Kerebi DAVID

Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited has just finalized its acquisition of additional equity in the PNG LNG Project from Santos Limited. KPHL managing director Wapu Sonk explains that under their agreement with Santos. KPHL made a part payment of US$352 million earlier this year, with the balance to be paid by December 2024, and KPHL is happy to announce that they have just completed this share acquisition, well before the end of the year. KPHL’s shareholding in the PNG LNG Project has now increased to 19.2%, including the 4.27% Kroton Equity Option shareholding, held for beneficiaries which are impacted provincial governments and landowner groups. Mr. Sonk highlighted that Kumul Petroleum having an increased shareholding in the PNG LNG Project is clearly of great benefit to the company and the country. “The project will be fully depreciated by end of 2024 and project finance fully repaid by 2026, which means this additional equity is expected to provide high returns immediately and strengthen KPHL’s balance sheet.” “For KPHL, the higher income from the PNG LNG Project means more ability for us to play a greater role in the country’s petroleum and energy sector as well as our ongoing support for nation-building development projects that will improve the lives of all Papua New Guineans.” “This acquisition positions the company to prepare to take up its mandated 22.5% equity in the forthcoming Papua LNG Project, whose FID is expected in late 2025, as well as other activities that the company continues to pursue.”

Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League has lost another Kumul, Josiah Tony Abavu, Kumul #244 who passed away on Tuesday 29th October 2024 at the Port Moresby General Hospital at the age of 38 after battling a long illness. Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) and the football fraternity are filled with great sadness about the heart wrenching news that Josiah Tony Abavu, Kumul #244, had passed away. Late Josiah also known as “Josty” was born on 21st August in 1986 at the Port Moresby General Hospital to father Tony Abavu from Kagi and Mother Susie Hoveki Abavu from Efogi and comes from a family of 5 siblings and he was the 2nd born son. The eldest was sister Ruby, followed by his younger brothers Anthony, Bland who is a former PNG Hunter player, and youngest sister Doris. Josty as he was also known play his first football game at his first local club, the Crystal Lakers which back in year 2004, a team in the Koiari Rugby League Competition up in Sogeri, “Josiah’s passion to play rugby all began in Sogeri when seeing dad play for local club Crystal Lakers. He was a natural talented rugby player, and it grew within him, and he started playing in the center position,” his brother Anthony recalled. “He himself developed his skills in playing rugby and no one thought he would come through in developing and mastering his game, he liked watching NRL players like Greg Inglis. Through the love of the greatest sport of all, he broke through and caught us all by surprise – the rest is history.” Late Josiah played his first PNG Prime Minister’s XIII match against the Australian side in 2011 and went on to play his first game as a Kumul in the 2013 World Cup match against France in Hull in the United Kingdom in a nail-biting clash where he scored a try on debut as a winger and afterwards, he made 3 appearances in red, black and gold colors. PNG Hunters Head Coach Paul Aiton who played alongside late Josiah was also saddened to hear of his fellow Kumul’s death. “I’m sad…I reached out to Josiah because I wanted him to join our team. I know he is a great leader and person I wanted around the team…so I approached him late in the season,” Aiton said. Late Kumul #244 passed on in the presence of his mother and siblings at the Port Moresby General Hospital at the age of 38 after battling a long illness. He is survived by his sons Josh, Seke, Tony Jnr and Josiah Jnr, and his daughters Kendra and Rima. The PNG LNG Kumuls team management has confirmed the Kumuls will be wearing black arm bands this Sunday for the Pacific Championship match against Cook Islands in respect of the fallen Kumul. PNGRFL CEO Mr Stanley Hondina said, “On behalf of the PNGRFL Board, management and staff, we wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to late Josiah’s immediate family and friends, as well as to his former teammates on the loss of such a talented representative player. We wish them all comfort in this time of sorrow.” Rest in Peace Josiah Abavu – Kumul #244

On Saturday, 12th October 2024 between 10am-11am young Jessica Yori, an innocent 18-year-old girl from Salt Nomane Karamui District in Simbu Province was stabbed at Tabari Place Bus terminal. Late Jessica Enoch Yori, who should be in year 10 this year but was transferred out of school from Doliba Provincial High School in Simbu to Port Moresby because of family conflict back in Simbu was walking to the Tabari Bus terminal to catch a PMV when thugs approached her, snatched her bilum and phone, however she struggled with the thugs which resulted in her being stabbed on her upper left shoulder just next to her neck. All bystanders were not able to help her because none knew first aid, but a lone man who saw what was happening stopped a taxi and rushed Jessica to Port Moresby General Hospital, but she was pronounced dead on arrival due loss of blood. Just 1 week after her tragic death, Late Jessica’s funeral service was held over the weekend on Saturday 19th October, at the Dove Funeral Home Chapel and her body was flown to