Nawaeb District is one of the first districts in the country to present its acquittal reports for District Support Grants 2022 to the Department of Implementation and Rural Development (DRID). Nawaeb MP Hon Theo Pelgen and CEO Mr Buds Botikie made the presentation in Port Moresby recently after the Parliament Session to DRID Secretary Mr Ahi Vaki and officers of DRID. The report was compiled by the Nawaeb District Administration team under the careful guidance of CEO Botikie. MP Pelgen said although the DSG 2022 funds were utilized by the former MP, through his leadership he believes in transparency and accountability of all government allocations to the district. “This process of reporting back to the government, I believe provides the relevant authorities to see where the actual money is being utilized on projects and programs back in the district.” MP Pelgen added K500, 000 was channelled to Nawaeb District back in 2022 and the report of the usage of these monies was to be expected. “DSIP acquittal report for 2021-2022 is being compiled by the District Officers and will soon be presented as well to the same office.” The funding acquittal is a process that needs to be undertaken for the transparency and accountability of funds and sets the course for new funding approval from the National Government to our district. “As long as our reports are done accurately, we will not face much difficulty in accessing new funds to continue projects in the district for the benefit of our people.” MP Pelgen said Nawaeb District now is ready to receive its grants for 2023 financial year to support Nawaeb District programmed activities for service delivery for the people.

PNG Power is undertaking major maintenance work to improve power generation, transmission, distribution, and reliability within the Port Moresby Grid. PPL’s Port Moresby Power Grid Development Project is to maintain power reliability, quantity, and affordable electricity supply to its customers in Port Moresby and parts of Central province. Maintaining quality and reliable power supply security is one of the core focus areas of PNG Power and Port Moresby’s Central Business District is one of the main target areas. Two new 11kilo Vaults Express Feeder lines will be constructed, which will take power from the new Kilakila substation, relieving the current supply from the Konedobu substation and work will be completed by the end of 2023. Four additional feeders from the Kilakila substation will connect to the existing grid to relieve loads from the Konedobu and Boroko substations. There will also be a dedicated feeder to supply Port Moresby General Hospital from the new Kilakila substation. The construction work has already started on the 1st of August, and poles have been constructed from Butuka to the Sabama junction and will continue into the CBD via Ela Beach. The Town area is a major load centre in Port Moresby, with increasing energy demand from building developments in the CBD, Paga Hill and Pom Port Redevelopment so this grid reinforcement and upgrade work is expected to significantly reduce outage time and improve power reliability in the central business hub. The Port Moresby Power Grid Development Project includes five other grid improvement projects.

PNG Power staff and police in Popondetta in a combined operation recently have made an arrest on an unlicensed electrician. The suspect Gabriel Afuma, 42 from Mabututu village in the Sohe District of Oro Province, is in police custody and has been charged under the PNG Electricity Industry Act, for tampering with electricity lines, preventing a meter from properly registering the quantity of electricity supplied. This offence has a fine not exceeding K1000, or an imprisonment term of not more than 3 years and the suspect has appeared before the Popondetta District Court on Wednesday, 16th August, 2023. PNG Power thanks all its customers along the Kokoda Road and Popondetta Township, after they raised numerous complaints regarding Gabriel Afuma, who was bypassing Easipay meters for customers and making power connections to houses without the knowledge of PNG Power inspectors in Popondetta. A PPL spokesman mentioned that this is deemed an unlawful act and poses great risk and threat to the safety and lives of PPL customers, who have been receiving assistance from this Mr Afuma, an unlicensed supposed electrician. “Mr Afuma’s actions are very dangerous in nature, and it is a threat to all power consumers in Popondetta because he is not licensed and not recognised by PNG Power to practise as an electrician.” During interrogations done by police, Mr Afuma admitted having by-passed numerous Easipay meters, and made direct connections to various new houses along the Kokoda road. “Under Section 49 of the Electricity Act anyone who illegally removes, tampers with or destroys State property will be charged accordingly under the appropriate criminal laws.”

