Kerebi DAVID

Identifying 63,756 drought-affected people across Wau Waria District has brought the district a step closer to accessing its K2.5 million El Niño relief allocation. Comprehensive assessments across all 43 wards have now provided the hard evidence required by the government to justify the release of the relief payments.The extensive district-wide drought assessment identified 63,756 affected individuals from 14,394 households spanning the Wau Urban, Wau Rural, and Waria Local Level Governments (LLGs). Findings compiled by the district’s El Niño Response Committee revealed widespread drinking water shortages, severe food insecurity, catastrophic crop losses, and escalating health risks, establishing the true scale of the humanitarian needs confronting local communities.Wau Waria MP and District Development Authority (DDA) Chairman, Marsh Narewec, clarified that the K2.5 million allocation cannot simply be drawn down and spent without meeting strict accountability and assessment criteria.“The K2.5 million is accessible but not accessed yet due to these assessments. We have to submit an assessment report to justify the release of payments. It is not a tucker box where we hand out cash or make payments anyhow,” MP Narewec stated.His clarification shifts focus from prior banking and administrative delays to the rigorous process of substantiating public expenditure against the verified needs of the affected population.To ensure complete transparency and accountability in the utilization of the K2.5 million, Chairman Narewec established a multi-sectoral response committee. The team comprises LLG managers, programme managers, district government officers, business houses, churches, and community representatives working in unison to coordinate the district’s drought response.“I acknowledge and thank the collective efforts of the ward councillors, officers of the three LLGs, the district assessment teams, and the communities whose cooperation has enabled this district-wide exercise to be completed successfully,” the MP said.With the assessments finalized, the DDA is now concluding distribution frameworks and preparing to procure essential relief supplies. Immediate interventions will include the deployment of water containers, water filters, food rations, basic medical supplies, and the drilling of bore water installations.Distribution will be strictly guided by the assessment of findings, with absolute priority given to the hardest-hit and most vulnerable communities across the district’s three LLGs.The next critical step is the formal submission of the comprehensive assessment report to fulfill the remaining state requirements, clearing the way to deploy the K2.5 million to assist the people of Wau Waria immediately.

The Afore Local Level Government (LLG) in Ijivitari District has officially launched its landmark Five-Year Development Plan (2027–2032). The comprehensive framework outlines critical community-identified priorities across all 18 wards of the LLG.Oro Governor Gary Juffa officiated the launching ceremony, praising the people of Afore and their 18 ward councillors for collaborating with the Landscape Alliance to deliver the strategic roadmap. Governor Juffa described the grass-roots initiative as a historic first for Oro Province and a pioneering model for bottom-up planning across Papua New Guinea.Spurred by the plan's clarity, Governor Juffa pledged to personally present the document to the National Government to secure Public Investment Programme (PIP) funding for its implementation. He also extended his gratitude to the Landscape Alliance team for their ongoing commitment to the region through the Managalas project.The K12.5 million plan was constructed through an extensive eight-week planning exercise where ward councillors, recorders, and Ward Development Committee (WDC) members formulated individual Ward Activity Plans. These localized priorities were subsequently consolidated into the final LLG framework, ensuring all development mandates originate directly from the communities.The training and implementation process was facilitated by PNG Trust, funded by the European Union (EU) through its Forestry, Climate Change and Biodiversity (EU-FCCB) Programme, and executed by the Landscape Alliance.The 2027–2032 development framework addresses longstanding structural challenges through targeted interventions:• Agriculture & Market Access: To support local cash crop, ginger, turmeric, kava, sago, and okari nut farmers facing poor road access and low market returns, the plan provisions for crop quality and marketing training, cooperative society support, and the establishment of community coffee mills, cocoa fermentaries, and rice mills.• Healthcare Revitalization: To address remote wards lacking road connectivity and closed aid posts, proposed initiatives include training Village Birth Attendants and Health Volunteers, constructing health worker housing, introducing mobile medical units, and deploying a community ambulance for the Afore Health Centre.• Education & Community Development: The plan prioritizes early childhood education and teacher training, alongside social programs including the annual Afore LLG Cultural Show and institutional support for Community Based Constables to boost law and order.• Infrastructure Innovation: Highlighting sustainable rural engineering, the plan targets the construction of a mini-hydropower system at Numba (Ward 5), building upon the community’s self-reliant piped-water initiative.The Afore LLG Development Plan sets a high benchmark as the first of its kind in Oro Province. The provincial government confirms that the remaining 10 LLGs are currently preparing to model their upcoming frameworks on this exact bottom-up methodology.While the shared vision represents a major milestone, its ultimate success hinges on budget allocations, national PIP financing, and robust coordination with development partners to translate these grassroots blueprints into tangible structural improvements for rural families.The launching ceremony concluded with key representations from provincial sector agencies, PNG Trust, the Ijivitari District Development Authority (DDA), the Landscape Alliance, and local LLG leaders.

