The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) has honoured two exceptional graduates from the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) with the TPA Academic Excellence Award at a ceremony held on Tuesday 2 July, Port Moresby Mr. Harmson Waliya and Mr. Rendy Ono, both recipients of the prestigious award, expressed their heartfelt gratitude for TPA's unwavering support in their careers in tourism. The event saw attendance from UPNG's Head of Division Tourism and Hospitality Management, Dr. Joyce Jazmin-Rayel, along with her lecturers from the School of Business & Public Policy, including TPA staff. Harmson, who graduated in Business Management majoring in Tourism Hospitality Management, highlighted the positive impact of such initiatives on aspiring tourism professionals. "Such initiatives motivate us, the students, and I also see that the future of this industry is secure when partnerships and collaborations between the industry and institutions occur.” Mr Waliya stated that as a student, he noticed that there has been a missing link that needs to be connected and that the industry has been functioning on its own, and students have been studying independently. He also added that some things taught in class are different from what is happening in the industry, thus the initiative of coming together for a shared goal suggests that the industry is sustainable and growing, but it needs more effort. Waliya excelled during his studies, achieving top grades in the Tourism and Hospitality Management curriculum. He served as Events Manager for the 16th UPNG Tourism Convention, was a student leader in his church and is known for his strong moral character, and exhibited exemplary behaviour, setting high standards for classmates. He also completed an industry immersion at TPA, demonstrating his dedication and commitment to his field. Mr Rendy Ono, on the other hand is a Professional Studies & Business Management Tourism & Hospitality (PSTHM) graduate, who described the program as a blessing. "I come from a teaching background and studied science, but entering tourism was a new experience for me.” Mr Ono highlighted that during his first step into the tourism space, he struggled but as he progressed in this area, he began to learn more and became fascinated about the industry. “If I had taken tourism in my youth, it would have been much better for me, but it's not too late, and I'm very happy for my second chance,” said Ono. He consistently topped the PSTHM cohorts and with him transitioning from a teaching background, he demonstrated strong tourism research skills, organized the 2nd UPNG Tourism Industry Seminar, and volunteered during the PNG Update 2022-2023. During the recognition and awards presentation, the Head of Division Tourism and Hospitality Management at UPNG, Dr. Joyce Jazmin-Rayel, was all praise for the two recipients. "I'm so glad and proud of both men, because the TPA Academic Excellence Award honours outstanding graduates in tourism and hospitality management from the university, both men have demonstrated exceptional academic achievements, strong leadership qualities, and exemplary behaviour throughout their studies," said Dr. Jazmin-Rayel. Speaking also at the awards presentation was TPA’s Executive Manager for Corporate Affairs, Clair Kupo, who highlighted the importance of the program and acknowledged the graduates. "As part of the economic sector, we strive to do our best despite cash flow limitations.” “We are grateful for the program and our partnership with UPNG, which builds the capacity of tourism operators and those interested in tourism and hospitality management, including our own staff.”

Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) is proud to announce that one of its employees has joined more than 15 other participants from across the Pacific who are now eligible to graduate with a Certificate IV in Climate Resilience from Fiji’s prestige university. TPA’s Product Development Officer, Lemban Kaki has completed his final presentation assessment for the Certificate IV in Climate Resilience at the University of the South Pacific (USP), the assessment was conducted from Saturday 22 to Sunday 30 June 2024. Mr Kaki, who is now back in the country, is to graduate come September this year at USP's Laucala campus in Suva, Fiji. Mr Lemban Kaki thanked TPA for its continuous support towards upskilling its employees. "I am truly humbled and would like to thank TPA who recognized the importance of this course and granted me approval to take leave for my participation.” “The knowledge and experiences gained will be integrated into my work, particularly in marine projects,” said Kaki. The Certificate IV in Climate Resilience was a six-month course designed to equip participants with essential knowledge and skills to tackle climate challenges. The program was focused on practical applications and policy frameworks that are crucial to strengthen resilience in vulnerable communities and effectively address climate change issues. The course covers four key topics: Vulnerability and Risk Assessment, Resilience Projects, Institutional Frameworks in Resilience, and Hazards and Sustainable Practices in Resilience. The programme was sponsored by the Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) Program, jointly funded by the European Union (EU) and the Government of Sweden and delivered by USP through its Pacific Technical and Further Education. The program's purpose is to address the impacts of climate change, which have become a global concern, particularly for developing nations like the Pacific Island Countries (PICs). The course was aimed to build capacity for mitigating climate challenges and implementing adaptation strategies, aligning with international agreements like the Paris Agreement. The topics covered in the course align with the goals and requirements of Papua New Guinea's Environment Act (2000) and Climate Change and Development Act (2015). Implementing climate initiatives in accordance with national laws and international agreements also aligns with the TPA's Environmental and Social Management Framework and the Papua New Guinea Tourism Sector Development Plan 2022-2026. TPA’s Executive Manager for Partnership & Product Development, Kennewton Kennedy, emphasized the importance of the knowledge gained through the programme. "Understanding climate change and reducing disaster risks is crucial and will be mainstreamed into our Products and Development Projects.” “This integration will ensure our initiatives are socially, environmentally, economically, and climate-friendly, thereby enhancing resilience, promoting ecotourism within the green industry space, and setting a positive example as a tourism authority in the country,” said Kennedy. During his week in Fiji, Kaki engaged in educational exchanges and delivered an interactive, practical presentation that was considered the best among all groups. His presentation combined theoretical knowledge with practical examples, demonstrating a strong understanding of the course concepts and effective mitigation strategies. TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo, congratulated Lemban on his achievement commending him on his dedication towards his studies. “His successful completion of the Certificate IV in Climate Resilience is a testament to TPA's commitment to capacity building and sustainable development.” “The skills and knowledge he brings back will undoubtedly contribute to the advancement of climate resilience projects in Papua New Guinea, aligning with national and international climate goals.” “I am confident that the knowledge gained, and experiences learned from the university will be translated and integrated into his work," said Uvovo.

The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) today presented a cheque of K300,000 in super contributions for the PNG Fisheries Observers to the Nambawan Super Limited (NSL) during a small gathering in Port Moresby. NFA’s Acting Managing Director, Leban Gisawa, when presenting the cheque, stated that the 240 Fisheries Observers and their families will benefit from the super contributions to the NSL Choice Super Account after they retire or leave their jobs. “The observers have savings for life after their tenure.” “It was through a consultant review in 2022 that paved the way forward with this new approach for all fisheries observers to commence contributing a six percent (6%) mandatory contribution from all their sea trips, including shore-based allowance, into their NSL Choice Super Account,” said Mr. Gisawa. “NFA has come to realize that promoting a savings culture among contracted fisheries observers is crucial.” Gisawa thanked the dedicated observers and emphasized that the observers’ commitment and hard work are vital because the data collected by an observer is central to most of the core functions of the NFA in fishery management, enforcement, and research. “The fisheries observer deployment at sea involves observation, surveillance and data collection from purse-seine tuna vessels with a coverage of five percent (5%) on longline fleets. “The observers are also placed in other fishery areas such as beche de mer and mud crab.” Meanwhile, NSL Chief Executive Officer Paul Sayer thanked the NFA, stating, that the NSL’s Choice Super is a voluntary product introduced in 2014 for Papua New Guineans who are not contributing to compulsory super under PNG’s current laws. “The 240 Fisheries Observers are Choice Super Members who enjoy services and benefits that are similar to compulsory Nambawan Super Members, including access to Nambawan Retirement Savings Account (RSA), over 150 discount partners nationwide, informative seminars, free Financial Literacy Training, and access to Nambawan Savings and Loan Society.” The PNG Fisheries Observer Program is one of the four sub-unit under Monitoring, Compliance, and Surveillance (Compliance and Enforcement, Surveillance, VMS/FIMS, Observer Program) Unit of the National Fisheries Authority.