Mt Hagen on Sunday 20th October 2024. A convoy brought her body down to Simbu and further to her home in Perwi village, Sol Nomane Karimui, where she will is to be laid to rest. Late Jessica’s father Mr Enoch Yori told PNG HAUSBUNG that he only wants Justice for his daughter and will not retaliate despite having information of the persons involved in the murder of his daughter. Mr Yori further added that the City Manager, on the 26th of June 2023 launched the Boroko Precinct Transformation Project at Tabari Place. And promised a positive outcome in terms of improved safety, enhanced cleanliness, increased economic opportunities and ownership. However, this very place that is supposed to be a haven is now a place where thugs and criminals can kill and walk free. “My daughter, Jessica Yori was murdered in broad daylight in this very place that you guarantee the safety for women and girls.” "Where are the NCDC Urban Safety Police, that were supposed to be stationed at the bus stop for women and girls safety?” Yori said the only way to restore confidence and safety for all other women is to serve justice for my daughter, so that all other women can know that their lives matter even out on the streets. “Where were the so-called Bus top wardens, the NCDC Urban safety Police personnals, and do we even have CCTV cameras up around that area?” “Where is the K20 million committed by Prime Minister for CCTV in all hotspots?” “How many more mothers and daughters need to suffer from the hands of these thugs?” “As a father I am furious, I am broken, I am in so much pain because Late Jessica is my first born daughter and I believe that my daughter is a victim of the negligence of city authority and the government.” Mr Yori added that the government should equip and empower its agencies to execute their roles and responsibilities effectively for the benefit and safety of its people. On behalf of the grieving family they petition the municipal city authority, the NCD Governor Powes Parkop and the Prime Minister to; 1. Use the Take Back Boroko youths and Police on ground to work with the suspect family and bring the culprit to justice and must ensure that those who are harboring criminal must face the full blunt of law. 2. Pass the Vagrancy Act in NCD. 3. All Bus stop wardens must be well trained and fully equipped and stationed at all the bus stops. 4. Street sellers should be totally banned in Boroko area and other public areas. 5. All PMV Drivers & Crew should be trained and certify with First Aid that is to rescue their passengers in such situations 6. Bus service in the city should be run by NCDC and provide an all-female bus service. 7. CCTV Camera should be installed at all hotspot areas 8. Severe punishment for culprit involving in the murder and other similar cases in the city. 9. NCDC should now create 24 Hours Hotline Call Centre with well-trained and qualified 24 Hours Emergency Rescue Unit, Comprising of Police, Army, Warden, Fire Fighter, Doctor, Medical Officer and NGOs. “We the immediate family of victim are grieving and mourning the passing of our young daughter, and we condemn the brutal act committed towards our daughter and hope that going forward the city must become safe for all women and girls." Mr Yori added that after his daughter's burial, he and his family will continue the fight for justice for their daughter until the murderer is behind bars so that this city must be safe for all women and girls. In the meantime, NCD Governor Powes Parkop has released a statement condemning the killing and stated that with deep sadness and anger, a bright and promising life was cut short in its prime, and this is utterly heartbreaking, unacceptable, and a stark reminder of the violence that continues to plague our city. Parkop stated that the continued harassment, violence, and loss of life faced by women and girls in Port Moresby is not just tragic - it is intolerable. “As a city, we have committed ourselves to making Port Moresby a safe and livable city for all, with a special focus on the safety of women and girls, this is not merely a goal—it is a moral imperative.” “Over the years, we have invested heavily in projects and programs aimed at ensuring the security of our residents, but this recent tragedy underscores that there is much more work to be done.” Governor Parkop said the horrific incident is a setback, particularly in Boroko, where they launched the Boroko Transformation Program last year, alongside the Bus Stop Warden Program. “It was a mistake to discontinue these critical initiatives, and I take full responsibility for that. I am announcing the immediate reinstatement of both programs.” Additionally, Governor Parkop highlighted that he is moving forward with urgency to implement the Safe City CCTV Program, which has been approved in the National Budget. “I have requested the immediate release of funds from the Treasurer to ensure swift action, and a competent company will be engaged without delay to install CCTV cameras across high-risk areas, providing an extra layer of security for our residents.“ “The Boroko Transformation Project and Bus Stop Warden Program will be reinstated and extended to key areas, including Boroko, Tabari, Gordons, Waigani, Koki, and 2 Mile.” Finally, Parkop added that the upcoming Women’s Summit and Expo, scheduled for November 9-13, will be dedicated to finding real, lasting solutions to the challenges facing women and girls in Port Moresby. “Together, we will work towards a future where every woman and girl in our city can live without fear and with the full dignity and respect, they deserve.”