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) commends the Enga Show Committee for successfully staging last weekend’s cultural show which was held from the 11th -12th of August. CCEP Commercial and Sales Director Tim Solly echoed the sentiments as a Diamond sponsor of the cultural show. Despite Major Law and Order issues and major tribal fights in the province over the previous months, the Enga Show attracted more than 10 thousand people into Wabag town, a turnout that was not expected. “We have received nothing but praise from the positive impact the show has had over the two days, and this of course is due to the unwavering commitment from the Show Committee under the leadership of Chairlady Margaret Potane, her hardworking committee and the Enga Provincial Government.” Mr Solly said, despite many challenges faced by the province, Coca-Cola understands that since 1994, this cultural event continues to take place to remind, showcase and pass down cultural practices amongst the Engan people. “The resilience of the people of Enga, who have worked tirelessly over the years to establish the Enga Cultural Show to what it is today, is outstanding and we are proud to associate our brand with this event.” Coca-Cola and its Bottler CCEP PNG, anticipates the Enga Show to continue to be a drawcard for many international and local visitors and looks forward to partnering with the organisers into the future.

Two PNG Kickboxers Thomas Kagili and Nelson Samson Wailo put up an extra ordinary challenge against their opponents over the weekend in North Miami State Town Hall, in Florida USA in the International Kickboxing Championship. Fighter Thomas Kagili nickname as the Spiderman was the first PNG male fighter who took on a 6 foot opponent, Mr Seyi Banjoko from UK. PNG Kick boxing President and Head Coach Stanley Nandex, The Head-hunter stated that Thomas took the fight with so much power punishing the opponent. “Thomas outclassed his opponent in the first round but the UK fighter came very strong in the 2nd and 3rd round, but Thomas maintained his defensive and combination of boxing and kickboxing techniques.” “Congratulations to Kagili who won the lightweight 63kg division with the height and ridge advantage that made him win in a score card or 30/27,” said Nandex. Nandex further stated that the main event of the event was between PNG Kick boxer Nelson Samson Wailo and a national hero in Miamim USA, Mr Ulises Fernandez in the 2 minutes by 4 rounds. “Nelson fought in the 73kg and in the first and second round, Nelson dominated the fight and became the crowds’ favourite”. “However, his opponent came back very strong with massive punches and combinations of kicking that stopped Nelson in the third round.” Nandex added that though Nelson lost the fight, he was the most electrifying fighter of the night with few Promoters having shown interest to put him on the next drawcard. “Am so impressed and proud of the fighters, particularly Thomas Kaligi and our only female fighter who both won fights in such a prestigious international kickboxing championship in the US”. Nandex said, seeing the PNG flags raised reminds him of his time representing the country as one person but he has a team of fighters continuing his legacy and flying the PNG. “A big thank you to special people particular who made this journey to fight in the US possible, the Governor of NCD Hon. Powes Parkop LLB and his Executive Officer Dr. Newton Albert, Minister for Sports and Higher education science and technology, Hon. Don Polye MP and his Chief executive Officer Mr. Albert Veretau, MRDC Augustine Mano, David Arterwal, all the business houses who attended the corporate dinner fundraiser.” “Special mention also to my hard-working team from the Female Kickboxing League president MS Lyn Pokam and the team, PNGKBF executives, senior fighters and members of the PNG Kickboxing Federation for the support given, as well as the PNG media.” Nandex added that all efforts and support given was not wasted because his fighters flew the PNG flag high in the United States winning two fights both in the women’s and men’s international championships.

Australia’s Ambassador for Gender Equality, Ms Stephanie Copus Campbell joined a gender equality roundtable chaired by PNG’s Department of Community Development and Religion Acting Deputy Secretary, Ms Karen Haive at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby on today, 15th August 2023. The dialogue brought together representatives from PNG government, the development sector, and civil society for dialogue on gender equality in PNG. Following the release of the PNG Government's gender equality plans and targets for the next five years under the Medium-Term Development Plan IV, 2023 to 2027 (MTDP), the roundtable enabled gender equality representatives in PNG to meet and engage in meaningful discussions about plans to advance gender equality in the country. Acting Deputy Secretary for Department for Community Development and Religion, Ms Karen Haive stated that Gender equality and women’s advancement remain PNG Government’s priority although there has been a slow progress made in the implementation and achievement of the gender equality objective. “The Department for Community Development & Religion is committed to improving gender equality and women’s advancement through review of the National Women’s and Gender Equality Policy 2011-2015.” “The revised Policy will provide new priorities and strategies for all Development Partners and stakeholders to address and advance gender equality agenda in PNG.” During the roundtable dialogue, participants had the opportunity to share their experiences, learn from each other, and reflect on the work and progress achieved so far towards gender equality in PNG. Australia’s Ambassador for Gender Equality, Ms Campbell, highlighted at the dialogue that Australia is committed to gender equality and will continue to work in partnership with PNG to ensure women and girls in all diversity throughout the country are safe and have equal share in resources, opportunities, and decision-making with men and boys. “Ensuring gender equality is a shared priority for both Australia and PNG, because it is crucial to the economic growth, development, and stability of both countries and for our Pacific region.”

