The National Weather Services is currently monitoring a tropical depression, a system that is developing just North of Australia and Indonesia, however it has not reached the Tropical cyclone threshold yet. With the system still developing the National Weather Services has now issued strong wind warnings for the Southern Region, from Western Province all the way to the Milne Bay Province. The winds have reached the strong wind threshold and is now under monitor for the next few days, 48- 72 hrs, if it reaches the cyclone threshold or wind magnitude then the National Weather office will provide advisories and then issue warnings. Duty Forecaster Mr Carter Guri told PNG HAUSBUNG that strong Northwest winds of about 25-30 knots are expected to persist thus causing very rough seas. “Word of advice to small crafts and boats that they are expected to take precaution before going out to sea”. “Associated wave heights can go as high as 3 to 4 metre high, this can lead to possible accidents at sea.” The National Weather Services has also issued warnings for Coral Sea, Solomon Sea, Bismark Sea and the Pacific Ocean indicating that is not safe to travel out to sea because of the Northeast and Northwest winds that will be accompanied with isolated showers and thunderstorm. People are urged to listen in to their local radio stations for daily weather updates and warnings from the National Weather Services. Also, word of advice and warning for the people of Southern Highlands and Hela Province to be on alert for possible landslides and flash floods around this time. “With the strong winds and low-pressure circulations developing over the Southern part of Papua New Guinea and the Northern part of Australia as well as the Northwest winds from Indonesia side, this will directly impact Western Province, Tabubil and Telefomin”. “Thus, Southern Highlands Province and Hela are closer to Western Province, Tabubil and Telefomin, so this indicates that these two provinces are in the part way of the strong winds therefore strong winds hitting them will definitely associate with very heavy rains which may lead to natural disasters.” In the meantime, the wet season should stop around late March or early April as April is when the dry season kicks off.

The Road Traffic Authority (RTA) has successfully launched its Road Traffic Management System (RTMS) in Kimbe, West New Britain (WNB) province. The official launching was done by the West New Britian Governor Sasindran Muthuvel who highlighted the importance of this partnership in strengthening RTA’s presence across the country. The launching also marks a significant milestone in its commitment to extending services to provincial centres. The launch, conducted under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the West New Britain Provincial Government, included the first issuance of a vehicle registration using the newly implemented system, thus this achievement underscores RTA’s dedication to enhancing accessibility to essential services across Papua New Guinea. The RTMS initiative aims to modernize and streamline vehicle registration and traffic management services in provincial areas. RTA Acting Chief Executive Officer Mr. John Avira announced plans to review the existing MOU with the West New Britain Provincial Government to incorporate a benefit-sharing arrangement that ensures sustainability for the RTA. “We are proposing a 70/30 revenue-sharing model to be included in future agreements. This will ensure that the RTA receives a portion of the revenue generated to cover operational costs, while continuing to deliver efficient services to the people,” he added. The launch was attended by RTA Chairman, Mr. Dominic Kaumu ML OBE and RTA Acting CEO Mr. Avira who acknowledged and thanked Governor Muthuvel for the support from his provincial government to successfully launch the RTA program in WNB. RTA plans to use the West New Britain model as a blueprint for rolling out similar initiatives in other provinces, bringing efficient road traffic management services closer to communities nationwide.