The University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) Simbu Student Society is finalized and ready to deploy in early November to deliver two vital, concurrent awareness programs across all six districts of Simbu Province.The Simbu Society students have two programs to deliver; one is the Student Educational awareness program and 2nd is the National General Election Awareness for the communities back in the 6 districts of the province. However, the society faces a race against time, launching an urgent public appeal for K60,000 in financial or logistical backing to make the provincial tour possible.Speaking to PNGHAUSBUNG, UPNG Simbu Student Society Patron Mr. Michael Brown outlined the two core components of the upcoming November outreach.The first initiative is the High School and Secondary Education Guidance program which targets secondary and high school students across Simbu Province. UPNG students will provide direct mentorship to demystify tertiary entry pathways, explain academic programs, and clarify Grade Point Average (GPA) requirements for UPNG’s various schools.“Many students remain confused about available programs, new course offerings, and structural differences between academic schools," Mr. Brown explained. "This face-to-face awareness will guide them to correctly fill out their National Online Application System (NOAS) and school leaver forms."The society successfully ran this educational program in 2022, 2023, and 2025, only missing 2024 due to similar financial constraints.The second initiative is the 2027 National General Election Awareness program which is a crucial civic education campaign tailored for rural communities, ahead of the 2027 National General Election. This marks the first time the student society has taken on a comprehensive political awareness campaign of this scale.“With the 2027 elections just months away, this awareness is critical. It is designed to educate our families in the villages to understand their constitutional right to vote without fear, favor, or intimidation. We want to empower them to analyze party policies before casting their ballots," Mr. Brown said.The society extended its gratitude to the PNG Electoral Commission, which has officially backed the student initiative by supplying awareness kits, pamphlets, training materials, and merchandise. Supplementary sessions on law and order and community health will also be integrated into the district tours.To successfully deploy student teams across all six districts for the two-week campaign, the society requires K60,000. Due to limited internal student dues, the group is appealing directly to Simbu elites, business houses, stakeholders, the Simbu Provincial Government, Governor, and all district Open Members of Parliament to step in.“We are running against time and urgently appeal for assistance," Mr. Brown stated. "Beyond financial support, we warmly welcome corporate or state donations in the form of fuel, vehicle hire, PA systems, accommodation, and travel fares. Anything that contributes to the safety and movement of our students will help."If the necessary funding is secured, the two programs will run simultaneously across the province this November. If funding goals are not met, the society will be forced to activate its contingency plan to defer the tour to the Semester 1 break in 2027.

A severe health crisis is unfolding across West New Britain Province as a crippling shortage of essential medical drugs leaves rural communities and outer islands completely vulnerable. The medical stockout coincides with an ongoing environmental disaster, with widespread bushfires, intense heatwaves, and destructive strong winds actively ravaging local livelihoods.During urgent emergency assessments conducted by district disaster teams, officials discovered that the majority of provincial aid posts and health centers currently hold nil stock of basic pharmaceutical and medical supplies, escalating the risk of preventable fatalities."The Baluka Health Centre in Hoskins, which serves roughly nine council wards, has completely run out of medical supplies," reported West New Britain Provincial Disaster Coordinator Mr. Herman Volele. "This is an extraordinarily high-risk situation. Hundreds of citizens are entirely cut off from basic healthcare services right now."Disaster officials warn that the combination of raging bushfires, heavy smoke inhalation, and a critical lack of clean, running water is already driving an uptick in medical complications. Without functioning clinics, rural populations have nowhere to turn for treatment."The pervasive dust and heavy smoke are triggering severe respiratory infections and acute coughing," Mr. Volele emphasized. "Furthermore, the consumption of contaminated water due to dried-up sources will inevitably result in widespread diarrhea outbreaks. In an active disaster situation like this, it is imperative that every single medical aid post and health center be fully stocked with emergency supplies."The disaster office is issuing an urgent call to action for immediate intervention, questioning the oversight of regional health administrators. "Where are the health authorities and the allocated funds for these facilities? The West New Britain Provincial Health Authority (WNBPHA) must step up immediately to inspect these centers, take stock of the deficits, and release emergency funding to resupply all medical facilities from the mainland to the remote outer islands as a matter of absolute urgency."

