Settlers in Moresby North East in Ward 12 on Land Portion 884 have been promised settlement upgrade to suburb. Member for Moresby North East John Kaupa revealed to the settlers recently that the Governments plans for Settlement upgrade to Suburb Program will be captured in his 9 Mile Saivara Satellite Township Project. The Satellite Township on its own will cater and benefit 450,000 plus population in his Electorate and the Settlement upgrade to Suburb Program will benefit about 3000 plus families in that Land Portion who are currently residing around and at the back of the 9-mile Cemetery area. By June 2024 this program should come into effect depending on the funding allocations that will come from the National Government as well as the Moresby North East District Development Authority. “From the household survey that was done, everyone has been captured and no one will miss out on this development program.” “We will do desktop cuts for allotment and sections, and we will be giving out 300square meters to 600square meters of land to each family.” Kaupa highlighted that once each family are allocated land, they will also be given land titles so that means these pieces of land will be owned by them for generations. However, Kaupa also added that each family has to come forward with their building plans for their homes so that it meets that required standard of housing structure before they build. “This is a Settlement to Suburb upgrade program therefore all houses must be of permanent structure.” “I have already talked with the Lands Minister John Rosso regarding this program, and he has given his blessing and his willing to work in partnership with the office of Moresby North East for this project.” Kaupa further stated that once the Settlement to Suburb program comes into effect, the excess road now used by the settlers around the cemetery area will be closed off. “We will stop and close off the cemetery road and give the road back to the dead and cemetery users, because a new road will also be built.” “We will also include a recreational area and a sporting field for the residents to enjoy and this will all be part of the main 9 Mile Saivara Satellite Township Project on an area of approximately 35.44 hectares.”

3 High schools in Sol- Nomane Karimui (SNK) District in Simbu Province are facing shortage of food supplies for their boarding students. A community leader, Mr Andrew Ya-MacCarthey stated that the three High Schools Doliba High School, Nomane High School and Karamui High School are all without food rations to sustain the school. Mr Ya-MacCarthey added also that Doliba High School Principle highlighted the problem and said the school had to send students home to bring in garden food to stock up their mess, however that was not enough because most gardens have been spoilt after continuous rain. “Doliba High school also clarified that the K50, 000 TFF given to the school was not enough to run the school and the school is also out of stationaries.” A call has been made to the relevant authorities to step in and provide food supplies and stationary assistance. “The District Development Authority has heeded calls; however, the problem now is how to transport the supplies into the schools because of numerous major landslides along Gumine and Sinesine Yongomulg District as well as multiple landslides in Sol-Nomane Karimui.” “1 high school out of the 3 schools, Nomane High school has received its share of food supplies however Doliba High School and Karimui High school are still waiting for their rations, hoping the food rations and school stationary supplies arrive before Term two starts.” “DDA, our good MP Francis Alua, our Governor Noah Kool and Prime Minister have all made commitments and allocations for disaster relief effort thus this covers these schools too but sadly clearance work and relief efforts are slow because funds have been promised but not released yet.” “We hope the schools will receive their school supplies so that when term 2 resumes students can start off on a good note.”

Around 12:15pm on Wednesday, a small earthquake was felt in parts of the Nation’s capital, areas such as Waigani, Gordons, Down town Port Moresby; however, this earthquake was not recorded by the Port Moresby Geophysical Observatory (PMGO) of the Department of Mineral Policy and Geohazards Management (DMPGM). Acting Assistant Director for PMGO Mr Matthew Moihoi told PNG HAUSBUNG an earthquake was not even recorded by other seismic stations operated by the Port Moresby Geophysical Observatory (PMGO) of the Department of Mineral Policy and Geohazards Management (DMPGM), as well as other regional seismic stations. “We did not receive any recording of the earthquake because earthquake was small, and no earthquake magnitude was assigned we were not able to get any recording.” “With rumours going around of another potentially large earthquake to happen, this is not true.” “PMGO would like to advise the general public that the information is not true, and that the public should continue to conduct their business as normal.” Mr Moihoi further added that it is not possible to predict an earthquake with current monitoring technology available. “We can never predict if a major or minor earthquake will happen or not, but we can record its magnitude.”