Simbu Province will be the next honey producing province in the country, thanks to a Chinese company based in Kundiawa, CBL Limited, who has partnered with local bee farmers, the Provincial Government and districts to develop bee farming. Consultant Mr. Andrew McCarthy, in an interview with PNG HAUSBUNG said that a bee farming expert from Nepal, Mr. Sanjib Pokhrel, who is engaged with the CBL Limited to carry out the Honeybee project in Simbu, has been visiting existing local bee farmers giving training and technical support to them. “CBL will work with Simbu Provincial Government, District Development Authorities and Simbu Members of Parliament to deliver this impetus product; thus, Simbu Bee Farmers across the province will be supported by their Districts through special arrangement with CBL Ltd, whereby districts will provide funds to assist their farmers.” “Once funds are available for proper roll out of the bee projects in each district, bee farmers will be attending bee farming trainings in Kundiawa that will be run by CBL Limited so they can have clear knowledge on how to run their bee hives for better production of honey when they go back to their districts.” After the trainings, all certified bee farmers will be given Bee Keeping Manuals, training Kits and full startup equipment for bee farming. Mr. McCarthy highlighted that CBL Limited is also looking at building a state-of-the-art honey making factory in Simbu Province and this will mean that all bee farmers will have a market to sell their honey to. “CBL Limited will be supplying everything from production, processing and even place for marketing, thus this will be one of the biggest agriculture programs in the province once it rolls out in full.” The Bee keeping program, which started out late last year, should reach its full potential this year. This is what CBL limited is hopeful for.

Salt Nomane Karamui (SNK) is the only District in Simbu Province that to this day, has no proper district office of its own. The old district office was based in Kilau Station in the Salt Local Level Government back in the colonial era, however to this day no district office was built in the old district vicinity. For the last 25 years, term in term out, all MPs that came through as members for Salt Nomane Karamui has given least priority to building the district office. Sadly, Salt Nomane Karamui district is the last frontier in civilization and is by far the underdeveloped electorate in Simbu. With no District Office for decades, there has been no presence of government officials, no government services and nil major infrastructures for decades. The only government services are Education and basic Primary Healthcare which are operating in old buildings. For the last 25 years Salt-Nomane Karimui District office has been some random rental space in Kundiawa, thus there are no government official presence felt or seen on the ground back in the district. Mr. Andrew Ya McCarthy a community Leader and an Advocator in the district, highlighted in an exclusive interview with PNG HAUSBUNG that the people of Salt Nomane Karamui District are yet to see and experience development. Mr. Ya McCarthy highlighted instances where coffee growers had to carry 40kg bags of coffee beans and other garden produces up and down terrains, cross rivers to go into Gumini District of Sine Sine Yongumulg district to access PMVs to go into Kundiawa town. “This is sad, we cannot keep on living like this, we need better roads and infrastructures like brides.” He stated that it has been hand to mouth politics and "wantok system" politics for decades with no concern for the poor people in the district. “When we don’t have a district office, we do not know what is happening and what will happen, because we are lost.” “Everyone is anticipating for a change, for infrastructures and visible development and impacts projects to reach them.” Mr. Ya McCarthy added that early this month Francis Alua, the local MP has come out in one of the daily’s, stating that he will connect a major road link from Wiri to Dulai to Karamui plus other projects, this is welcomed by the people of SNK. “We look forward to this development because road link is essential for development to reach people.” “However, we want to see that our good member set a precedence and put his hand up to build our district office.” All other districts have their district office except for SNK; thus, it is important for government presence to be felt at the district level too. Ya McCarthy highlighted that a K10million was committed by the Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso to build the SNK district office, and out of the K10million, K1million was given, and contract was awarded, however after two years, not even a groundwork has started. “Simple appeal to the SNK District Development Authority and our local MP Mr. Alua to look into this matter and get the contractor to start work because K1million is a lot of money.” “We welcome the proposed road project by our good member, but at the same time, we ask for the construction of our district office to be done simultaneously since funding was allocated already.”

