfund members.“We are excited to be the first in the superannuation arena to take the full Nasfund office to our members’ locations,” said Rajeev Sharma, Chief Executive Officer of Nasfund.“For too long, distance and connectivity have been barriers. With these mobile booths and Starlink connectivity, members can now get served at their workplace or community without the need and expense to travel to the branch.”The mobile booth program launches this month, with a comprehensive site visit schedule to be released in the coming weeks. The schedule will cover major employer sites, project locations, and rural areas to ensure more members can securely access their super conveniently.

More than 100 youths from the communities of Poreporena (Hanuabada) and Elevala in Port Moresby city, have departed for Lae in Morobe Province to attend the Urban Region Youth Convention hosted by the United Church – Morobe Circuit Christian Youth Ministry (CYM).The convention is more than just a trip away from home. It is a spiritual journey designed to strengthen the faith and character of young people through worship, Bible teachings, fellowship, leadership development sessions, and life-changing crusades.Youths attending the convention will have the opportunity to encounter God in a different environment, connect with fellow believers from various regions, and participate in activities aimed at nurturing their spiritual growth. The gathering is expected to challenge participants to deepen and strengthen their spiritual life and prepare them for greater service within their churches and communities.Church leaders have highlighted that the convention will provide a platform for youths to experience spiritual renewal, develop leadership qualities, and gain valuable lessons that will positively shape their future. As they travel and participate in the convention, prayers are being offered for God's protection, guidance, and blessings upon each participant.The participation of the delegation has been made possible through the unwavering support of the United Churches of Poreporena and Elevala. Through fundraising activities and generous financial contributions, church members and supporters united to ensure that the youths could attend this important regional gathering.The communities now eagerly anticipate their return, believing that the convention will inspire a new generation of spiritually empowered young leaders who will continue to serve God and make meaningful contributions to society.The Urban Region Youth Convention hosted by Morobe Circuit CYM serves as a reminder of the vital role young people play in the Church or towards nation building. 

The National Capital District Provincial Health Authority (NCDPHA) has finalized its Strategic Health Service Development Plan following a year-long, five-part consultative process, setting a new course for healthcare delivery across the district and Motu Koitabu Villages.Supported by key local leaders, including Governor Powes Parkop, the final workshop, brought together district CEOs and stakeholders to align service improvements with community needs."It is important that we have a clear plan to guide our health sector development. This is something I have always advocated for because without a plan, it is difficult to achieve meaningful progress. These documents provide the direction needed to improve health services for our people and ensure accountability in implementation," Governor Parkop said."The development of the Strategic Health Service Development Plan has been a collaborative journey involving our staff, partners, stakeholders, development agencies, district leaders, and community representatives. The productive discussions and contributions received throughout the consultation process have helped shape plans that are practical, achievable, and aligned with our vision of delivering quality health services to the people of the National Capital District," NCDPHA CEO Dr. Robin Oge added.The successful completion of these consultations paves the way for the formal endorsement and implementation of the plan. You can read the full, original media release for more details.

Seventy-two (72) women leaders from the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church in Moresby South recently completed a three-day financial literacy training and received certification.The training, delivered by the Informal Economy Section of the Department for Community Development and Religion, equipped participants with practical knowledge on budgeting, saving, and responsible financial management.The closing ceremony was marked by emotional testimonies from participants, with several women expressing gratitude for the opportunity and sharing the financial struggles they face in their daily lives.Assistant Leader of Koki SDA Church, Glendalyn Auma, said the training had changed the way participants think about managing their finances."We learned the importance of saving money and avoiding the habit of carrying cash to reduce unnecessary spending. We now have the advantage of having our own bank accounts.”Moresby South District Director David Gairo commended the Department for delivering a program that addressed the practical needs of women in the community.He congratulated the participants on completing the training and encouraged them to apply the knowledge gained to improve their financial discipline and achieve greater economic independence.Speaking on behalf of Department Secretary Jerry Ubase, Assistant Director for Informal Economy Cecilia Wrondimi highlighted the critical role of the informal economy in Papua New Guinea."About 80 to 90 percent of our people are engaged in informal economic activities. It is a driving force of the formal economy, employing more people than the formal sector. However, many remain unbanked, unregistered, and unprotected.”Additionally, she said the training was designed to help participants transition from informal economic activities into formally recognized small and medium enterprises (SMEs), enabling them to access greater financial opportunities."With these certified skills, you can begin saving with Mama Bank, register with the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA), and formally establish yourselves as SMEs.”She described the initiative as an important pathway towards improved financial inclusion, increased economic participation, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.Ms. Wrondimi also revealed that the Department is finalizing the National Informal Economy Policy, which is expected to be submitted to the National Executive Council (NEC) for approval later this year.