“Since the introduction of female kickboxing in the early 2000 in Papua New Guinea, our female kick boxers have proven to be the best in this martial art sports”. That’s from PNG Kick boxing President and Head Coach Stanley Nandex, The Headhunter. This is the third time now to see PNG Female kick boxer win an international fight. “Congratulations to our female fighter Miss Manella Lambar who showed so much skill and won the Super Welter Weight Division 70kg,” said Nandex. Nandex told PNG HAUSBUNG that Ms. Kambar boxed with her opponent from Argentina in 2 minutes by 3 rounds match at North Miami State Town Hall over the weekend where she forced down her opponent to win the Super Welter Weight Division, 70kg. Nandex added that Kambar win is now officially the third international kickboxing win for female kickboxing in the country. “The first female kick boxer who won the bronze medal was Ms.Kepi Kena from Morobe during the WKA World championships in Rome,Italy in 2002.” “Ms. Jessy Gonopa Kaima was the second female fighter, who won the WKF international title belt  in 2018 in Port Moresby.” “And now Ms Kambar is the third PNG female kick boxer.”

FinCorp, the trusted Financial Services provider, proudly introduces the appointment of two distinguished professionals to its Board. The new Directors are Mr. Douveri Henao and Mr. Chris Hansor, they both bring a wealth of expertise and proven track record in strategy and governance to further enhance the lending institution’s vision and operations. As FinCorp continue their transformation journey, Mr. Henao's joins bringing with him impressive career trajectory that includes a decade-long tenure as the Executive Director of the PNG Business Council and over two decades of experience in critical positions on various boards and chairmanships of prominent PNG corporations, state entities, government regulatory bodies, and charitable organizations. His remarkable achievements are further underpinned by his academic qualifications, including a Bachelor of Laws Degree from UPNG Law School and a prestigious Diploma in Trade Negotiations from the World Trade Organization (WTO) Secretariat. Currently serving as the CEO of Legacy Group Limited, Mr. Henao is poised to infuse his strategic insight into FinCorp's transformation and growth trajectory. Board Chairman of FinCorp, Mr Goiye Gileng, commented that, "Mr Henao, comes to the board with significant wealth of experience in both private and public sector which placed him in a unique position to add substantial value to FinCorp and its clients in the next phase of FinCorp's growth.” “Adding additional skills to the Board is Mr. Chris Hansor, an accounting and audit professional with an impressive career spanning over 27 years.” Gileng added that Mr Hansor’s extensive experience across diverse markets including PNG, Australia, and the United Kingdom, garnered during his tenure at the global accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he was most recently a Partner of the PNG business, positions him as a true asset to FinCorp. Mr. Hansor currently provides advisory services to several boards and is a Member of the Audit & Risk Committee of Steamships Trading Company Limited and Non-Executive Director of Trinity Anglican School Limited in Queensland, Australia. “His significant experience and understanding of the PNG economic and regulatory landscape has been derived from his time as an Assurance Partner working with many of PNG’s largest businesses, which reaffirms his ability to ensure the highest standards of governance.” Gilend further stated that Hansor brings to the Board substantial professional experience acquired across various jurisdictions in the accounting and financial space, undertaking audits of large multinational corporations and none-audit areas including mergers & acquisitions, corporate governance, control frameworks, risk management and finance function transformation. “The current board and management look forward to working with the new Directors” added Chairman Gileng. Their tenure on the Board promises to support the continued period of transformative growth and innovation, solidifying FinCorp's position as a leading force in the financial services landscape.