The fourteen (14) undergraduate students which Simberi Gold Company Limited (SGCL) took onboard last year to undergo their On-the-Job Training (OJT), recently completed their training with great success. From various fields of studies, of the 14 students, nine (9) were from the Papua New Guinea University of Technology, two (2) from the Devine Word University, two (2) from St Joseph’s Catholic Technical School, and one (1) from the National Polytechnic Institute of PNG. On 13 January 2025, eight of the trainees presented to SGCL management and staff the projects they have been working on and what they have learnt during their time with the organization. SGCL’s Executive General Manager, Randy McMahon, was very impressed with the presentations and stated the each one of the presentations showed valuable insights into their challenges, growth, and the skills they have gained during their time with Simberi. ‘’These presentations not only show your progress but also help build your skills in public speaking and confidence building.” ‘’Your presentations were impressive and included updates on your final-year projects, which were assigned by your supervisors.” “For engineering students, these projects are crucial for you to meet the requirements to graduate, and it’s clear that you’re putting in the effort to achieve that goal," he added. Amongst the students was Miss Henrietta Morong, a final year student from the Papua New Guinea University of Technology who is studying Mineral Processing Engineering, was thrilled to share her experience with fellow trainees and SGCL staff from different departments. ‘’I am very grateful for the opportunity to do my industrial training at Simberi. SGCL has provided me with an excellent working environment to gain practical knowledge, and to also utilize my theoretical knowledge out in the field.” “Every day I get to learn something new and that for me has been very beneficial.’’ McMahon added that SGCL’s On-Job Training Program is an opportunity for students to gain practical, hands-on experience while applying the theories that third and final-year students have learnt in the classroom to real-world scenarios. ‘’SGCL is proud to be part of your journey, helping you achieve these important academic and professional milestones. Keep up the great work,” said Mr. McMahon. Through its OJT program, SGCL is committed to training and ensuring capability building, as it is an important part of nurturing the next generation of professionals.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Papua New Guinea (PNG) has remembering, and acknowledging the great work done by one of their pioneer members in the industry, the Late Igo Baru, who sadly passed on recently. A representative from the Pharmaceutical Society of Papua New Guinea, Mr. Malcolm Sabak in paying his tribute said Late Mr. Baru was the first registered pharmacist in PNG. Today, PNG has more than three hundred pharmacists, but Mr. Baru was the first, and for that the School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical society recognizes and appreciates Mr. Baru’s innovation and leadership in the field of science and pharmacy, which will continue to inspire those who choose this profession as a career to save lives. A work colleague from the National Department of Health, Manager Pharmaceutical Services Mr. Vali Karo also in his tribute said Mr. Baru was a special gift from Porebada village in the Central province to the health sector in Papua New Guinea. “As a Director of Pharmacy division, he ensured medical doses are distributed fairly and equally throughout the four regions in PNG.” “Mr. Igo Baru will be remembered as a champion with an indelible trademark in PNG pharmaceutical industry.” The Late Mr. Baru was a former Assistant Secretary for the National Department of Health and Director for Health Facilities and also a prominent businessman. He passed away on 05th January 2025 at the age of 69, whilst he was seeking medical treatment for kidney and heart complications. He was getting his dialysis from Port Moresby General Hosptial (PMGH) Kidney foundation, but sadly he passed away while waiting to return to Singapore for treatment. A man who has contributed immensely to the development of pharmaceutical sector that saved many lives in PNG was laid to rest at his village in Porebada, Central province last Thursday,09th January 2025. Mr. Baru Journey to the pharmaceutical industry began in the 1970s when PNG was still under Australian rule. After completing his secondary school at Badihagwa, he attained a scholarship to study in Port Moresby College of Allied Health Science in dispenser training. In 1976 he graduated as a pharmacist technician and was awarded the dux of the class. In 1979 he completed his matriculation studies at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG). From 1986 – 1989 he received a scholarship to study Pharmacy at CLT, Heretaunga in New Zealand. He graduated as the first qualified PNG pharmacist.

