Governor-General of Papua New Guinea, Grand Chief Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae, has welcomed a donation of 11 water tanks from local engineering company WP Engineering Ltd to support water storage at Government House.The tanks, each with a capacity of 4,000 litres, were officially presented by WP Engineering Ltd Chief Ahmad Bin Ismail during a handover ceremony at Government House this week.Grand Chief Sir Bob said the donation would help address ongoing water supply disruptions affecting both the Office of the Governor-General and staff residing at Government House.He noted that the contribution comes at a critical time as the country begins experiencing the impacts of El Niño, which is expected to place additional pressure on Port Moresby’s main water source, the Sirinumu Dam in Sogeri.Sir Bob urged Government House staff to use water responsibly and practice conservation measures to ensure supplies last throughout the anticipated dry period.He said forecasts indicate that the current El Niño event could be one of the most severe on record and may persist for several months, bringing significant challenges for communities across the Pacific, including reduced water levels at Sirinumu Dam.The Governor-General expressed his gratitude to WP Engineering Ltd for its generous support, saying the donation would provide much-needed relief and improve water security at Government House.He also acknowledged the company's continued assistance, noting that WP Engineering Ltd recently installed a new flagpole at Government House, which now flies both the Governor-General’s Personal Standard and Papua New Guinea’s national flag.

The Office of the Governor General has issued a warning to the general public to be wary of social media scams utilizing profile pictures of the Governor General, Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae, to solicit funds from unsuspecting individuals.Official Secretary Mr. Bill Toraso stated that he is aware of a person or persons claiming to be Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae and using photographs of the Governor General on Facebook to seek financial assistance with promises of significant returns.In response, Mr. Toraso has urged the public to remain vigilant and refrain from engaging with such individuals on social media.“On behalf of the Governor General’s Office, I want to make it clear that the Office of the Governor General nor the Governor General himself would resort to such illegal means to scam people on social media such as Facebook,” said Mr. Toraso.The public is strongly warned not to accept requests or lend money to individuals using the Governor General’s name and photographs under the guise of huge financial returns.Furthermore, the Office of the Governor General has stated it will not entertain or compensate individuals who have lost money to these scammers and are seeking rewards or reimbursement.Members of the public are advised to immediately cease communication with these fraudulent accounts and report them to the appropriate authorities, such as the police.Mr. Toraso emphasized that the Office of the Governor General will also pursue this matter with the relevant authorities for appropriate action to be taken.

People living in provinces in the Highlands Region and the Southern Coastal Region of Papua New Guinea (PNG) are expected to be impacted more by the onslaught of the extreme El Niño condition that is already upon the pacific region.This was announced by the Minster for National Disaster and Emergency Dr. Billy Joseph, who further said that the National Government remains committed to ensuring that PNG is prepared and ready to respond to any challenges that may arise from this developing El Niño event. However, he did not disclose just how much funding support the State will be providing to support impacted areas.The minister made the revelation after receiving assessment reports from a multi- sectoral Technical Assessment Team deployed by the National Disaster Center in May to verify the situation on the ground and assess the level of preparedness of provinces that were currently under drought watch and drought alert.The assessment team comprised representatives from key government agencies and partner organisations.“The assessment confirmed emerging dry conditions across parts of the Highlands Region, including reduced rainfall, declining water sources, moisture stress on food gardens, and growing concerns over food and water security,” the minister said in a statement that he released.He further stated that the assessment concluded that there is a likelihood of a drought emergency. It highlighted the need for proactive preparedness measures and early interventions to mitigate the potential impacts of a developing El Niño event.“These findings reinforce the importance of early action by all levels of government, communities, and stakeholders to strengthen preparedness and resilience before conditions deteriorate further,” he said.The current forecast indicates that these conditions may have adverse impacts on:Water availability for communities;Food production and agricultural activities;Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services;Hydropower generation and energy supply;Transport networks and other critical services; andPublic health and community livelihoods.Meanwhile, the National Disaster Centre (NDC) is urging all national agencies, Provincial Administrations, Provincial Disaster Committees, District Development Authorities, development partners, business houses, churches, civil society organisations, and local communities to coordinate their preparedness arrangements and take early action to minimise the potential impacts of El Niño.The Provincial Disaster Centres are also encouraged to coordinate preparedness activities within their respective jurisdictions and maintain close communication with the NDC.The NDC, in collaboration with the National Weather Service and other key stakeholders, will continue to monitor the evolving situation and provide regular updates to the public.“I urge all citizens, community leaders, churches, and private sector partners to take this advisory seriously and begin preparing for possible dry conditions in the months ahead. Early preparedness, coordinated planning, and collective actions will be critical in safeguarding lives, livelihoods, food security, water security, and essential services,” said the minister.Meantime, the PNG National Weather Service has confirmed that El Niño conditions are now established and likely to persist until at least the end of the year.