Papua New Guinea is truly well-positioned for the future – one where LNG will have an even larger presence in the global energy mix. These were the sentiments shared by ExxonMobil Senior Vice President of Global LNG, Mr. Peter Clarke, as he shared his insights on the success of Papua New Guinea’s LNG industry and the bright opportunities ahead as a keynote speaker at Kumul Petroleum Holding Limited’s Petroleum and Energy Conference held recently in Port Moresby. “With proximity to market and high-quality resources, PNG can continue supporting regional demand for decades to come, with Asia Pacific countries set to be core natural gas customers, and in the process help these countries meet their energy security and emissions reduction goals.” He added that through the PNG LNG Project, PNG has demonstrated the ability to deliver reliable supplies to customers. “When the first shipment of Papua New Guinea’s LNG set sail on the Spirit of Hela to Japan in 2014, and PNG entered an esteemed club of LNG exporting nations, no one could have foretold what the future would bring.” “But with the benefit of 10 years of hindsight, I can confidently say that through the strength of our partnerships, we have exceeded all expectations and together, we have firmly established Papua New Guinea’s global reputation for excellence in the LNG industry.” Clark further highlighted that in just its first decade of operations, the PNG LNG Project has generated tens of thousands of jobs and strengthened PNG’s economy and has engaged 155 local businesses, including 10 LANCOs in the production phase, and invested 6.8 billion kina in PNG with these businesses. “Along the way, we have helped to deliver more than 27 billion kina back to the State of Papua New Guinea and its people.” ExxonMobil and its co-venturers’ investments in the country continue today, with multiple works currently underway to bring new volumes online and further strengthen PNG LNG’s production levels. ExxonMobil is also pleased to announce that the P’nyang LNG co-venturers are currently progressing its concept evaluation phase, thus this phase is critical to ensure that the design to develop this proven 4.6 TCF resource is as capitally efficient as possible which is particularly important given P’nyang’s remote location. “Thanks to our close partnerships with the national and provincial and governments, our co-venturers including Mineral Resource Development Company and Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited, Total Energies, Santos and JX Nippon, our LANCOs, local communities and landowner leaders and other business partners – we are incredibly excited for LNG’s next decade and beyond in Papua New Guinea.” “Together, we have built a resilient, successful and globally respected LNG industry in PNG.”

On the sidelines of the 2024 Petroleum & Energy Conference on Friday 18th October,2024, Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited Managing director, Wapu Sonk signed a Pre-Front-End Engineering & Development (FEED) contract for a Floating LNG (FLNG) facility in the Gulf of Papua, in PNG. Mr. Sonk announced that this important contract had been awarded to Shanghai Wison Offshore & Marine Company Ltd. Mr Damien Nguyen, the Chief Technical Officer. Mr. Nguyen who signed on behalf of the company said Wison was delighted to work closely with Kumul Petroleum in its ambitious plan to commercialize gas fields in Papua New Guinea. “Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited has for some time been investigating how to commercialize stranded gas resources, particularly in its Petroleum Retention Licenses (PRLs 47 & 50) over the Pandora and Uramu gas fields offshore in Gulf Province, this is a critical step and in the right direction, one we are extremely excited about as the national petroleum company,” Mr. Sonk stated. “KPHL has evaluated these gas discoveries and completed reserve certification, which has given us confidence in moving to this stage of the commercialization plan.” KPHL is 100% license holder of the two PRL offshore licenses now and intends to farm down post this study to interested partners who see value in the 1.5mtpa FLNG project in PNG. “This Pre-FEED study is a necessary step to ensure that we understand the full scope, cost, schedule, risk and the full economic value before deciding on moving to FEED and final investment decision (FID).” “The Pre-Feed study is expected to take 8-12 months, which should lead to FEED thereafter and FID sometime in 2026 or 2027.”