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) and Expertise France under the European Union-funded Forestry-Climate Change-Biodiversity (EU-FCCB) Programme, which is aimed at protecting and conserving forestry and biodiversity and promoting sustainable livelihoods. The EU-FCCB Programme is an EU-funded initiative to support a development model that reconciles forestry, climate change, and biodiversity with sustainable, inclusive, and gender-responsive green growth at national and pilot subnational/community levels in PNG with three implementing agencies, Expertise France, CIFOR-ICRAF, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The MOU reaffirms the collaboration and partnership between the two entities, as witnessed by the European Union Delegation to PNG, Ms. Monica Vazquez Pablo and Ms. Manau Renagi, and representatives from the Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM). It will establish the framework for collaboration over the next four years of the FCCB Programme, underpinned by an annual action plan for each year of implementation. Mr. Jude Tukuliya, Acting Managing Director of CEPA, affirmed the importance of CEPA in spearheading the biodiversity component of the EU-FCCB Programme. “This leadership role extends beyond the scope of the MoU, encompassing the steadfast commitment to realizing the Sustainable Development Goals stipulated by the PNG government.” He further highlighted the imperative to actualize the MoU's requirements and turn them into tangible actions that directly benefit the community. Mr. Tukuliya also conveyed a strong willingness to leverage the knowledge and expertise offered by the EU-FCCB Programme, partnering development organisations, and relevant government entities engaged in forestry, climate change, and biodiversity preservation initiatives. "We are excited about the signing of the MoU as it will signify the start of the collaboration, particularly in terms of organisational and institutional support, subnational pilot programs, and the enforcement of the PA Act to help enhance conservation efforts and protect forestry and biodiversity," stated Mr. Alaric Vandeberghe. "Improving the capacity of relevant national and local officials and stakeholders on sustainable livelihood options and business model development will also be a key part of implementing the MoU activities."

Lack of delivery of quality health and education services across Papua New Guinea is simply the lack of proper planning at the district level, community advocacy organization ACT NOW has described this as a critical failure that is undermining all service delivery. Research by community advocacy organization ACT NOW has revealed that two-years on from the last national election, just one quarter or 25% of Districts have published a five-year development plan for 2023-27. “Good planning is essential for the delivery of quality services,” said ACT NOW Information Coordinator Cathy Tukne. “It is shocking to see that despite Districts now receiving K20 million a year in Service Improvement and Infrastructure funding, most do not have a clear roadmap for how they are using the money.” Ms. Tukne further added that this lack of planning is a major reason for deteriorating local services and the suffering endured by the communities. ACT NOW stated that the lack of proper planning across most Districts also undermines transparency and accountability, with both the general public and key governance institution left in the dark about the management, monitoring, and utilization of District funds In June 2023, ACT NOW launched the DDA Watch website with the intention of improving public access to District information and encouraging greater participation in the monitoring of service delivery, however ACT NOW has been shocked to find that only 7 District plans are publicly available and that 75 Districts out of 96 have yet to announce a plan for 2023-27. “Sadly, no District has yet published an annual budget for 2023 or 2024”, said Ms Tukne. “While we commend the 21 Districts that have launched a plan, we are calling on them to ensure the plans are available to their constituents.” “Meanwhile, we are urging the Department of Finance to stop sending money to those Districts that have yet to produce a plan.” Compounding the problem with a lack of planning, ACT NOW has found only 40 districts have filed an acquittal of their spending with the Department of Implementation and Rural Development (DIRD) over the last 12-months. “Only 24 of those acquittal reports were for spending in 2023 or 2022, the other 18 were for earlier years.” Ms Tukne also added the lack of acquittals raises serious questions about financial accountability at a district level, highlighting that it is the responsibility of government to address these concerns head-on to ensure effective service delivery and good governance so it can deliver meaningful development. She further stated that members of the public must do their part by ensuring they demand better of their MPs and public officials. ACT NOW is urging everyone to visit the DDA Watch website to find out what documents are available for its district and to use the scoring and comment function to make their voices heard.