A group of young men from West New Britain (WNB) Province, led by Mr. Nathan Kawai and Mr. Graham Graisim has been commended for demonstrating deep gratitude and civic responsibility through a cleanathon conducted around Morauta Haus in Waigani, Port Moresby, last week. This unique voluntary initiative was undertaken as a direct expression of appreciation for the successful facilitation of more than one hundred deceased estate land titles by the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs (DPLGA), through the Office of the Official Custodian for Trust Land. The young men carried out their clean-up exercise across the grounds and spaces surrounding the very building where the DPLGA occupies the second, third, and fifth floors, transforming a routine bureaucratic milestone into an inspiring display of community service.Mr. Philip Leo, Secretary for the DPLGA and the Official Custodian for Trust Land, highly commended the young men for their initiative, describing it as a positive example of responsible citizenship and community spirit."The actions of these young men demonstrate humility, gratitude and a willingness to give back to society. Their initiative should inspire other young people throughout the country to contribute positively to their communities through simple acts of service," Secretary Leo said. He further encouraged Papua New Guinea's youth to emulate the example set by the boys from Kimbe by engaging in activities that promote cleanliness, volunteerism, and national pride.The cleanup highlights a massive administrative relief for the province, resolving files that had been stagnant since they were lodged with the department last year. Through the Office of the Official Custodian for Trust Land, the department effectively facilitated the required processes under Section 125 of the Land Registration Act, allowing the Registrar of Titles to complete the registration of title transmission to the next of kin. This crucial legal process enabled the lawful transfer of title ownership to beneficiaries who had otherwise been locked out of land security.According to Mr. Nathan Kawai, who has been recognized as the spokesperson for the title holders, many families had struggled for decades to resolve issues relating to deceased estate titles. He explained that the successful completion of the title transmission would now allow affected oil palm growers to qualify for critical replanting assistance facilitated by the Oil Palm Industry Corporation."These people have waited for many years to have these deceased estate matters resolved. We are truly grateful to the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs for helping us secure these titles. Because of this intervention, many families can now participate in the replanting of their oil palm blocks and improve their livelihoods," Mr. Kawai said.Following this successful resolution and the subsequent show of appreciation from the local youth, the department has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that deceased estate matters relating to customary beneficiaries and trust land responsibilities are efficiently administered in accordance with the law, enabling citizens to access vital opportunities that contribute to long-term economic empowerment and sustainable development.

A nine-member delegation from the Morobe Provincial Government returned to Lae on Friday, June 12, following a critical five-day official visit to Ok Tedi Mining Limited (Ok Tedi) aimed at preparing the province for the upcoming Wafi-Golpu mine project. Led by Deputy Governor Andrew Tera, the group departed on Monday, June 8, for what officials described as a vital benchmarking exercise. The high-level party included key provincial executive chairmen for mining, energy, and agriculture, alongside local level government presidents and key landowning representatives from the Yanta, Hengembu, and Babuaf communities of Special Mining Lease (SML) 10 area.Speaking ahead of the departure, Governor Rainbo Paita emphasized that the visit would hold considerable value for Morobe’s broader strategy regarding its natural resources, with lessons stretching across infrastructure sectors like roads, power, communication, and transport. He noted that the journey was designed to give landowners a firsthand understanding of the socio-economic returns and long-term business opportunities that flow from a mature mining enterprise. Fully funded by Ok Tedi, which provided return charter flights, accommodation, and full board, the trip was tightly curated, with each delegate selected for the specific bearing their role has on Morobe's future.For the traveling landowners, the visit offered a unique look at what life actually looks like once a major mine takes root in a community. By observing one of the nation’s most established operations, the delegation sought to learn from both Ok Tedi’s successes and its challenges, ensuring that Morobe meets the Wafi-Golpu project with practical knowledge rather than untested hope. A major focus of the trip involved studying infrastructure development, specifically examining how Ok Tedi has utilized the Tax Credit Scheme to channel mining wealth into public works like schools and roads. Ultimately, the insights gained from this week-long expedition are expected to directly inform the provincial government's strategies and negotiations as preparations for Wafi-Golpu intensify in the months ahead.