A meeting was held recently by the National Census Steering Committee to progress discussion and evaluate what has been done so far, as the nation prepares for the Census in June 2024. The committee members comprising 27 State agencies heads, with the Department of National Planning and Monitoring Secretary Mr. Korney Samuel as the chairman to the committee and the Deputy Chair, National Statistician John Igitoi. In the last two National Census Steering Committee meetings, it was co-chaired by Deputy Secretary for National Planning Michael Kumun and the National Statistician, John Igitoi. The National Census Steering Committee provides the technical advisory roles and provides directives and guidance to the National Statistical Office (NSO) on the Census and how the state agencies can participate in this national event. The Census also has seven sub-committees that deals with specific areas of the Census preparations such as publicity & awareness, security, coordination, finance and logistics, procurement, and the user advisory committee at the technical level where they provide technical inputs and advisory the steering committee on the next course of action. It consists of the technical staff from the members of the Census Steering Committee. Deputy Secretary for National Planning Mr. Kumun has urged those present to give their utmost support in whatever capacity they can to ensure this year’s census is delivered. He said this year’s national population census is a national government sanctioned event that was officially launched by Prime Minister James Marape who highlighted that all State agencies must work in partnership and collaboration with NSO and the Provincial Government to ensure the Census is delivered as scheduled. “A lot of progress has already been made in terms of procurement, logistics and publicity with the actual preparation of trainers to train enumerators.” “The recruitment drive for the census enumerators has already started”. Kumun added that Post PNG will assist in logistics; Information Communication Technology Department will help in ICT related matters, while the Police, Correctional Service and Defence department will do a comprehensive security assessment to provide security for census officials in areas that is needed or necessary. “The office of the Chief Secretary, the Prime Minister’s Department and Department of Personal Management is expected to issue a joint statement for the participation of all Public Servants in Papua New Guinea in this year’s Census.” The committee will meet again in the next two weeks.

All public servants from Waigani all the way to the Ward level including school leavers are urged to join the National Census team become enumerators this 2024 National Census. This call was made by Prime Minister James Marape at the recent launching of the National Census 2024. PM Marape called on the National Census Chief Secretary and the Secretary for The Department of Prime Minister to issue circular instruction out to every public servant from Waigani all the way to the Ward level to take an active part in the 2024 National Census. “All Public servants, you are not to ask for any allowance to do this job from the 17th -31st of June, you are to be at work for the national head counts.” Marape said National Statistical Office (NSO) must use all the public servants for the count. He further recommended to the National Statistical Office also that all school leavers must also be taken on board, all Grade 12 leavers, or tertiary graduates or students who are either not continuing their studies or not employed to join the Census team as enumerators. “All grade 12 graduates in the country and all tertiary students doing nothing, report to your district administrators and provincial administrators where ever you are.” “Give your name, present yourself, you will be the enumerators used by the national statistics office.” National Statistical Office must make use these cluster of people doing nothing to come on board and help. Marape added also that those who make decisions at the national cabinet, provincial cabinet, and Districts, at LLGs and at the ward they all must be influence by population data and not by politics and personal interest. A prosperous and inclusive PNG will only happen when Government at all levels, when decision makers at all levels know exactly how many people we are dealing. Census does not only include the citizens, but also includes all human beings that live inside our country, he said. “Those who live in our country, those who come in as business men, women, tourist, you work in the NGOs, those in public service or in the private sector or anyone who is passing through you must be counted also on the days of the country’s National Census.” Marape stated that it is important that everyone participates in this count, because being counted will make it easier for those in key responsible methods of decision making to factor everyone into their consideration for development. PMJM also urged Minister for Administrative Services and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Constitutional Matters, Richard Masere and the NSO to make this National Census less costly but more effective census, stating that there is not any event greater in the country that this 2024 National Census. “This is because the National Planning, National Government, Provincial Government, District Development Authorities, Local Level Government and everyone need correct population data to make the right decision for everyone.”