Today marks exactly two (2) weeks since the landslide in Enga Province and the process for evacuation and relocation of affected communities has started already. In an interview with Enga Provincial Administrator Sandi Tsaka, he highlighted that the evacuation and relocation exercise in itself is another challenge faced by his administration. Tsaka said the land slide has not only affected the communities in its impact zone, however due to the fact that the landslide is still very hectic, the initial impacts zone of the landslide has grown significantly in size, further villages down the hill and others on adjacent arears are also affected by the movement of not only mud, debris and rocks but also by the obstruction of the creeks and rivers. “This is a huge risk, and that is part of the reason why we have not been able to mobilize heavy equipment and engineers on sight to start any excavation work to assist community that have been affected.” Tsaka added that they already have a Geotech team on the ground and they have had assistance from the Department of Mining and Geohazard. “We have Geohazard team on the ground from the Dept of Mininig and they have provided preliminary assessment on what they believe is not only the cause but the ongoing risk of the landslide.” “We have a team from New Zealand and Australia who had been doing aerial reconnaissance of the place.” Based on the initial decision reports, the Enga Provincial Government has made some decisions to mobilize people on site to start the work for clearing the disaster zone, including the people living downhill from the landslide and the adjacent communities on the sides of the disaster area that were initially thought to be not affected by the landslide were asked to evacuate them as soon as possible because they are also at very high risk. “We started the process of evacuation as well as relocation of these communities and it is another challenge in itself.” Enga is known for tribal fights and tribal enemies, and despite this challenge, Mr Tsaka said they are encouraged by the neighboring villages, despite their ethnic tensions everybody has been receptive in this time of disaster. “Impacted communities have been assimilated in the neighboring communities, and there is also Care centers set up on both sides of the landslide for people to evacuate to.” The landslide disaster has been declared a State of Emergency thus the Papua New Guinea Defense Force has taken over every exercise on the ground. “The disaster is under Government statutory and policy regulations comes under the Defense force.” “Right now, we have a full contingent of engineers and medical officers from PNGDF who have already mobilized and have been on the ground assisting all victims.” Mr Tsaka highlighted that all the efforts from search and rescue to recovery, evacuation exercise, relocation, emergency exercises, aid, relief assistance, technical and medical responses would not be possible if it was not for all the first responders who came forward to help. “The people of Enga and I are grateful for the support coming from all the International partners, domestic partners, provincial governments, private companies, friends and families.” “Your level of support shown to the people of Enga has been significant and we thank you for that.” Tsaka also extended his heart felt gratitude to the Enga Provincial Health Authority who also was one of the first responders providing emergency and medical assistant and has set up Care center camps on both sides of landslide.

Bank South Pacific is pleased to have its Community Partner – Brisbane Broncos in Port Moresby again this week to launch the banks’ 2024 Financial Literacy Program in schools. BSP Retail GM Daniel Faunt was happy to welcome Brisbane Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy, Skipper Adam Reynolds and other club representatives to Port Moresby on Monday 3rd June 2024. Faunt explained that BSP partners with such reputable club Brisbane Broncos as both organizations share similar core values and community commitments. The partnership with Australian National Rugby League club, the Brisbane Broncos as a community partner has helped reached over 3,000 school- aged children in selected schools through its financial literacy program since 2020 and in overall, BSP’s Financial Literacy Training in communities has covered 25,000 plus participants since. “We are excited to have Reynolds visit this year, as we all know PNG has a lot of Brisbane Broncos fans.” “The essence of his visit is to highlight the work we are doing in the communities through our Financial Literacy programs that target school-aged children and our community initiatives.” “Through that love for sports and rugby, we hope to inspire and excite the next generation of leaders to start that financial journey and develop that savings culture while young,” Faunt added. The Community Partnership also focuses on engaging with small medium enterprise owners and the bank’s leadership management development program. Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy said the club’s community partnership aligns with BSP’s having run programs like the Broncos First Nations Program and Beyond the Broncos Girls Academy programs that targets students.