What began as a training programme under the European Union-funded STREIT PNG initiative has evolved into a lasting community-driven movement in Wosera-Gawi District, where families are learning to plan together, manage income more effectively, and make decisions that benefit entire households.At the centre of this transformation is Angela Gossiba, Food Security Officer and Caretaker District Agriculture Coordinator for Wosera-Gawi, whose work is helping farmers strengthen not only their agricultural practices but also their family and community livelihoods.During a recent cocoa budding training in Yembiyembi, a remote community in Gawi LLG, an elderly farmer reflected on the value of the Gender Action Learning System (GALS) training. After learning how families can plan and make decisions together using simple visual tools, he told fellow participants he wished he had received such guidance when he was younger. Although he could not turn back time, he said he would pass the knowledge on to his son so the next generation could benefit.For Angela, stories like this are evidence of the programme's success.Having served in the provincial agriculture service since 2007 and in Wosera-Gawi since 2016, Angela's role regularly takes her into some of East Sepik's most remote communities.“Being a woman doing agriculture work is very tough,” she said. “You have to travel to very remote places, often on foot. But I have enjoyed the challenges. I have walked throughout the district and stayed with farming families in their villages.”Through years of fieldwork, Angela observed a recurring challenge: women contribute significantly to food production yet often have limited access to training, resources, finance and decision-making opportunities. Young people face similar barriers.To help address these issues, the EU-STREIT PNG Programme trained Angela as a Gender Coach, one of approximately 70 government officers and lead farmers equipped to deliver GALS across East and West Sepik provinces.The approach uses drawings and visual planning tools rather than written documents, making it easier for rural families to identify goals, map out pathways to achieve them and discuss household responsibilities.“Our people in the villages may not be able to prepare written project plans, but through drawings they are able to understand and participate,” Angela explained.The training has produced tangible results across the district.In Blamda, North Wosera, Angela combined cocoa extension services with household planning activities. She established a certified budwood garden for cocoa pod borer-tolerant seedlings, which now supplies planting materials to more than ten communities. Farmers have also gained skills in financial management and entrepreneurship, with many opening bank accounts and operating small cocoa businesses.Beyond farming, the programme has influenced how families make decisions.Angela recalls the experience of the Wani family, where household decisions were once made solely by the father.“Before the training, the father made all the decisions without involving his wife or children,” she said. “After participating in GALS, he realised the importance of including the whole family in planning and decision-making.”Another success story comes from Burui village, where farmer Nereus Saun and his wife Jaqueline Sakat used the GALS planning tools to achieve their education goals. After jointly deciding to invest their cocoa earnings into a fermentary to improve returns from dry bean sales, the couple generated enough income to fund Nereus' university studies. In 2026, he enrolled in a Bachelor programme at the University of Goroka.Angela has also applied the lessons within her own family. After receiving GALS training in 2024, she guided her children through the Vision Journey planning process, helping them establish an inland fish farming project. The family later expanded into poultry production and cocoa development.A key reason for the programme's ongoing impact is Angela's commitment to sharing the knowledge. She has trained around 20 Community Gender Advocates across the district's four local-level governments, enabling support to reach communities she cannot visit herself.Among them is Julie Kleniaka, who leads the Wingum Women's Group in Patiko village, and Jude Wapi of Baluwe in the Chambri Lakes area, whose community used proceeds from cocoa seedling sales to construct an early childhood classroom completed in 2024.Angela believes empowering local trainers and government officers is essential for long-term sustainability.“Government officers and local trainers are permanently based in the communities and are in the best position to continue these activities while mentoring others,” she said.Looking ahead, Angela is advocating for the establishment of dedicated gender desks within provincial and district agriculture offices. Speaking during regional consultations on the National Women and Youth in Agriculture Policy in Wewak, she proposed formally funded positions that would help women and youth farmers access extension services, markets, banking opportunities and financial support.Despite the progress, Angela acknowledges significant challenges remain, including illiteracy, limited access to land and credit, insufficient business skills and law-and-order issues that often restrict women's mobility.Nevertheless, she says the most encouraging change has been the growing confidence among women.“Many women were afraid to stand in front of people or speak publicly,” she said. “They lacked confidence and often felt pushed aside. Now they know they have a place and a voice.”In recognition of her work, Angela was named the EU-STREIT PNG Programme Champion for the Greater Sepik Region in 2024. Yet she views the achievement not as the end of a project, but as part of her everyday responsibility.“It has already become part of me,” she said. “I now incorporate these approaches into every extension activity I conduct.”As she continues travelling to remote villages throughout Wosera-Gawi, Angela remains motivated by the people she serves.“There are people out there who need me,” she said. “That is what keeps me going.”Her story reflects the broader legacy of the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, which has strengthened the skills of government officers across multiple sectors, enabling them to continue delivering lasting benefits to their communities long after the programme's direct interventions.