As El Niño conditions persist across Papua New Guinea, Milne Bay Province has emerged as one of the hardest-hit maritime regions in the country.Following a comprehensive assessment of the situation, provincial authorities confirmed that water levels have dropped drastically. Outer islands and atolls have completely run out of fresh water supplies, while the North Coast of the Milne Bay mainland is being devastated by wild bushfires.Milne Bay Provincial Disaster Coordinator, Mr. Randal Ganisi highlighted that the Kiriwina-Goodenough, Esa'ala, and Ferguson Islands are facing critical water shortages. Most local water sources are drying up, which has caused widespread crop failure and severely threatened local food security.Mr. Ganisi added that the Samarai-Murua area—particularly the Bennett Group and the Rossel Islands—is experiencing similar crises. Most of their food gardens have dried up, and banana crops have been heavily damaged by accompanying strong winds.In contrast, the Milne Bay mainland has maintained an ample water supply capable of sustaining the main township for now, though officials warn this status could deteriorate by next month."The area toward the Owen Stanley Range remains green, but toward the North Coast, everything has turned brown," Mr. Ganisi noted. "An aerial survey revealed that every one to two kilometers of vegetation has been scorched by wild bushfires triggered by the intense El Niño heat."On the mainland, the Agaun Wards across the Rabaraba, Makamaka, and Weraura sections—including Daka—have also been severely impacted by these bushfires.The critical water shortage on the outer islands has forced immediate operational changes. Schools in Samarai-Murua have been instructed to dismiss students early at 12:00 PM daily.To combat the unfolding crisis, Mr. Ganisi confirmed that all districts in Milne Bay Province have received their respective shares of the K2.5 million government disaster relief funding, which was approved and released by the National Executive Council last week."With these funds now distributed, all district coordinators are urged to act swiftly," Mr. Ganisi stated. "They must collaborate closely with the Provincial Disaster Office to formulate immediate strategies for water distillation and food ration distribution across all affected communities."Because community tanks are empty and natural water sources are failing, the Provincial Disaster Office plans to prioritize partnerships with island and atoll districts. The immediate goal is to install water distillation machines at central hubs on each island to ensure residents have access to clean, safe drinking water.As these severe drought conditions continue, authorities are urging the public to remain resilient, conserve what little water remains, and use all resources wisely."Everyone must remember to assist one another, limit outdoor activities, wear hats and sunglasses to prevent sunburn, and use face masks to protect against dust and strong winds," Mr. Ganisi advised. "Prioritizing the care of vulnerable family members—especially the elderly, children, and the sick—is paramount."Mr. Ganisi reassured affected populations that water, food rations, and essential emergency supplies will reach them shortly, now that the disaster relief funds are active at the district level.