The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will provide an additional K2 million for emergency humanitarian assistance based on needs identified in Enga Province last week. The additional funds now bring to total K4million as part of U.S. contribution to the Enga relief effort. Ambassador Ann Marie Yastishock stated that by listening to the community and following their lead, the United States is supporting the people of Enga Province as they recover from this tragedy. “This increase in funding is in direct response to what USAID experts heard and saw in Wabag and Mulitaka last week.” “We are tracking the situation closely to ensure that relief efforts and supplies are coordinated and get to where they are needed most.” USAID’s relief efforts will include logistics support, protection, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) assistance. USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance disaster response experts travelled to Wabag and Mulitaka last week to coordinate relief efforts with PNG government agencies including the National Disaster Centre, the Enga Provincial Government, humanitarian partners, and other donors to ensure that relief efforts are coordinated and tailored to the needs of communities affected by the landslide.

Enga Provincial Government is the first Provincial Government to sign an MOU with Climate Change Development Authority and Global Green Growth Institute on Climate Finance Initiative for Resilience and a Sustainable Transition (Climate FIRST) on Monday in Port Moresby. Climate FIRST was jointly announced by the Hon. Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia, and the Hon. James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, during their Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in Canberra on 8 February 2024. This partnership program aims to increase PNG’s access to large scale climate finance and investments to strengthen the climate resilience and adaptation of PNG and its people in communities, to enhance low carbon development, providing a positive impact on PNG’s overall security, stability, and prosperity. Australia has committed AUD20million (approximately PGK50million) funding for the project from March 2024 to March 2028. The funding will be explicitly used to further facilitate and mobilize a target of USD 400 million climate finance and investments that will supplement the Government of PNG’s medium-term investments on climate action. The project is implemented in partnership between the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA), the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), the Australian High Commission (AHC) on behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Australia, and the Provincial Administration of seven provinces which include Eastern Highlands, Enga, Manus, Milne Bay, Morobe, New Ireland and Simbu. The Inception Program will be the first opportunity to bring all stakeholders together to discuss implementation arrangements at the national and provincial level. The first day Monday 03rd June is a workshop to deliberate on the objectives, expected results and risks of the project. It will also be a chance to deliberate on existing and new partnerships that will contribute to the expected outcomes of Climate FIRST. The second day, Tuesday 04th, June, will be a formal inception meeting that brings in key stakeholders to recognize, affirm and understand their roles and responsibilities in the project. The inception meeting will kick-start with a signing ceremony of the memorandum of understanding agreements between CCDA, GGGI and the seven member provinces of Climate FIRST. The signing ceremony signifies the starting of the partnership and a relationship between the parties under Climate FIRST for the next four years, starting from June 2024 – March 2028. Enga Provincial Administrator Mr. Sandis Tsaka highlighted that the first component of the project has been significant both in terms of the actual impact of raising Climate Change awareness and the dual strategy of addressing climate resilient economy and actually mitigate change impact in the community. Tsaka stated that Disaster and everything happening is the impact of Climate Change therefore the partnership on the ground has been important for all to bring awareness across the government and the local people that Climate Change is real, and we all have a part to play. “Climate Change is a multi-sectoral issue and challenge that we collectively need to address.” “To mobilize resource continues to be a challenge but I am encouraged by the way our partners, GGGI and CCDA has taken the initiative to bring all partners together to address Climate change.” Tsaka added that he hopes to work together with CCDA and all the partners not only for Enga but across the country in this context of Climate Resilience and a Sustainable Transition.