Most times victims are afraid to report violence, often times most people live in fear and are discouraged to report any forms of violence to the authorities. Thus, upon recognizing that violence in families and communities is a barrier to development, Hidden Valley Mine has taken proactive steps to address gender-based violence (GBV) and family and sexual violence (FSV). In partnership with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary’s Family and Sexual Violence Unit (FSVU) in Wau and the Morobe Provincial Gender-Based Violence Secretariat, the Mine’s Social Performance and Communities section recently rolled out an extensive awareness campaign. Reaching more than 1,000 people, including the mine’s workforce and people from landowner villages and communities in the footprint area, the campaign’s aim is to help people understand laws surrounding violence, and make them aware of services available for anyone needing support. Thelma Hungito, Program Coordinator with the GBV Secretariat, said having information could act as a deterrent for perpetrators, as well as encourage people to report incidents. “A lot of time people see gender-based violence as an issue that only women should deal with, however little did they know that, when Parliament passed the Family Protection Act in 2013, it made domestic violence a criminal matter." "So domestic violence is just like armed robbery or murder and will be treated as such by the courts.” She explained that this was a big step away from the traditional norms of dealing with violence in families. “As much as possible, we want people to stop accepting ‘bel kol’ money, or compensation because we know offenders are likely to re-offend, thus reporting someone and ensuring they do prison time will discourage other people – that’s what needs to happen.” Ms Hungito added that she was keen to see more private-public initiatives that focuses on prevention. Sheenie Kapen, Gender Development Officer with HVM, said that by engaging the broader community Hidden Valley Mine demonstrated that tackling GBV/FSV is a shared responsibility, and the program was a call to action for everyone to embrace the challenge of reducing GBV and FSV cases.

The United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), partnered with the Nature Conservancy to support nine Tangguar clans in developing a conservation deed that will protect 17,803 hectares of crucial forest and marine resources, that is approximately 45% of the community’s land. The new conservation will help to preserve vital ecosystems and also give local communities the tools to manage their natural resources sustainably for future generations. The signing of partnership in developing a conservation was signed by the clan leaders from the three tribes in Malas Village and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Madang province recently. The signing was witnessed by the Madang Governor, Mr. Ramsey Pariwa and other representatives from the Madang Provincial Government. Governor Pariwa commended the Malas Community for stepping up to protect their resources for future generations. “Growing population drives higher demand for natural resources, which contributes to global warming. I challenge the community to care for the environment, and in return, it will care for you." Governor Pariwa pledged to support local civil society organizations Tangguar Resource Owners Development Association (Tangguar Association) and Gildipasi Civil Society Organization with funding and technical support through the provincial administration to advance their community-led conservation and sustainable development initiatives. USAID Program Management Specialist, Julie Hulama emphasized that this initiative was driven by the Tangguar clans, “At USAID, we promote localization by equipping local people with the knowledge and skills to identify issues and develop local solutions, fostering self-reliance and community resilience.” “The Tangguar clans have shown remarkable leadership in protecting their natural resources while also building a foundation for economic sustainability.” The Chairman of the Tangguar Association, Jerry Tome, expressed gratitude for the support received from USAID, “Partnerships like the one with USAID PNG LGP are crucial for empowering our community to manage our natural resources effectively and achieve sustainable, long-term development.” As of October 10th, 2024, USAID has helped communities safeguard over 40,000 hectares of forest and marine areas in Madang Province and over 60,000 hectares nationwide, demonstrating the effectiveness of grassroots leadership in protecting PNGs biodiversity.