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), working in partnership with the National Disaster Centre (NDC) and East Sepik Provincial Disaster Centre (ESPDC) is delivering aid to communities affected by the 6.9 magnitude earthquake, and flooding in the ESP. IOM prepared 300 shelter kits and 200 Non-Food Item (NFI) kits in Wewak before ESP was hit by the earthquake and flooding. These kits, which include buckets with lids, jerry cans, soap, water treatment tablets, and solar lights, were made available through the financial assistance of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA). Funded by USAID-BHA, IOM’s initial response to earthquake-and flood-affected communities will directly benefit up to 2,500 people in East Sepik province. IOM, prepositions relief supplies in disaster-prone and strategic locations throughout the country to enable a quick and efficient response in times of disaster because PNG is prone to natural hazards including earthquakes, flooding, and landslides says Serhan Aktoprak, IOM Papua New Guinea Chief of Mission. Wewak town, the provincial capital of ESP, was identified as a prepositioning location by provincial authorities and IOM and to arrive at this result, assessments were completed, and various factors considered, such as the province's exposure to natural hazards, and the area’s accessibility to remote areas where assistance may be needed. Mr Aktoprak added that following an official request for international humanitarian assistance, IOM has worked closely with the NDC and local authorities to immediately release prepositioned NFIs and shelter repair tool kits for distribution to vulnerable and disaster-affected communities, especially women, persons living with disability, old persons, and internally displaced persons. NFIs have been transported to the Forward Operating Bases at Yambi Station (Gawi District) and Angoram District for distribution. He further stated that IOM has also deployed its technical staff from Port Moresby and Kiunga in Western Province to East Sepik, to support local authorities in planning and deploying assessment and relief supplies. The USAID-BHA team is also on the ground together with IOM, visiting affected communities, and coordinating with the local authorities to enhance the response. “At this critical hour, IOM teams on the ground in affected areas of the ESP are working side by side with our NDC and PDC partners and with the support of our donor and partner USAID-BHA, IOM has promptly and without delay launched its response efforts to bring relief and protection to those affected,” said Serhan Aktoprak, IOM Papua New Guinea Chief of Mission.

A modern Level 4 Hospital and a new Police Barracks will be built on land potion 884 in Ward 12 of Moresby North East just beside the 9mile Cemetery outside 9mile. The downpour this Wednesday afternoon did not stop the ground breaking ceremony from commencing. The people of Moresby North East braved the wet weather to hear about the good news of a new satellite township that will be built in their area. Moresby North East Member John Kaupa thanked the community for accepting the development and asked them to take ownership and embrace the development that will come in due time to change and also to benefit their lives. “Development should happen where people are, and this new town ship that will take shape in few years time is basically bringing in job opportunity and basic support for life.” Kaupa added that the Level 4 Hospital is a must and much needed service that people of Moresby North East need and it will take about three to four years to fully complete the Level 4 hospital. Kaupa stated that for the development of the Level 4 hospital a funding of about K10m was put up for the project, however this is phase one and over construction if more funding is need then Moresby North East Office, National Capital District Commission, National Government and Provincial Health Authority will all co-fund to complete the hospital. “The initial K10million now was a joint funding from the Moresby North East DDA, NCDC and the National Government.” “Within the Level 4 hospital we will also have paediatric ward and maternity ward, so for this we will also look at sourcing funds from the development donors and partners.” He added that work has already commenced with fencing all up, separating the cemetery from the project area. Kaupa further stated the importance of building a mini–Police Barracks in the new development area was significant because it will complement the already established Police station and also ease police housing worries so that Police officers can sleep closer to the station and work. “For the establishment of the new police barrack, a K3.4million was already allocated to the project and 10 duplex will be built.” “However there needs to be a road link from the barracks to the police station so with that also captured, the total costing is around K3.5m for the Police Barracks Project.” He also stated that the project was awarded to YFIG Contractors, an Asian Contractor who is responsible for most of the houses constructed at Kennedy Estate. Kaupa further elaborated that the project area is about 900 square metres, and a three-storey shopping mall will be built on this land. This mall will house ATMs, a bank branch, post office and more. “This whole place here in the next 5 years will become the satellite town; there will be a fire station, St Jones ambulance station, police station, market, shopping mall and a level 4 hospital.” Kaupa also revealed that there are plans in line to construct 200 houses between the hospital and the police barracks, and that housing scheme will be built for the middle to upper class citizens. “The total cost of building this township is roughly around K500million and want to ask the people of Moresby North East to embrace development.”