A new chapter in healthcare has begun for the people of Aitape-Lumi District as Raihu Health Centre was officially upgraded to a Level 4 District Hospital, marking a major achievement for the Catholic Diocese of Aitape, Catholic Church Health Services (CCHS), and the communities it has served for more than seven decades.The facility will now operate as St. Francis Catholic District Hospital, strengthening healthcare services across the district and improving access to higher-level medical care for thousands of residents.The official accreditation ceremony, held on Wednesday, brought together healthcare workers, church leaders, government representatives, development partners, and community members to celebrate what many described as a historic achievement for the region.Among those attending the ceremony were the Minister for Health, provincial leaders, representatives of the Catholic Church, development partners, and local residents, all gathered to witness the hospital's transition to Level 4 status.The accreditation follows years of planning, commitment, and collaboration between the Catholic Diocese of Aitape, Catholic Church Health Services, government agencies, and development partners.Hospital staff and community members said the upgrade reflects the continued growth of Raihu and its vital role in delivering healthcare services throughout Aitape-Lumi District and surrounding communities.For more than 71 years, Raihu has been a cornerstone of healthcare within the Diocese of Aitape. The facility celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 2005, recognizing 50 years of dedicated service, and most recently participated in Papua New Guinea's 50th Independence Jubilee celebrations, highlighting its enduring contribution to the nation's health sector.The elevation to a Level 4 District Hospital is expected to significantly enhance healthcare delivery by expanding clinical services, strengthening referral pathways, and increasing the hospital's capacity to provide specialized care closer to home.Church leaders and Catholic Church Health Services acknowledged the dedication of hospital staff, government partners, supporters, and the local community whose collective efforts made the accreditation possible.

The Remington Group has strengthened its presence in Papua New Guinea’s retail technology sector with the opening of a new Remington Hi-Tek outlet in Mt Hagen, marking its first retail expansion into the Highlands region.The new store joins Remington Hi-Tek's existing outlets in Port Moresby and Lae, bringing a wider range of technology products and services closer to customers in the Western Highlands and surrounding provinces.To mark the occasion, Remington Hi-Tek hosted an Open Day on Tuesday, June 16, in partnership with the PNGFM radio team. Throughout the day, PNGFM broadcast live from the venue, engaging the local community through on-air promotions, giveaways and interactive activities.Hundreds of residents turned out to celebrate the opening, taking part in trivia competitions, winning shopping vouchers and merchandise, and exploring the store’s range of laptops, smartphones and technology accessories.The expansion reflects Remington Hi-Tek’s commitment to improving access to quality technology products and dependable local support services across Papua New Guinea.The Remington Group thanked the people of Mt Hagen for their strong support and warm reception, saying it looks forward to serving customers throughout the Highlands region for years to come.

Soldiers from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) 2nd Cavalry Regiment have strengthened the enduring Papua New Guinea-Australia partnership through a meaningful community visit to the Cheshire Inclusive Education Resource Centre in Port Moresby, a school supporting children with disabilities.During the visit, the soldiers engaged with students and staff through games, storytelling, and shared activities designed to build connection, teamwork, and inclusion.The interaction created a lively and welcoming atmosphere, with students enthusiastically participating alongside the visiting troops.As part of the visit, the ADF members donated sporting equipment, including footballs, cones, skipping ropes, and other recreational items.The donation is expected to greatly support the school’s physical education programs, encouraging active participation, confidence building, and inclusive play for all students.School staff and students warmly welcomed the gesture, noting the positive impact of both the equipment and the personal interaction with the soldiers.The visit reflects the strong and ongoing Papua New Guinea-Australia defence partnership, built on mutual respect, cooperation, and a shared commitment to supporting community wellbeing.