PNG Kickboxing Federation calls for support from the Sports Ministry and other corporate companies, stakeholders and individuals who are willing to support their fighters who will be representing Papua New Guinea (PNG) in the World Kickboxing Championships in Alicante, Spain late this year. President of the PNG Kickboxing Federation (PNGKBF), Headhunter, Mr. Stanley Nandex said this is for a cause that has the power to significantly elevate Papua New Guinea's global standing and invigorate our nation's economy. President Nandex highlighted that the federation has consistently showcased the strength and spirit of the nation on the international stage, breaking barriers and forging unity through the sport of kickboxing. He said the talented athletes are preparing to represent PNG at the World Kickboxing Championships in Spain, from November 18th to 23rd, 2024, and they will be competing against 75 other countries. “We have a team of 25 male and 6 female athletes, who have dedicated countless hours to their training and preparations, striving to bring pride to our nation”. He added that this championship is more than just a competition; it is a pivotal moment for PNG's future in global sports. “Our success in Spain will significantly bolster our chances to win the bid to host the 2026 World Kickboxing Championships in Port Moresby.” Competing against formidable contenders like Colombia and China, our ability to secure this event will not only put PNG on the map but will also bring substantial economic benefits to our country, Nandex further added. “Hosting 75 different countries in 2026 will catalyze economic growth across multiple sectors, including tourism, hospitality, transportation, and local business development.” “It will attract international attention, drive foreign investment, and create jobs, all while showcasing the vibrant culture and natural beauty of Papua New Guinea.” He added that the influx of visitors and media coverage will position PNG as a prime destination for global events and tourism. The general Secretary- of the PNG Kickboxing Federation, Mr. Eddie Kavina said that the contribution will not only empower our athletes but also position the organization who supports this event as a leader in promoting sports, youth development, and nation-building. "By supporting the PNG Kickboxing Federation, you are investing in the future of PNG—where sports, economic growth, and national pride intersect," said Kavina. “We sincerely invite any corporate entities, Government ministries such as Tourism Promotion, Arts and Culture or Coffee Ministry to partner with us on this remarkable journey”. “Together, we can make history and propel Papua New Guinea to the forefront of global sports and economic development.” Please find PNG Kickboxing Federation’s bank details below: -Account Name: Papua New Guinea Kickboxing Federation -Bank: Bank South Pacific -Branch: Waigani Central -Account Number: 7018923057

Papa Buka – is a non-commercial feature film that tells the story of an Indian Historian who sets on a journey across the Indian Ocean into the Pacific and landed on the biggest Island in the Pacific, Papua New Guinea (PNG). This Indian Historian was on a mission to find out where her late grandfather was buried because her grandfather served as a soldier in the World War II here in New Guinea and has never returned home after the war. Papa Buka Producer Ms. Noelene Taula Wunum from the Native Arts and Fashion Academy highlighted that the film would paint a clear picture of Indians who were also part of the war between the Japanese and the Australians. “Indians are very resilient people and not noticeable in the history of the WWII, and this film will tell of how Indians also contributed to the freedom of this beautiful Island country, Papua New Guinea.” Ms. Wunum stated that Papa Buka Film journey started back in year 2019 with film preparation and collaboration with Native Arts and Fashion Academy in Papua New Guinea by which she is the Producer and has worked in partnership with the two Indian Producers, Pa Randith from the Neelam Productions and Praskash Bare from the Silicon Media Production House. In late August this year a crew of thirteen (13) members from India travel to Papua New Guinea to shoot the film, they were accompanied by Writer and the Director Dr Bijukumar, Heads of Dept in India Film Industry. “Out of the 13 that came over to PNG, only two were cast members, Actor Prakash Bare (lead actor) and Lead Bollywood Actress Ratibhari Chakraborty and the rest were crew members.” “The amazing part about the movie is all other actors in the movie are all from PNG.” Ms. Wunum also added that the Papa Buka Film was 100% shot on location here in PNG, with 20% of the film shot in Port Moresby at the National Museum, National Library and Archives, and 80% outside the city, few scenes at the Pacific Adventist University and almost the rest were shot at the Variarata Park at Sorgeri with the Koiari people. “In this Papa Buka film we also want to showcase PNG’s identity, culture and our history to the outside world," said Wunum. “The movie is 90% Tok Pisin and 10% India, only few dialogue between the two Indian casts”. Wunum further added that the film shooting was completed, and the Indian Crew have all gone back to India, so when in India, the Papa Buka Film will go through 3-4 months of post-production. “Right after production, Papa Buka will be premiered in the Indian Film Festival, and Native Arts and Fashion Academy will also premier the film here in PNG at the Paradice Cinema around January 2025.” “By September 2025 the Papa Buka Film should go to the Oscars, so this is our timeline, and we hope to archive all these”, said Wunum. Ms. Wunum acknowledges collaboration of the Government and private entities who had helped in this journey of Papa Buka Film making, National Cultural Commission, National Film Institute, Department of Community Development and Religion, Women Empowerment Mission, Censorship Office, PAU, UPNG, Police Media Unit, the Koiari Community, Bomana War Cemetery and many other individuals and groups who had contributed to this project. In the meantime, Ms. Wunum wants to clarify that the article published in one of the Daily Newspaper-Post Courier, date 27th August in regard to Papa Buka Film is not true and that the Director of Papa Buka Film, the Producer herself Ms. Wunum and the entire crew were disappointed at the misinformation published by the paper stating that Mr. Spencer Peter William Wangere is leading the Papa Buka Film. Mr. Spencer Wangere in his Facebook post clarifies that he was advocating for his input in government policy, especially the MTDP 4 (DIP1.7 National Film and Creative Arts Program) but the Post-Courier misquoted his LinkedIn post, without even contacting him for feedback or clarification, they went ahead and published their article.  