The number of people injured in a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in eastern Taiwan climbed past 1000 on Thursday though the death toll remained steady at nine, with dozens workers on their way to a hotel in a national park mostly now found safe. The temblor, the strongest in 25 years, hit on Wednesday morning just as people were readying to go to work and school, centred on the largely rural and sparsely populated eastern county of Hualien. Buildings also shook violently in capital Taipei, but damage and disruption there was minimal. Taiwan's fire department said the number of injuries had reached 1050, putting the total number of missing at 52. Around two dozen of almost 50 hotel workers on their way to a resort in Taroko National Park had been located. The fire department said the group was trapped on the cross-island highway which traverses the gorge connecting Hualien with Taiwan's west coast and is a popular tourist destination. It showed drone footage of some of the hotel workers, along with other people, waving from the side of a road, with the crushed back part of a minibus also clearly visible. Another group of 26 workers had also been found, it added. On Thursday morning, a helicopter rescued six people who had been trapped in a mining area, the fire department said. The railway line to Hualien re-opened ahead of schedule on Thursday, although one rural station north of Hualien city remains closed due to damage, the railway administration said. In Hualien city, where people who had been trapped in buildings have all been rescued, some people slept outdoors overnight as more than 300 aftershocks rocked the region, unnerving residents. A lady, 52, who gave her family name as Yu, said she checked herself into a tent on a sports ground being used for temporary shelter late on Wednesday night because she was too scared to sleep in her apartment, which she described as "a mess". "The aftershocks were terrifying. It's nonstop. I do not dare to sleep in the house," she said. An earthquake of magnitude 6 struck off the east coast of Honshu, Japan on Thursday, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre said. The quake was at a depth of 32 km, it said. - Reuters Source: RNZ.com

Taiwan's biggest earthquake in at least 25 years killed nine people on Wednesday and injured more than 900, while 50 workers travelling in minibuses to a hotel in a national park were missing. Some buildings tilted at precarious angles in the mountainous, sparsely populated county of Hualien, near the epicentre of the 7.2 magnitude quake, which struck just offshore at about 8am and triggered massive landslides. As darkness fell, some people were spending the night in tents and other shelters. Meanwhile scores of emergency workers were trying to shore up damaged buildings and demolish those deemed impossible to save. "The Uranus building behind us is a very badly damaged place. It is a building with one basement level and nine floors above ground. The first and second floors are now underground," Deputy acting chief of Hualien Fire Department Lee Lung-Sheng said. Hualien city mayor Hsu Chen-Wei said all residents and businesses in buildings that were in a dangerous state had been evacuated. Demolition work was beginning on four buildings, the mayor said. More than 50 aftershocks were recorded, weather officials said. "I'm afraid of aftershocks, and I don't know how bad the shaking will be," a 52-year-old Hualien resident, who gave her family name as Yu, said as she made her way to a shelter. The power of the quake was captured live as news anchors delivered their breakfast bulletins, steadying themselves against giant screens as their sets swayed and lighting rigs rocked back and forth overhead. The earthquake hit at a depth of 15.5 kilometres, as people were headed for work and school, setting off a tsunami warning for southern Japan and the Philippines that was later lifted. Video showed rescuers using ladders to help trapped people out of windows. Strong tremors in Taipei forced the subway system to close briefly, although most lines resumed service. Fire authorities said they had already evacuated some 70 people trapped in tunnels near Hualien city, including two Germans. But they had lost contact with 50 workers aboard four minibuses heading to a hotel in a national park, Taroko Gorge, they said, and rescuers were looking for them. Another 80 people are trapped in a mining area, though it was not immediately clear if they were inside a mine. On a highway through the mountains, huge boulders from a landslide were strewn across the road. The Fire Bureau of Taichung City Government said it rescued a man in his 50s who was unconscious in a truck. Fighter jets A woman who runs bed-and-breakfast accommodation in Hualien city said she scrambled to calm her guests. "This is the biggest earthquake I have ever experienced," said the woman, who asked to be identified only by her family name, Chan. The government put the number of injured at 946. "At present the most important thing, the top priority, is to rescue people," said President-elect Lai Ching-te, speaking outside one of the collapsed buildings in Hualien. The rail link to the area was expected to re-open on Thursday, Lai, who is set to take office next month, said. The White House said the US stood ready to provide any assistance necessary. Taiwan's air force said six F-16 fighter jets had been slightly damaged at a major base in the city from which jets are often scrambled to see off incursions by China's air force, but the aircraft are expected to return to service very soon. In Japan, the weather agency put the quake's magnitude at 7.7, saying several small tsunami waves reached parts of the southern prefecture of Okinawa, while downgrading its tsunami warning to an advisory. In the Philippines, seismology officials warned coastal residents in several provinces to move to higher ground. Chinese state media said the quake was felt in the southeastern province of Fujian, while a Reuters witness said it was also felt in the commercial hub of Shanghai. Chip supplies Most power has been restored after the quake, electricity utility Taipower said, with the island's two nuclear power stations unaffected. Taiwan's high-speed rail operator said no damage or injuries were reported on its trains, although services would be delayed as it made inspections. A major supplier of chips to Apple and Nvidia , Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co, said it had evacuated some fabrication plants and safety systems were operating normally. Nvidia said it expects no supply disruptions from the earthquake. It said later its workers were safe and had returned to their workplaces shortly after the earthquake. It said impacted facilities were expected to resume production during the night. TSMC's Taipei-listed shares ended down 1.3 percent, but the benchmark index largely brushed off the quake's impact to close down 0.6 percent. The official central news agency said the quake was the biggest since one of magnitude 7.6 in 1999 that killed about 2400 people and damaged or destroyed 50,000 buildings. Taiwan weather officials ranked Wednesday's quake in Hualien as "Upper 6", or the second-highest level of intensity on a scale ranging from 1 to 7. Such quakes collapse walls unless they are made of reinforced concrete blocks, while people cannot stand upright and must crawl in order to move, experts say. This story was originally published by Reuters. Source: RNZ.com