There are at least 11 deaths associated with the Los Angeles fires, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner said Friday. Five of the deaths appear to be from the Palisades Fire and six deaths in the Eaton Fire, according to the office’s records. Authorities have warned they are unable to determine the full death toll from the fires until it’s safe for investigators to go into neighborhoods where there are downed power lines, gas leaks and other hazards. The Hurst Fire in northern Los Angeles County is now 70% contained. A Red Flag Warning for high winds is due to expire later this evening, making firefighters optimistic they can continue to gain ground on some of the biggest fires in the region. Here is the latest on where the fires across Los Angeles stand: Palisades Fire: 21,317 acres, 8% contained Eaton Fire: 13,956 acres, 3% contained Kenneth Fire: 1,000 acres, 35% contained Hurst Fire: 771 acres, 70% contained Lidia Fire: 395 acres, 75% contained

The Kainantu Gold Mine in Eastern Highlands Province has produced record breaking results for the fourth quarater of 2024, with quarterly production of 53,401 ounces gold equivalent (“AuEq”) – the highest in the Company’s history. This was revealed by operator, K92 Mining Ltd. The Kainantu Gold Mine annual production had also reached a record 149,515 ounces AuEq, significantly surpassing the production guidance range of 120,000 to 140,000 ounces AuEq. Quarterly achievements include processing 96,614 tonnes of ore at a head grade of 18.0 grams per tonne gold equivalent, which is the highest head grade achieved since the second quarter of 2020. Additionally, K92 also achieved record metallurgical recoveries in the fourth quarter of 96.4% for gold and near-record recoveries of 94.7% for copper, with December achieving record monthly gold recoveries of 97.1% and copper recoveries of 96.1%. K92 is also advancing its transformative Stage 3 Expansion, which is designed to establish Kainantu as a Tier 1 Mid-Tier Producer. Construction is rapidly advancing, with approximately 70% of the growth capital either spent or committed as in December 31, 2024. Strong operational results in 2024 reinforce K92’s capability deliver on the upcoming expansions, which will unlock additional resources at Kora and Judd and significantly contribute to the economic development of Papua New Guinea while maintaining its commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and community development. John Lewins, K92 Mining’s Chief Executive Officer, highlighted that, “We are particularly proud of achieving record quarterly and annual production, significantly exceeding our guidance, and setting a solid foundation for 2025.” “Despite challenges earlier in the year, including a temporary suspension of underground mining due to the non-industrial fatal incident from mid-March to mid-April, we delivered consecutive quarterly production records, demonstrating resilience and operational strength.” Mr Lewis added that the achievement underscores the exceptional performance of our team and the quality of the Kora and Judd deposits. K92 Mining Ltd is looking forward to the commissioning of the new process plant which if scheduled to commence in late 2nd quarter of 2025.

Five people are dead and "likely more" have lost their lives, while at least 130,000 people are under evacuation orders and warnings. US states are sending in firefighting resources to bolster efforts on the ground. There are multiple active wildfires burning including the Palisades fire, the Eaton fire, the Hurst fire and the Woodley fire. Firefighters are facing enormous challenges across the grounds battling hurricane-force winds accompanied by drought conditions. Tens of thousands of people have been told by authorities to evacuate their homes because of the multiple fires burning in the Los Angeles region. The most recent mandatory evacuations orders came on Wednesday evening (Thursday afternoon Australian time) related to the Sunset fire, a new fire in the Hollywood Hills. That order was in place for Laurel Canyon Boulevard on the west to Mulholland Drive, with others in nearby areas warned to be ready to leave. Mandatory evacuation orders also remained in place near the Palisades fire west of Los Angeles, including parts of Santa Monica. People have also been told to leave their homes in the San Fernando Valley near the Hurst fire. Others were told to leave their residences in parts of Altadena because of the Eaton fire. A fast-moving fire broke out in the Hollywood Hills is threatening one of Los Angeles' most iconic spots. The Sunset Fire was burning near the Hollywood Bowl and about a kilometre from the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The streets around Grauman's Chinese Theatre and Madame Tussauds were packed with stop-and-go traffic as sirens blared and low-flying helicopters soared by on their way to dump water on the flames. People toting suitcases left hotels on foot, while some onlookers walked towards the flames, recording the fire on their phones.