Following an announcement by the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council to name a new government building after the Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, the Somare family have raised some concerns regarding the proposal. Prime Minister James Marape has issued a formal apology to the immediate family of the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare for any insensitivities regarding the proposal to name a new government building that will house the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council (PM & NEC) after Sir Michael. “To my sister Dulciana Somare, the Somare family, the people of Murik, and the East Sepik Province, I extend my sincere apologies for any insensitivities this may have caused,” Prime Minister Marape said. He clarified that the proposal was preliminary and assured the public that appropriate consultations will take place, particularly as the government prepares for the nation's 50th Independence anniversary celebrations come 2025. “This was a proposal, and I assure you that due consultations will take place as part of our government’s preparations for next year’s 50th anniversary celebrations,” he stated. Marape also highlighted his recent discussions on this matter highlighting that on Independence Day, after the flag-raising ceremony, he had had a brief meeting with Arthur Somare and proposed a follow-up meeting next week to discuss this further, as well as the proposed Somare Museum. He added that National Capital District Governor, Powes Parkop, and Minister for Justice and Attorney-General, Pilai Niningi, were also part of the discussion with Mr. Somare. “Once again, I apologies on behalf of the Department of PM & NEC, our intention was to honor the late Sir Michael Somare by naming the office, situated next to our Parliament and Judiciary headquarters after him,” the Prime Minister emphasized. Prime Minister Marape further noted that dialogue will take place with appropriate people and family so that during the fourth anniversary of Sir Michael’s passing in February next year, consensus can be reached to make the name change. “We will engage in discussions with the family and the people of East Sepik, including the Murik villagers, to ensure that on the next anniversary of his passing, the name change can occur, "he said. Additionally, the Prime Minister clarified the ownership structure of the proposed Somare Building. “It is a building that the State is procuring through the Build Operate Lease Transfer (BOLT) arrangement,” he explained. “Under the BOLT arrangement, the State will pay for the building through a lease-to-own agreement over 10 to 15 years.” Marape added that savings from other office spaces will help fund this arrangement. “We have lease arrangements where money saved by moving other offices to rent-free Sir Manasupe and Morauta Offices will see us pay off the new Prime Minister and NEC Office,” Marape said.