Financial backing for public safety campaigns is critical to saving lives and minimizing environmental destruction during the ongoing severe climate crisis, West New Britain (WNB) Provincial Disaster Coordinator Herman Volele emphasized following a successful awareness drive at Hoskins Secondary School.The WNB Provincial Disaster Office is urgently requesting District Development Authorities across the province to release dedicated funds to secure logistics, materials, and resources required to expand critical El Niño awareness campaigns to all rural and urban communities."We are racing against one of the worst El Niño disasters on record," Mr. Volele warned. "Proactive preparation is absolutely crucial right now to minimize casualties, prevent the loss of lives, and protect vital community properties."The province is currently grappling with a severe drought that has triggered uncontained wild bushfires. During the school awareness sessions, students were strictly cautioned against playing with matches, lighting unnecessary fires, or leaving any fires unattended.Faced with extreme daily temperatures soaring between 34°C and 35°C, coupled with widespread water shortages across local institutions, the Disaster Office has issued an emergency safety directive for schools and families:Hydration and Safety Gear: Students must carry at least one litre of drinking water daily. They are strongly advised to wear hats, sunglasses, and face masks to shield themselves from the intense heat and heavy smoke inhalation.Reduced School Hours: All local schools have been advised to dismiss students early at 12:00 PM to avoid peak heat hours. Kindergarten and pre-schools are urged to close temporarily to keep highly vulnerable young children safe at home.Health and Air Quality Warnings: Due to poor air quality driven by smoke and high carbon concentrations, physical and outdoor activities must be strictly curtailed.Water Sanitation: With limited remaining water sources, residents are heavily reminded to boil all water before consumption to prevent waterborne diseases and health complications from polluted sources.The WNB Provincial Disaster Office remains on high alert and continues to call for immediate inter-government collaboration to fund and deploy emergency support teams across the province.

West New Britain (WNB) Province has emerged as one of the hardest-hit regions in Papua New Guinea as a severe El Niño event continues to devastate livelihoods and inflict catastrophic damage on the environment.Widespread wild bushfires have erupted across the province, destroying natural vegetation, vital food gardens, and commercial oil palm and coconut plantations. The fires have swept across the mountain ranges in the Hoskins area, posing an immediate threat to local communities, native wildlife, and ecosystems.West New Britain Disaster Coordinator, Mr. Herman Volele, reported from Hoskins that the current El Niño conditions are unprecedented.“The effects are comparable to a volcanic disaster,” Mr. Volele stated. “The conditions are extreme—the land is entirely parched, creating a severe fire hazard. Intense heat and wildfires are everywhere.”The latest crisis occurred yesterday, Friday, October 3, 2026, near Hoskins Airport. A bushfire ignited and rapidly consumed approximately 10 hectares of coconut palms and vegetation within minutes.“There was no way to control or contain the blaze,” Volele recalled. “We stood helpless, watching it devour everything in its path. Thick smoke and heavy ash have created severe health risks for nearby communities and are threatening airspace safety, impacting aircraft operations at the terminal.”On Thursday, the provincial Disaster Office met with representatives from New Britain Palm Oil Limited (NBPOL), to assess the unfolding crisis. Reports confirm that wildfires have destroyed vast swathes of oil palm plantations and smallholder blocks stretching across Talasea, Kandrian-Gloucester, Hoskins, Bialla, and Nakanai.Industry representatives have labeled the crisis as a very high-risk situation that will severely impact future palm oil production.Driven by a relentless heatwave and strong south-easterly winds, officials warn that if El Niño conditions persist for another six to eight months, the province faces complete environmental devastation.“Temperatures have soared to between 34 and 35 degrees Celsius,” Volele noted. “This level of heat is pushing the limits of survival for the environment, wildlife, and human populations.”Efforts to combat the blazes are being severely hindered by localized resource constraints. The provincial fire service is overwhelmed, operating with only two deteriorating fire trucks. Given the sheer scale and frequency of the outbreaks across the province, emergency services are stretched to their limits and unable to manage the widespread disasters.Mr. Volele issued an urgent appeal for national assistance: “We genuinely need immediate government intervention. We are calling for the release of the promised K2.5 million El Niño relief funds to support affected lives across all districts, and to reinforce our fire and disaster services as we work to combat this crisis and save lives.”