Fast-growing wildfires raging in Los Angeles killed at least two people, destroying hundreds of buildings, scorching hillsides and prompting officials to order some 70,000 people to evacuate. Fierce winds were hindering firefighting efforts and fuelling the fires, which have burned unimpeded since they began on Wednesday. The Eaton fire, east of Los Angeles near Pasadena, has grown explosively since it was sparked, covering more than 4047 hectares. Two fatalities were reported there, though officials did not have further details. Another blaze has consumed more than 5000 acres in Pacific Palisades, a picturesque neighbourhood in west Los Angeles County between the beach towns of Santa Monica and Malibu that is home to many film, television and music stars, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said at a press conference on Wednesday. More than 1000 structures have been destroyed there. The Hurst fire, in Sylmar in the San Fernando Valley northwest of Los Angeles, had exceeded 500 acres. All three fires were 0 percent contained, officials said. A "high number" of significant injuries had occurred among residents who did not heed evacuation orders, Marrone said. Shaun Tate, 45, said he fled his home in Altadena, a Los Angeles suburb in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, at 4.15 am local time when he saw flames rolling towards his house. "I came out of the house because I heard something fly off the roof," Tate said at an evacuation centre in Pasadena. "We packed up the SUV and drove down here," he said. "I chose to save my laptop, my diabetic medication and a little bit of food." Officials warned that the gusty winds were forecast to persist throughout the day. "We are absolutely not out of danger yet, with the strong winds that continue to push through the city and the county today," Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said. The winds have made it impossible to offer aerial support for firefighting operations, officials said, putting municipal water systems under immense strain. Residents were urged to conserve water use. "The fire department needs the water to fight the fires, and we're fighting a wildfire with urban water systems, and that is really challenging," said Janisse Quinones, chief executive of the city's water and power department. The skies above Los Angeles glowed red and were blanketed by thick smoke as the sun rose on Wednesday (Thursday NZT). As the flames spread and residents began evacuating after the fires broke out, roads were so jammed that some people abandoned their vehicles to escape the fire. Emergency responders were going door to door to press evacuation orders. California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Wednesday. President Joe Biden planned to visit a Santa Monica fire station for a briefing from fire officials on Thursday, the White House said. President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office in two weeks, blamed Newsom's environmental policies for the disaster in a post on his Truth Social website. The Los Angeles region had been ripe for fire going into the fall, when seasonal winds arrive in the region, after consecutive wet winters created an abundance of grass and vegetation that turned to fuel during an intensely hot summer, climate scientists said. Approximately 100 of the 1000 public schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District were shut down, Superintendent Alberto Carvalho told the press conference. Pacific Palisades resident Cindy Festa said that as she evacuated, fires were "this close to the cars," demonstrating with her thumb and forefinger. "People left their cars on Palisades Drive. Burning up the hillside. The palm trees - everything is going," Festa said from her car. David Reed said he had no choice but to leave his Pacific Palisades home when police officers showed up at his door. "They laid down the law," Reed said. He gathered his most important possessions and accepted a ride from officers to the evacuation centre at the Westwood Community Centre. "I grabbed my trombone and the latest book I've been reading, which is my Jack Kerouac anthology here, because I'm a beatnik," he said, adding that he could see flames approaching his home. Pacific Palisades is one of the most expensive neighbourhoods in the country. A typical home was valued at US$3.7 million as of the end of 2023, according to Zillow, more than all but four other zip codes in the United States. The fleeing evacuees included Hollywood celebrities such as Jamie Lee Curtis, Mandy Moore and Mark Hamill. In the Pasadena area, the Eaton fire engulfed homes, a synagogue and a McDonald's restaurant. Almost 100 residents from a nursing home in Pasadena were evacuated, CBS News said. Video showed elderly residents, many in wheelchairs and on gurneys, crowded onto a smoky and windswept parking lot as fire trucks and ambulances attended to them. Around 400,000 homes and businesses in southern California were without power on Wednesday, data from PowerOutage.us showed. "We're facing a historic natural disaster. And I think that can't be stated strong enough," Kevin McGowan, director of emergency management for Los Angeles County, said at the press conference. The fire singed some trees on the grounds of the Getty Villa, a museum loaded with priceless works of art, but the collection remained safe largely because nearby bushes had been trimmed as a preventive measure, the museum said. Before the fire started, the National Weather Service had issued its highest alert for extreme fire conditions for much of Los Angeles County from Wednesday through Friday. With low humidity and dry vegetation due to a lack of rain, the conditions were "about as bad as it gets in terms of fire weather," the service said.