A new CCTV surveillance and video conferencing connectivity initiative has been officially launched to link the Morobe, Salamaua and Wampar Rural Local Level Governments with the Huon Gulf District Administration.This project was unveiled by Huon Gulf MP and Minister for Community Development, Youths and Religion Jason Peter, during a major development project launch ceremony in Morobe LLG.The system is designed to improve communication between rural administrations and the district headquarters, allowing government officials to coordinate services more efficiently while reducing travel costs and delays.The technology will also support law and order operations, strengthen disaster response coordination, and improve the overall delivery of government services across the district.Human Resource Manager for Morobe Provincial Administration Kusak Meluk, noted that improved communication infrastructure would strengthen governance and increase the effectiveness of public service delivery in rural communities.Meanwhile, Rural Patrol Police Inspector Adam Busila also praised the project stating that the enhanced connectivity would assist law enforcement agencies in responding more effectively to security issues and emergencies.

TISA Insurance recently announced the donation of a salvaged vehicle to Don Bosco Technological Institute (DBTI) in support of the institute’s automotive training program.This highlights the social responsibility and TISA’s commitment towards investing in education and the future of this country.The donated vehicle, though previously involved in an accident, has been assessed and found to be in excellent condition for educational and training purposes.Rather than allowing a serviceable asset to go to waste, the initiative transformed it into a meaningful learning tool for the next generation of automotive professionals.For students enrolled in DBTI’s automotive program, access to a real, modern vehicle is invaluable.It allows them to engage directly hands-on with contemporary vehicle systems, components, and technologies that they will encounter in the workplace.This type of experiential learning is what truly bridges the gap between classroom theory and actual industry practice- a gap that can often be difficult for vocational institutions to close due to limited resources.TISA Insurance aims to help equip young men and women with the practical competencies, technical confidence, and professional readiness demanded by today’s automotive industry demands.The hand-on skills they develop working on this vehicle will stay with them throughout their careers.This initiative reflects TISA Insurance’s commitment not only to our business, but to the communities in which it operates.TISA has extended its congratulations to the faculty, staff, and students of Don Bosco Technological Institute, and is looking forward in seeing the great things these future professionals will achieve.“Together, let us continue to build a workforce that is skilled, capable, and ready to drive progress - one student at a time.”

Communities across Morobe Local Level Government (LLG) are set to benefit from improved policing, healthcare, disaster assistance, and grassroots service delivery following the launch of several community-focused projects by Huon Gulf MP and Minister for Community Development, Youths and Religion, Jason Peter.These projects, funded through the Huon Gulf District Development Authority (HGDDA), were launched recently as part of the district's ongoing commitment to improving essential services in rural areas.This included the commissioning of two new police houses, providing improved accommodation for officers serving in Morobe LLG.The housing is expected to strengthen law and order by improving the welfare of frontline police personnel and supporting policing operations throughout the area.Healthcare services also received a new boat fitted with a 75-horsepower outboard motor to Zaka Health Centre.The vessel will enable health workers to transport emergency patients more efficiently and expand outreach services to isolated coastal communities that have limited access to medical care.The district also delivered K200, 000 worth of disaster relief supplies to families affected by the severe weather and natural disasters that struck Huon Gulf in March this year.The relief package includes food and essential household supplies to assist communities as they recover from the impacts of the disaster.Finally, to strengthen grassroots governance, bicycles were distributed to representatives from all 20 wards in the Morobe LLG.The bicycles will improve mobility for the ward leaders, enabling them to better access rural communities and carry out their responsibilities more effectively.Speaking during the launch, Minister Peter said the projects reflected the district’s commitment to delivering practical development that directly improves people's lives.“Development is not about promises; it is about delivering results that directly improve the lives of our people.”“This launching demonstrates our commitment to strengthening law and order, improving healthcare, restoring essential services, supporting our communities, and ensuring that development reaches every ward and village within Morobe LLG and the wider Huon Gulf District.”Meanwhile, Morobe LLG President and Deputy Governor Andrew Tera, commended the Huon Gulf DDA for investing in projects that respond to the real needs of rural communities.Additionally, Rural Patrol Police Inspector Adam Busila said investments in police housing, health services, and community support programs would contribute significantly to improving governance and public service delivery throughout Morobe LLG.