Following a series of recent maritime accidents across the country—including two major boating mishaps in East New Britain Province—the West New Britain (WNB) Provincial Disaster Office has issued a stern warning to all boat operators and travelers to strictly adhere to weather warnings and safety protocols.Disaster officials are urging all operators to ensure essential safety gear is on board before setting sail. Required items include life jackets, extra fuel ("zoom"), spare water containers, canvas coverings, torches with working batteries, and fully charged mobile phones. Operators must also verify that boat engines are functioning perfectly.The region is currently experiencing strong south to south-easterly winds. These winds typically intensify after midday and peak between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM, creating exceptionally rough sea conditions in the evening.West New Britain Disaster Coordinator Herman Volele noted that this afternoon and evening wind surge is a primary factor behind the frequent accidents at sea during those hours."Those traveling between Kimbe Bay, Bialla, West New Britain, and East New Britain must choose their travel times carefully," Volele said. "These strong winds are blowing at 37 to 47 knots, which is powerful enough to lift and capsize watercraft."To mitigate these risks, boat operators are advised to travel during the morning hours when the ocean is calm. Morning travel also ensures ample daylight to complete long-distance journeys under clear weather conditions."All vessels must be fully registered under the Small Craft Act and follow mandated safety measures at sea. Failure to comply will result in hefty fines and imprisonment," Volele warned.In response to the hazardous weather, Volele highlighted that the Disaster Office has coordinated with the Provincial Education Department to permit all local schools to dismiss classes early at 12:00 PM noon."Most schools are situated on outer islands, requiring students to paddle or take boat rides daily. We have asked schools to finish at noon so students can travel back home before the winds pick up," he explained.Volele further elaborated that the prolonged El Niño event has left most islands, including their schools and portions of the mainland, without a running water supply. Dismissing classes early helps keep children safe during this challenging disaster period.

The National Capital District (NCD) and Central Police Sexual Violence and Homicide units are currently two of the busiest divisions in the force, managing severe cases on a daily basis.Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Benjamin Turi revealed that murder and sexual abuse are the most frequently reported crimes handled by police each day. ACP Turi stated that these crimes ultimately stem from individual attitudes and mindsets, underscoring an urgent need for broader awareness surrounding anger management and mutual respect.“When we talk about murder, most cases occur as a result of minor arguments, stealing, alcohol abuse, and the wantok system—whereby people support a relative or friend in a fight based on tribal ties without reasoning out the actual issue,” ACP Turi explained.He also added that a lack of self-respect and respect for others directly drives the high rates of sexual abuse.To combat this, he emphasized the critical role that Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), the government, and the media must play in amplifying public education campaigns.“When these crimes recur at high rates, the statistics paint a very damaging picture of both our capital city and our country,” Turi said.Recognizing the need for proactive prevention, the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) is now partnering with Dr. Glen Mola to produce short awareness videos on sexual abuse to educate the public.ACP Turi also voiced strong concern over the misuse of social media. He noted that many users post unverified videos and reports of violence, killings, and threats simply to go viral, without considering the impact of spreading misinformation.“Social media came to the wrong country; people do not know how to use it properly and often don't care if it is fake news,” he stated. “Fake news about crime drives fear into our citizens and deters foreign investors who begin to question their safety. This must stop before we head into the next election.”He concluded by urging the public to check and balance facts before posting online, encouraging citizens to use their digital platforms for education rather than sensationalism. He called for a collective effort among police, individuals, communities, tribal leaders, and political figures to build a safer, more peaceful nation.

A fatal ethnic clash in the National Capital District (NCD), sparked by the alleged theft of a mobile phone at 14mile on the 6th of September, has resulted in a Simbu man been slashed and a Hela man being killed.In retaliation the family of the deceased killed an innocent young man from Kagua, Southern Highlands Province in 8mile.NCD/Central Police Commander Assistant Commissioner Benjamin Turi confirmed these killings and added also that there was another killing at 12mile, next to the water-melon market during the early hours of 17th September.ACP Turi added that the deceased was believed to be from Morobe and it is still not clear if this killing is related to the ethnic clash or is a separate killing.“Central CID and the NCD Homocide unit are currently working on this case to identify the cause and who was behind the killing”.ACP Turi praised leaders from the Kagua community for taking immediate accountability.Representatives from the Kagua tribe have already cooperated with authorities at the Boroko Police Station, voluntarily surrendering two primary suspects.Turi issued an urgent appeal to the Porane tribe of Koroba, Hela Province, demanding they show the same cooperation."I commend the leaders from the Kagua side for bringing their people to the police and surrendering two suspects. If the Kaguans can do it, then why can't the Hela people come forward as well? There is no reason to be reluctant," Turi stated.“All statements are already with the Homicide departments, and police are fully aware of who is involved in the ethnic clash, but we are asking for volunteer surrender by you”.He warned that the Homicide Department already holds witness statements and has identified the key players involved. Authorities are strictly urging a voluntary surrender before police move in to make forced arrests.Commander called heavily upon political and community leaders to step up and keep their people in line, warning that local violence severely damages Papua New Guinea's global reputation.“Killing, robberies, petty crimes and social problems have increased law and order in the country, painting a very bad image to investors and visitors”.Turi revealed that apart from this recent ethnic clash, a grim statistic, of at least one murder has been committed every single day since the start of September, with most stemming from minor arguments and CID has attended to all these cases every day.  In response to the surge in lawlessness, ACP Turi appeals to the residents of NCD to report any suspicious individual or vehicle in possession of weapons to your nearby police station.“Police will also do roadblock, and vehicle checks and whoever is in possession of weapons in their vehicles will be arrested and put behind bars”.