Eliseo Group has presented an additional K20,000 worth of shopping vouchers to the Grand Price winner for Christmas Promotion Mr George Kopaja who recently won the last GWM Power Utility worth K129,000 at Eliseo Makana at 9mile over the weekend. Mr Kopaja when receiving the additional K20,000 shopping voucher, stated that he did not expect any thing else apart from winning the vehicle. “The shopping vouchers worth over K20,000 is just unbelievable”. “Who gives a free vehicle and then another K20,000 voucher on top?” Mr Kopaja was speechless. “This is just too much and this actually goes to show that Eliseo does care about its customers.” Mr Kopaja who owns 6 trade stores highlighted that the voucher would help him to grow his small business, and the new vehicle will help in transporting his store goods and all this is made possible by Eliseo. “I thank Eliseo management for the kind gesture you have shown towards all Eliseo customers including myself.” Human Resource Director for Eliseo Group, Mr. Shu clarified that despite having 3 winners for the 3 vehicles, the K20,000 is only given to the last winner who is the Grand Prize winner of the entire Christmas Promotion.

The Bougainville House of Representatives had recently passed the 2025 ABG Budget, under the theme “Budgeting for Nation-Building”. The Budget Statement was presented in parliament, providing a detailed overview of Bougainville’s 2025 financial landscape by Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) Minister for Finance, Robin Wilson. Minister Wilson during the presentation of the 2025 ABG Budget emphasized the importance of the budget in charting a deliberate pathway toward Bougainville’s development goals. “We have set ourselves a very deliberate pathway, and this budget will assist us in walking this path together.” The total budget estimate for 2025 is K856.66 million, comprising recurrent and development grants from the national government, internally generated revenue, and re-appropriated funds from previous years. The revenue sources are detailed as follows: • National grants funding allocations: K486.51 million • Internal revenue estimates: K53.66 million • Cash balances from previous years’ allocations: K316.82 million Minister Wilson clarified however, that not all National Budget allocations will be remitted to the ABG due to the application of two different Organic Laws. ABG will receive funds as specified under the Organic Law on Peacebuilding in Bougainville – Autonomous Bougainville Government and Referendum 2002. The Expenditures are categorized into two main components: • Recurrent Expenditures: K196.51 million • Development Expenditures: K540.17 million Recurrent Expenditures/ Recurrent spending is allocated to the three arms of government and public sector salaries: • Executive Government: K46.0 million • Legislature: K44.8 million • Judiciary: K0.3 million • Salaries and allowances: K144.0 million (for public servants, teachers, and the House of Representatives) Development Expenditures / The development component reflects the ABG’s nation-building priorities and includes the Restoration and Development Grants (RDG) and inter-government funding commitments. Minister Wilson further highlighted that these allocations align with the Bougainville Integrated Strategic Development Plan 2023-2027. “The main spending areas of the 2025 ABG Budget focus on Bougainville’s nation-building priorities rather than restoration efforts.” “The Budget emphasizes strong economic policies and effective programs to build capacity and advance government plans for independence.” The development budget is distributed across seven strategic sectors: 1. Government, Public Service, and Independence Readiness Sector: K69.43 million (46%) 2. Law and Justice Sector: K14.38 million (9.6%) 3. Health and Education Sector: K10.97 million (7.3%) 4. Research, Science, Technology, and Innovation Sector: K0.2 million (0.1%) 5. Infrastructure Sector: K28.05 million (18.7%) 6. Economic Sector: K21.28 million (14.2%) 7. Social Sector: K5.7 million (3.8%)