On International Youth Day this year, Westpac’s Youth Network (WYN) and the University of Papua New Guinea Biology Students Association (UPNGBSA), collaborated to plant a total of four hundred seedlings to make a meaningful impact on the environment through a successful Mangrove Planting initiative. The collaboration between Westpac and UPNGBSA shows a strong commitment to community engagement and demonstrated a shared vision for a sustainable future. Mangrove forests are vital ecosystems that play a crucial role in protecting coastlines, providing habitats for various species and sequestering carbon dioxide. Mangroves contribute significantly to climate change mitigation and understanding the importance of preserving these delicate ecosystems, TYN and UPNGBSA united in a common endeavour to restore and protect mangrove habitats for generations to come. Westpac PNG has long advocated for youth and has a vision to bring opportunity and inspiration to every young person in the community. Co-Chair of Westpac’s Youth Network, Melinda Temara stated that, “At TYN, we believe in the power of collective action and the difference we can make when we come together for a common cause.” “Partnering with the students allows us to showcase our commitment for sustainability, creating a stronger impact for the communities we serve.” This mangrove planting initiative marks a significant step in our ongoing commitment to environmental conservation and will leave a legacy of positive change in the community.” President of UPNG Biology Students Association, Shirley Waira expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration between the bank and the students. “We are thrilled to work together with Westpac’s Youth Network on this significant project.” “Mangrove ecosystems are crucial for the health of our planet. Partnering with TYN has enabled us to extend our conservation efforts and learning beyond the classroom and into the real world, making tangible impact on our environment and communities”, said Miss Waira. The Mangrove Planting initiative took place at Tubuserea village on the outskirts of Port Moresby. Through this hands-on experience, the young leaders not only enriched their understanding of environmental conservation but also left a legacy of positive change in the community.

Ninety-three people have been confirmed killed in the Maui fire that razed the historic town of Lahaina, marking the most deadly US fire in a century. The number of victims could rise "significantly", Hawaii Governor Josh Green warned on Saturday, as forensic work continues to identify the victims. Hundreds remain unaccounted for while hundreds of others fill shelters across Maui after fleeing the flames. "It's an impossible day," Green said. The fire will "certainly be the worst natural disaster that Hawaii ever faced", he said. "We can only wait and support those who are living. Our focus now is to reunite people when we can and get them housing and get them health care, and then turn to rebuilding." While the wildfires are now largely under control, efforts to fully extinguish them are continuing in parts of the island, including around Lahaina, which has been devastated. Authorities have focused efforts on combing through what is left of the coastal area of the island, using sniffer dogs trained to detect bodies to look for signs of corpses under the rubble. So far, they have covered only 3 percent of the search area, said a visibly emotional Maui Police chief John Pelletier. "You have to do rapid DNA [testing] to identify them, every one of these 89 are John and Jane Doe [initially unidentified]," he said. "None of us really understand the size of this yet." [caption id="attachment_43788" align="aligncenter" width="1085"] Destroyed buildings and homes in the aftermath of a wildfire in Lahaina, western Maui, Hawaii on 11 August 2023. Photo: SEBASTIEN VUAGNAT / AFP[/caption] Jeremy Greenberg, a senior official at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has told the BBC that extra support being sent included urban search and rescue, and fire suppression teams. "The absolute number one priority is survivor safety," he said. Greenberg added that while close to 1000 people are still yet to be contacted, some of these may be safe but out of reach for a number of reasons. In the emergency shelter at Maui's War Memorial Complex on Saturday, hundreds of evacuees continued to gather, receiving food, toiletries and medical aid from a still-growing number of volunteers. Large whiteboards noted the most pressing needs - batteries, water, and generators - and an all-caps note that no more clothing was needed. Keapo Bissen, a member of the War Memorial shelter team, said the list of the missing was fluctuating hour to hour as more people reported absent loved ones, and others were found. "We've had a lot of great reunions happen in this parking lot," she said. "That's really been the bright side in all of this." It is thought that more than 2000 buildings have been damaged or destroyed since the fires broke out. The majority of these were homes in the Lahaina area. The main road to Lahaina, the Honoapiilani highway, was briefly re-opened to residents on Saturday, before quickly being closed again. Hundreds of Lahaina residents have stayed in line on the highway anyway, hoping to be be allowed through. Liz Germansky, who lost her home in the fire, is angry about the response. "The government's getting in the way of people helping," she said, sitting in that same traffic queue. Another route, the Kahekili Highway, is open, but locals say it is far too dangerous to attempt that drive. The road - known simply here as "the backroad" to Lahaina - is barely wide enough for one car, has many hair-pin turns, and a steep drop-off. "We can't drive this truck there. It's a cliff," said resident Ruth Lee who was stuck in traffic trying to bring supplies to her family that stayed behind. The cost of rebuilding Maui has been estimated at USD$5.5 billion (NZD$9.1b), according to the Pacific Disaster Center (PDC) and FEMA, which is coordinating the relief effort to Hawaii from Washington. Helicopter pilot Richard Olsten has flown over Maui and told the BBC that even most of the boats in the harbour were burnt and had sunk. "The historic buildings, the church, the missionary building and so forth - all gone," he said. "The main tourist area where all the shops and restaurants are, the historic front street - everything burnt to the ground." Felicia Johnson, who owns a printing business in the city of Kahului, Maui, is organising a massive grassroots response to the disaster. Her family is from the Lahaina area. She has amassed hundreds of pounds of donated supplies to bring in, but has been unable to shuttle them through the government checkpoint. She said that pleading with authorities to let her enter with her donated goods is the hardest part for her emotionally - not the devastation she has witnessed while dropping off supplies. "That's the part that I'm so wrecked on, is I got to keep begging you to come in to feed people." Many of the docks in the area are too badly damaged or destroyed to bring in supplies by boat, Johnson said. Some people that have made the journey have swum the supplies to the shore. Some of the young men helping her load supplies blame government mismanagement and bureaucracy. "Too many chiefs, not enough warriors," said Bradah Young, 25. "Everybody is in charge but nobody is moving," said another man. As they departed in hope of being allowed through the checkpoint, one man threw up a shaka, a traditional hand greeting in Hawaii. Source: rnz.com