Today marks exactly twelve (12) days since the landslide disaster in Mulitaka, Enga Province on 24th May 2023, around 3 am in the morning, and up to this day only 7 bodies have been recovered so far. In an exclusive interview with PNG HAUSBUNG, Enga Provincial Administrator Mr Sandis Tsaka gave a significant insight into the events happening on ground in the disaster zone. Tsaka stated that on the dreadful morning, upon receiving the alert, a mobile assessment team was sent instantly down to the area to compile a report which was then sent to the National Disaster Office to evaluate discussions with the International Partners to get support. “Within the space of 12hrs, we had actual first emergency team on the ground not only carrying out assessments but also assisting the communities in terms of emergency relief efforts.” Mr Tsaka highlighted that the landslide is still very hectic, the initial impacts zone of the landslide has grown significantly in size, further villages down the hill and others on adjacent arears are also affected by the movement of not only mud, debris and rocks but also by the obstruction of the creeks and rivers. “This is a huge risk, and that is part of the reason why we have not been able to mobilize heavy equipment and engineers on sight to start any excavation work to assist community that have been affected.” “The locals have been using spades and digging with their hands to find their loved ones.” Tsaka stated that as of Sunday afternoon, the official death toll stands at 7, and sadly numbers of dead bodies that are yet to be recovered is estimated to be significant. From preliminary estimate, the number of dead bodies buried under the landslide could be around 500. He said they have undertaken Social Mapping since the disaster, speaking to the survivors and the communities around the disaster zone to find out who they remember were living there and are not here now. Tsaka elaborate that since the last census in 2010, that is the only government record of people 18 years and above so the other significant portion of the population below 18 years of age still not accounted for. “We are using the National Statistical Office population profiling data which basically says 42% of the population is estimated to be below the age of 16 years old.” “So, extrapolating that, the government has officially released the numbers of the impact communities at around 7400 plus.” Mr Tsaka further added that that landslide area used to be a high population concentration area, where people migrate to temporarily reside or transit through because it is next to the main highway where people from the rural areas come to access services, education and health services and other opportunities. “We are afraid that people who are not from the area, their numbers will be significant because out of the 7 dead bodies recovered, 3 are not from the area, they are outsiders who were transiting.” “This makes the identifying of the actual number of people buried a bit more difficult, but we are confidents that with the social mapping we are doing, we will be able to provide some certainty to the death toll soon.” Mr Tsaka further highlighted that the challenge now is the emergency respondence to search and recovery phase now. It's been 12 days since the landslide and chances of finding any survivor is zero therefore, they have called off the search and rescue phase and are currently in the search and recovery of the dead bodies. Tsaka added that with the amount of mud, debris, and boulders it has been very difficult to recover more bodies so in the next 72hrs the Enga Provincial Government including Enga Provincial Disaster office will need to decide what to do now at the end of two weeks period after the landslide. “This is a critical juncture and what's happening now is the continues landslips and also the public health risk from the decaying bodies, all these are considered while we look at the next stage of recovery for everyone affected here.”

Stop and Shop customers living outside of the city limits in the Moresby Northeast Electorate do not need to travel distance into the city to do their shopping anymore because CPL Group is pleased to announce the opening of a brand-new Stop & Shop Supermarket at 8 Mile, Port Moresby. Following the devastating challenges the Company faced in January 2024, CPL still stands true to its customer services by making it more convenient for its customers by opening up a brand-new branch. Stop & Shop 8 Mile, is conveniently located in the New Horizon Building Complex along the ATS Road, opened on June 3rd, 2024, and is only a few minutes away from the Kennedy, SkyView and Malolo Housing Estates, along with many other surrounding communities. Stop and Shop, 8mile will open from 8am to 7pm daily. CPL Group Chief Executive Officer, Navin Raju said, “The opening of the 8 Mile shop exemplifies our resilience and commitment to serving the Papua New Guinean community.” “This convenient new location will provide residents of the area with easy access to a wide range of essential goods and services.” “Furthermore, the 8 Mile Shop embodies CPL Group's dedication to supporting local businesses.” “By stocking products from PNG's SMEs and suppliers, we support these vital members of our economy who have experienced a reduction in sales volume since January.” The Opening of Stop & Shop 8 Mile now brings the total number of our Supermarkets in Port Moresby to six – adding to the Brand’s current shops in Waigani Central, Downtown, Boroko, Badili and Airways. CPL Group remains committed and steadfast as PNG’s favourite retailer, and we extend a genuine invitation to our loyal customers in 8 Mile and those living outside of the city limits to visit the new shop and experience the Stop & Shop difference. “Your continued support is what fuels our growth and allows us to give back to the communities we serve.”