The National Statistical Office mandatory domain lingers in the space of data which ultimately ends up as a powerful tool for development planning, investment and policy decision making, effective resource allocation and governance as well as tracking our development progress and envisage our future. Thats from the National Statistician Mr John Aseavu Igitoi. “Data is the only window through which we can look ahead and plan with confidence.” “The importance of having reliable population data for PNG cannot be overstated,” said Mr Igitoi. Igitoi added that without accurate population figures, all planning and programs risk being ineffective or futile given that the last census took place over a decade ago. This supplemented by limited population census surveys, and with growing demand for data to support evidence-based planning, electoral reviews, the development of the Medium Term Development plan, monitoring progress towards PNG Vision 2050, the Sustainable Development Goals and various sectoral plans, it is crucial for PNG to obtain up to date population data that serves multiple purposes. “Primary goal of the census is to accurately count all individuals in Papua New Guineas, encompassing men, women, children, newborns, the elderly, homeless, prisoners, and those with disabilities residing in all corners of this country.” “It is designed to capture the size, the composition and the distribution of the country’s population.” Igitoi highlighted that the 4th Census was in 2011 and 7.3million people were counted, however it is now over 13 years without proper stock of the population being taken so the question now is what the population number is now, and this question must be put to rest in this round of census. “Our strategy to conduct the Census has been always the face-to-face interview whereby interviewers recruited and trained will interview the heads of households as the main respondents.” In this round of Census, National Statistic Office (NSO) will use tablets to collect census data from respondents in a large-scale statistical operation since NSO started collecting census data for the country. This strategy will greatly reduce statistical processing time and improve data quality. “The provincial Administrations and the Local Level Government will play a crucial role in the census, they are the link between the field officers and the NSO, therefore support from the Provincial Administrations is highly needed,” said Igitoi. Mr Igitoi further assures the country that NSO has a very committed Census Team that is supported by UNFPA, US Census Bureau, Australian Government, and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community. “We ask for everyone’s support and cooperation because Census is about every one of us, you and me and you must be counted in order for you to be in the records of the Government and place yourselves in the development picture.” Igitoi further added that the National Government and the sub- national government must know it population size, sex and composition in each of the districts and LLGs in order to build the right number of classrooms and clinic, train enough teachers, nurses and midwives, procure the right number of drugs for our health facilities, connect everyone with air, sea and land transport, communication and electricity networks and so on. “Your numbers are very important, so you need to Be Counted this 2024 National Census.”