Residents across Western Province are facing increasing hardship as an extended dry season continues to affect communities, leaving many families struggling to access clean water.For more than a month, Kiunga and surrounding areas in the North Fly District have received little to no rainfall, causing water shortages that are impactingdaily life.Small creeks, streams, water wells and household tanks that residents rely on for drinking, cooking and washing have either dried up or are rapidly running out of water.Kiunga resident and parent, Taita Parau, said her family has been forced to walk long distances in search of water."All our tanks have dried up. We are now fetching water from wells that are not clean and boiling it before drinking. The continuous sunny weather in Kiunga is drying up the wells we used to depend on," she said.Many residents in Kiunga town and nearby settlements are no longer able to rely on water tanks and are travelling to Sare Kona and Hongas Kona settlements to access the few remaining wells. Another resident, Ansel Bot, said the situation has become increasingly difficult for families. "The water wells and small creeks we used for washing dried up last week. My family and I have dug several wells, but there is still no sign of water. We now have no choice but to wash in the dirty waters of the Fly River," he said. As the dry conditions persist, many residents continue digging wells in search of underground water, although much of the water found is unsuitable for drinking without treatment. Concerned youth leader Moxcy Bainge said the prolonged lack of rainfall has left communities desperate for a more sustainable solution. "Our water tanks have dried up, and we are travelling to Sare Kona to fetch water. We cannot continue to suffer like this. What we need now are water bores in our settlements so that people can continue to access water," he said. Some residents are also travelling along the Kiunga-Tabubil Highway to wash and collect water from any available sources. The prolonged dry season is not only affecting households but is also beginning to impact transportation and business activities in the province. The water level of the Fly River has reportedly fallen by six metres and continues to decline, making it increasingly difficult for cargo vessels to access the Kiunga Wharf. Business operators in Kiunga have indicated that current stock levels may only last another two to three months if dry conditions continue and transportation along the river becomes further restricted.Residents have also reported unusually cold nights and mornings, conditions many say are unlike anything experienced in recent years.The effects of the dry season are being felt across the province, including in the Middle Fly, Delta Fly and South Fly districts.Speaking on behalf of many residents, Mr Bainge appealed to the Fly River Provincial Government to prioritize the installation of water bores in affected communities."There are many swampy areas around us, and if we dig deep enough there is still water underground. Water bores are what our communities need right now," he said.Meanwhile, Western Governor Taboi Awi Yoto said in a social media update last week that the Fly River Provincial Government has already allocated funding, with support from development partners, to assist with initial relief operations and emergency response activities should the dry conditions worsen. As the dry season continues, communities across Western Province remain hopeful that relief measures, including the installation of water bores, can help ease the growing water crisis.

The Morobe Provincial Health Authority (MoPHA) has issued a strong warning against the illegal sale of prescription medicines in shops, markets, and street vendors across Morobe Province.In a Circular Instruction Management Information System (MIIS) notice issued on 18 June 2026, MoPHA advised all retail shops, pharmacies, staff and the general public that prescription drugs must only be dispensed through a registered pharmacy or authorised health facility, and only with a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner.The authority stated that the sale of medicines without proper authorisation is illegal and poses serious health risks, especially when drugs are stored or used without professional guidance.MoPHA, in collaboration with the Pharmacy Board of Papua New Guinea, said it will begin enforcing the Medicines and Cosmetic Act 1999 and the Medicines and Cosmetic Regulation 2022 to crack down on offenders.The circular warned that illegal sellers may face penalties including fines of up to K5,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both.The notice also called on members of the public to report individuals or businesses involved in the unlawful sale of prescription medicines.Morobe PHA Chief Executive Officer Dr Kipas Binga signed off on the directive, stressing the importance of public safety and compliance with pharmaceutical laws.The authority has set 30 June 2026 as the deadline for illegal sales to cease, urging full cooperation from all stakeholders.

The Autonomous Bougainville Government’s Department of Veterans Affairs has launched its Corporate Plan, setting out a strategic roadmap to strengthen support for veterans and positioning them at the center of Bougainville's nation-building agenda.The Corporate Plan was officially launched during Bougainville Foundation Day celebrations at Hutjena Oval in Buka recently by Minister for Veterans Affairs, Hon. Linus Dakei Jnr.Speaking during the launch, Minister Dakei said the Corporate Plan represented a commitment by the Toroama–Masatt Government to ensure veterans remain active and valued contributors to Bougainville's development and future aspirations."The Department of Veterans Affairs carries one of our most important responsibilities: to honor the legacy of our veterans and to ensure that they remain active, respected, and valued participants in the progress of our nation," Minister Dakei said.The Minister said the Corporate Plan provides a clear framework for how the Department will deliver services, strengthen partnerships and support veterans as Bougainville advances its long-term development and independence readiness objectives.The launch also highlighted the significant progress made since the reinstatement of the Ministry and Department of Veterans Affairs in 2025.Minister Dakei described the Corporate Plan as more than a strategic document, stating that it serves as a covenant between the government and the men and women who made sacrifices during Bougainville's struggle.The Corporate Plan aligns with the Bougainville Integrated Strategic Development Plan (BISDP) and Bougainville Vision 2052, ensuring that veterans remain integrated into the broader development agenda of the ABG.Key priorities outlined in the plan include rehabilitation and wellbeing support for veterans, efforts to locate and account for missing persons, economic empowerment initiatives, support for veteran families, and strengthened governance and service delivery systems.The plan also provides a pathway for building stronger institutional partnerships and improving coordination with the Bougainville Veterans Federation and other stakeholders to deliver services more effectively."As your Minister, I want you to know that your government recognises your service, values your contribution, and remains committed to working alongside you as partners in building our future," Minister Dakei said.Minister Dakei acknowledged the support of the Vice President, the Office of the Chief Secretary, the Department of Finance, the Department of Personnel Management and Administrative Services, and other government agencies that contributed to the development of the Corporate Plan.He said the successful implementation of the plan would require a whole-of-government approach and continued collaboration with veterans and communities throughout Bougainville.