With forty days left before the grace period ends and before the eviction exercise takes place at Bushwara/ Saivara at Nine Mile just outside of the Nation’s Capital, more than 6000 illegal settlers have been urged to evict voluntarily from Nambawan Superfund Limited land. However, about 200 contributors of Nambawan Superfund Limited, most of which who obtained housing advances to build their homes at Bushwara/Saivara at Nine Mile have called on NSL board and management to refrain from carrying out the eviction but cater for them in its development plan. The contributors questioned NSL board and management whose interest it is working for, by issuing notices of eviction on portion 2156, 2157 and 2159 by which the eviction is set to take place on July 10. The contributors who believed that over the years their contributions to NSL have made NSL board and management prosperous now described the actions of NSL board and management as “insane and irresponsible” driven by “greed showing lack of interest to the welfare of 200 affected contributors” who make up 1% of over 200,000 NSL contributors throughout the country. One contributor Ms. Angela Philip, NSL membership number # 201391 is questioning what kind of housing project is NSL trying to build for its contributors? “I’ve already built my house, just include me in your development plan, I do not need to be evicted if the Housing project will be for NSL contributors,” she said. Another Contributor, Ms. Hilda Aipi NSL membership number # 366993 said what kind of a superfund will bring itself too low to demolish the homes of its contributors throwing out women, children, elderly and even babies out of their homes onto the streets. Both Angela and Hilda make up the 200 NSL contributors living among the 6000 population in the three affected portions at Bushwara/Saivara at nine mile, NCD. There has been a tussle between NSL and the settlers most of which are public servants and working population in the private sector and retired public servants who have been living in the affected portions for some time. Kepsey Puiye, a Freelance consultant who recently resigned from the Department of Petroleum and Energy questioned NSL over its motive to evict over 200 contributors. “Whose interest is NSL pursuing if it can blatantly ignore its own contributors and members (of which I am one) currently owning properties at Bushwara by issuing a blanket eviction notice. To begin with, NSL's approach and attitude is seriously questionable.” “Whose interest does it promote of its very own legitimate financial members and contributors are ignored. It reeks of bad air here. How can my fund manager bark at me like a dog?” Mr Puiye added that the principal source of funds to breathe financial oxygen into NSL's lungs came from its members, therefore it does not make any sense when NSL treat its legitimate members contemptuously by issuing a blanket eviction order. Mr Puiya furthers stated that NSL is wilfully treating its own members with contempt, because in the National newspaper in November 2021, NSL said it will develop the Bushwara land to build affordable houses for its members. “The blanket eviction notice contradicts some of its own public statements, that is why I say that the whole matter reeks bad air and only God Almighty knows the intentions of NSL and individuals orchestrating the whole eviction exercise.” Puiya continued that most of us living in Bushwara are genuine citizens and some of us have made profoundly significant contributions to the PNG economy, including the PNG LNG Project and other mining and hydrocarbon projects in our nation. Currently, the settlers are seeking a judiciary review of the National Court decision in which the court ruled in favour of NSL. Meanwhile, over 6000 residents living on the three affected portions have called on NCD Governor Powes Parkop to intervene. “We call on governor Parkop to intervene as he was the one who advised us not to appeal the National Court decision in 2021 where it ruled in favour of NSL.” “We could have challenged the court decision if not for Governor Parkop’s advice. Now that eviction is on foot, we call on the governor to intervene as lives of 6000 plus people including men, women, school children and babies are on the line,” said Chris Pia, former Internal Revenue Commission officer. Governor Parkop in 2021 visited the bushwara area four times assuring the settler that he was working with NSL board to find a solution. On the 26th of August 2021 governor Parkop assured the settlers at Kumul street that he had meetings with NSL board consisting of Reginald Monagi, Anthony Smare and Richard Sinamoi discussing a win-win solution for NSL and the settlers. Governor Parkop has urged NSL not to carry out eviction despite the court victory. “NSL may have legal rights to develop this place, but they failed in their moral right by not developing this place in the last 29 years.” “The law requires one to develop a place in five years of which NSL failed to do so” said governor Parkop. The settlers stated that the land was empty but over time, they added value to it, connecting roads, power, water supply among other amenities lifting the area's profile and then seeing the value added to the area NSL wants to step in and evict settlers, this is truly not acceptable.