The 2024 National Population Census was officially launched last evening marking the start of a nationwide exercise to collect relevant and timely data that will enable the government to make informed decisions and policies on development and service delivery for the people in the years to come. Census 2024, theme “Be Counted, Leave no One Behind,” was launched in Port Moresby at the Stanley Hotel by the National Statistical Office (NSO) through the support of the new Ministry for Administrative Services and Minister Assisting Prime Minister on Constitutional Matters, and Prime Minister (PM) James Marape. Addressing the audience of government delegates, staff and important stakeholders at the launching, the Minister for Administrative Services and Minister Assisting Prime Minister on Constitutional Matters, Richard Masere, highlighted that the 2024 Census holds immense significance for the future of Papua New Guinea (PNG), and serves as the cornerstone for the nation’s development. This is because the Census ones completed will provide invaluable data to inform policy decisions, allocate resources effectively, and address the needs of our diverse population. “Since the establishment of the new Ministry in January 2024, we have dedicated ourselves to strengthening planning, preparations and oversight of National Statistical Office and the 2024 census process,” the minister said. “Recognizing the importance of this task, we have worked tirelessly with NSO team to ensure that every aspects of the census are well planned and executed efficiently.” “From Healthcare and education to infrastructure and social welfare, the data collected will guide us in designing programs and initiatives that uplift every Papua New Guinean, leaving no one behind.” Masere emphasized that the Census also embodies the commitment to inclusivity and to ensure every individual is accounted for regardless of their background or circumstances. “Moreover, the 2024 Census will provide us with valuable insights into emerging issues such as urbanization, migration patterns and demographic shifts.” “This information will be crucial in planning sustainable urban and rural development, managing population movements, harnessing the demographic landscape to drive PNG economic growth and development.” He also added that the census data will serve as a foundation for monitoring progress towards PNG’s Sustainable Development Goals and other national planning and development targets. Minister Masere further highlighted the objectives of the census, stating that the aim is to obtain accurate and comprehensive data on the size, composition and distribution of the country’s population. “This Census also seeks to identify vulnerable and marginalized groups to ensure they receive the support and services they need and also to foster a sense of national unity and solidarity as the country come together to participate in this important national duty.” Masere then stated the obvious that the success of the Census hinges on the participation of every PNG citizen. Everyone’s cooperation is essential in ensuring that a true reflection of the nation’s population is obtained, hence urging the people to cooperate with the Census teams when they are approached during the exercise. “Whether you reside in urban centers or remote villages, your voice matters and your contribution is invaluable; therefore, by participating in the census, you are not only helping to shape the future of our nation but also ensuring that your needs and concerns are heard and addressed.” The 2024 National Population Census exercise will run for about two weeks, starting from June 17th and ending on June 30th, 2024. “During this time our dedicated teams will be visiting households across the country to collect data and I urge you all to welcome them with open arms, and provide them with the information they require to complete their task.” The last census was conducted in 2011, 13 years ago, and since then it has left everyone questioning about the quality of the data collected and used for subsequent government policies due to the long period in between the next one. Therefore, Masere said it’s high time this new thorough and comprehensive Census is conducted, one that will set new standard of excellence and quality in data collection and analysis.

In response to the widespread natural disasters ravaging parts of Papua New Guinea (PNG), Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has announced an envelope of K500 million funding package aimed at providing immediate relief and restoration to the affected populations. Marape stated that to facilitate this relief effort, the funds will be drawn from a variety of sources including the 2024 Budget, Connect PNG Programme, the District Services Improvement Programme (DSIP), the Provincial Services Improvement Programme (PSIP), and disaster funds and support from development partners. He also added that the Office of the Chief Secretary understands the enormity of the situation and is coordinating a whole of government approach through a National Disaster Steering Committee to assess and coordinate with the help of National Disaster Office and provincial disaster offices for special interventions. “This financial mobilization is aimed at ensuring that the support reaches the communities most in need without delay, and restoration is made to areas affected.” “I call on districts and provinces directly affected by these natural disasters to expedite the process of accessing their allocated DSIP and PSIP funds. This proactive measure is intended to enhance the efficiency of the relief distribution process, ensuring that the funding support not only reaches all affected areas, but does so in a timely manner.” To ensure funds are immediately available, Marape has directed Finance Minister, Rainbo Paita, to facilitate the immediate drawdown of DSIP and PSIP funds, plus infrastructure funds that are in the 2024 budget. Further financial instruction has been made to ensure the use of service improvement funds to address disaster relief. "Papua New Guinea, has been recently hit hard by earthquake, flooding caused by heavy rain and ensuing landslips, king tides, strong winds and others," said PM Marape. “This includes the earthquake in East Sepik and parts of Madang provinces where assessments are currently being carried out in partnership with provincial and local authorities. He further commended the work done by Department of Works and Highways in opening up the Highlands and Ramu highways. The PM further detailed the targeted areas, notably mentioning Gumine District in Chimbu Province, as a region of particular concern where the impact of these natural calamities has resulted in loss of lives. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the citizens who have been hard hit by these disasters.”