For the people of Munum Eka it was not only an Independence Celebration marking the country’s 49th anniversary on the 16th of September, it was also a moment to celebrate access to proper facility of safe drinking water and sanitation. This was made possible through a Digicel Foundation funded WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) project to bring clean, safe drinking water and improved sanitation to over 3, 000 people across four communities and two schools in the Anglimp-South Waghi District of Jiwaka Province. The celebration was a testament to the strength of a united community, one that has risen above challenges and embraced the power of partnership. Established in 2014 informally, Munum Eka Community Development Association (MECDA) began as an interdenominational fellowship group bringing together churches such as the Catholic Church, SDA, and the Four Square Church among many, but their mission went far beyond fellowship—it was about uplifting the community through development and livelihood projects that promote social and economic well-being. “That was my dream, to gather all the churches together and neighboring communities to come together to build unity to stay together, to avoid problems when we have fellowships, you know when we stay together, we will not fight and do all these kinds of things," shared Markus Malt, the Association's Vice Chairman. Through the years, MECDA has spearheaded projects that have greatly improved the quality of life in Munum Eka—building feeder roads, bridges, and rural electrification, while encouraging self-reliance through piggery, fishery, and vegetable farming. Yet, despite these advancements, one critical issue remained—safe drinking water. With polluted creeks and a lack of proper sanitation facilities, waterborne diseases were common, particularly affecting school children. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, MECDA formally registered as a legal entity, applied for a K50, 000 funding grant from Digicel Foundation's Community Grants Program – a program that gives communities throughout PNG a chance to fund meaningful initiatives in the field of education, health and leadership. "The main vision for us wanting to do the project is because of the lack of access to clean and safe drinking water," said MECDA’s Acting Chairperson, Elijah John. “We have a lot of fresh creeks within the village but most of the creeks have been polluted by landslides, there’s been a lot of gardening activities upstream and we’ve seen a lot of kids having skin diseases and some viral diseases within the communities,” he further explained. "This WASH project will change that, it will ensure access to clean drinking water and improved sanitation, directly addressing the health issues that have plagued these communities." “It represents hope, progress, and the potential for a healthier and safer future." At the launch event, which coincided with Independence Day, Digicel PNG Foundation CEO Serena Sasingian spoke about the power of community driven development. "It is fitting that we launch this important project on Independence Day, as it represents the power of communities to take control of their own development.” Chairman John highlighted that the Munum Eka Community Development Association embodies the spirit of independence—self-reliance, unity, and the belief that they can shape their own destiny. The Munum Eka WASH Project is part of Digicel Foundation’s continued commitment to improving education, health, and sustainable development in Papua New Guinea. Since 2008, the Foundation has invested over K176 million into health and education projects across all 96 districts of PNG, including K2.5 million in Jiwaka Province alone. As the people of Munum Eka move forward with their WASH project, they do so with the pride of knowing they are creating a brighter, healthier future for their children and community. They have proven that when people come together with a shared vision, they can overcome any obstacle—and that is something they truly celebrated on the 16th of September 2024.

Digicel PNG has announced a major milestone in its mission to enhance connectivity across Papua New Guinea by bringing its coverage to almost a million people. Since April 2022, Digicel PNG has significantly expanded its network, reaching all 21 provinces and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, enabling more Papua New Guineans to get connected. Over the past two years, Digicel PNG has built 115 new mobile towers and upgraded 96 mobile towers to 4G LTE, achieving a 20% increase in its 4G LTE coverage, thereby solidifying its position as the largest 4G network in the country. This expansion has resulted in the network covering over 80% of the population of Papua New Guinea, including both rural areas and major urban centers such as Port Moresby, Lae, Mt Hagen, Wewak, and Kokopo. "This expansion underscores Digicel PNG’s dedication to bridging the digital divide and fostering economic and social development across Papua New Guinea," said Tarik Boudiaf, CEO of Digicel PNG. "By extending our mobile network to all 21 provinces and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, we are making significant strides towards enabling every Papua New Guinean to get access to reliable and high-speed internet.” Digicel has the largest network coverage in the country, thus the deployment of new towers has been strategically balanced across the Highlands region, in Momase, in NGI, and in the Southern region, bringing the new coverage to almost a million people. "We recognize the critical role that connectivity plays in today’s digital age,"Boudiaf added. "Our new builds and upgrades, especially targeting rural areas, help to ensure that remote communities are not left behind.” Boudiaf highlighted that in fact, the majority of their mobile network upgrades have been concentrated in the Momase and Southern regions, with the New Guinea Islands and Highlands regions also benefiting significantly. "By investing in our network infrastructure, we are not just improving connectivity; we are contributing to the overall development of Papua New Guinea." "Whether it’s through facilitating better communication, supporting remote education, or enabling digital commerce, our network plays a vital role in the nation’s progress." Digicel’s expansion is part of Telstra’s commitment to Papua New Guinea, following its acquisition of Digicel Pacific in July 2022, thus this acquisition reflects Telstra’s dedication to supporting sustainable economic growth in the Pacific region.