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) says foreign aid sent to Papua New Guinea is being distributed across the region. The Air Force's Hercules and crew dropped 7000 kilograms of supplies into the town of Buka yesterday where 8000 people have been impacted by the volcanic eruption of Mt Bagana. The drops, paid for by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, contained temporary shelters and tarpaulins, as well as food, water containers and water purification tablets, hygiene kits, generators and lighting. NZDF Air Component Commander Shaun Sexton said other countries were helping move the supplies. "The stores that we dropped off are being moved by the Papua New Guinea folks, supported by the US forces, and they're distributing down to where they're needed most." The deployment followed a request from Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape for international partners to support the Autonomous Government of Bougainville and the Government of Papua New Guinea as they assessed damage caused by the ongoing volcanic activity and responded to locals' emergency needs. Ash plumes and other volcanic effects have affected communities near the volcano, which began erupting last month. While no deaths or injuries have been reported, ash fall has posed challenges for food and water security and has caused thousands to be displaced. Sexton said while there were no plans at this stage for the NZDF to return with further aid, it was always prepared to help its Pacific partners when they were in need. Source: Radio NZ Pacific

One of Hawaii’s biggest stars is expressing support in the midst of the lethal wildfires in Maui. Actor Jason Momoa has been posting on his verified Instagram account about the tragedy, which has resulted in the deaths of dozens of people and massive destruction on the island. “We are devastated and heartbroken for our friends and ‘ohana on Maui who have been impacted by the recent wildfires,” the caption reads on one of Momoa’s posts, which reposted information from the community organization ‘Āina Momona. Momoa, who was born in in Honolulu, also reposted information that included a locator list for those searching for their loved ones. In his Instastories, the “Game of Thrones” and “Aquaman” star reposted information from organizations that are aiding in the disaster. One repost advised people to not book hotel stays there at the moment. “The American Hotel & Lodging Association and Hawaii Hotel Alliance are currently working with hotels in other part [sic] of Hawaii to house displaced residents,” the post originally from ‘Āina Momona reads. “Survivors are the priority.” Momoa is a frequent booster of Hawaiian organizations that support its culture, environment and social activism. Source: CNN