Following ethnic clashes happening in Moresby Northeast District in the month of September which resulted in three (3) deaths so far, member for Moresby North East and Minister for Environment and Conservation John Kaupa has now condemned these violent acts.In a press conference Minister Kaupa said he condemned these killings happening between the Hela and the Kagua people and is calling on them to stop such action immediately.“Moresby North East District is a district in the metropolitan city, and such activity is uncalled for, you cannot go around taking law into your own hands”, Minister Kaupa reiterated.The incident reportedly stemmed from a confrontation following an alleged theft of a mobile phone at 14-Mile round about, where a man from Purane in Koroba, Hela Province was killed, in retaliation an innocent young man from Imbongu , in Southern Highlands Province was killed in 8mile by relatives of the deceased Koroba man.Kaupa said the killings must stop and call on political and community leaders from the two provinces to work together with their people to find a peaceful solution.With the current Settlement to Surburb program underway in the district, the member Kaupa is asking for peace and corporation, and such behavior will raise questions and affect livelihoods of other innocent people.Kaupa further thanked NCD/Central Police Commander Assistant Commissioner Benjamin Turi for his swift actions which brought in the people of Kagua to surrender to Police at Boroko Police station during the week.He is now calling on the Leaders of the Hela tribe to also surrender peacefully to Boroko Police station. “We cannot let this continue on, therefore I appeal to the Hela Community leaders and those involved to come forward, you must not be reluctant”.“MNE office will provide logistical support to the police and the leaders from Hela to move around and talk peacefully with those involved and bring them in”.This needs to end as soon as possible because it is installing fear into the lives of the innocent people living in MNE District.

Member for Moresby Northeast and Minister for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change, John Kaupa, has announced a K1 million allocation for a major string band competition to celebrate the upcoming Christmas season with his constituents.Minister Kaupa revealed the initiative during the 51st Independence Anniversary celebrations at the 6Mile SME Centre on September 16, 2026.The event aims to promote traditional culture and music, showcase local talent, and foster unity and harmony across Moresby Northeast during the festive period.To participate, interested community members must form a string band group and supply their own acoustic equipment, as electronic instruments will not be permitted.“Don’t come and ask me to buy you guitar or ukulele, you must provide your own instrument,” Kaupa stated, adding that groups must bring sufficient instrumentation to ensure proper sound projection.“You must have ten to twenty guitars and ukuleles so you can produce enough sound, no power instrument will be used.”In addition to instrument requirements, participating groups must adhere to a strict cultural dress code to qualify for the event.“All band members must be in their traditional attire during the time of the string band show because this is a requirement if you want to participate.”The competition offers substantial cash rewards to ensure broad participation.“The best string band will be rewarded money, the 1st place prize money will be about K50,000 and then 2nd, 3rd price including consolation prize money, so all participants leave the competition happy.”To enter, each band must pay a registration fee of K1, 000.The contest will take place at either the Sir John Guise Stadium or Unagi Park, with the confirmed venue to be announced shortly.Minister Kaupa urged local youth to begin practicing immediately and prepare their groups to take full advantage of the upcoming competition.