The Marshall Islands was called to honor on Saturday night that it has become only the second country in the world to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of "clean water for all." An all-volunteer women's organization in the Marshall Islands was credited for spearheading a five-year project to provide simple water filtration systems for home use to every family in this watery nation of low-lying coral islands. The Marshall Islands is the second, behind Liberia, to deliver on the UN's Sustainable Development Goal number six to provide clean water to every resident, said Darrel Larson, director of Sawyer International. It is the maker of the portable filtration systems and partnered with the Kora In Okrane (KIO) Club in support of the water project. KIO Club hosted a dinner Saturday night in Majuro to celebrate completing the nationwide programme of delivering the home water filtration systems to over 8000 households in the Marshall Islands, as well as training Islanders in their use and maintenance. KIO Club president Angeline Heine-Reimers said the success of the programme was the partnership with multiple government ministries, other NGOs and the private sector. She said it was a difficult task given the logistics of ocean travel to remote and sparsely populated islands. "The benefit of this project to provide clean water was brought home to me on Lae Atoll," she said. Atolls depend nearly 100 percent on rainfall for fresh water as they have limited ground water, which is often brackish and salty. Heine-Reimers said Lae experienced a drought after receiving the filtration systems. While droughts often cause outbreaks of disease on atolls lacking clean water, "people on Lae said they had no problem with getting clean water" during the dry period as a result of using the newly provided water filtration systems, she said. The systems combine Sawyer International water filters with the tubing and accessories needed to convert a five-gallon bucket into a low-cost and long-lasting gravity water filtration system. "The Marshall Islands is one of only two nations to achieve UN SDG six," Larson said. He added the Marshall Islands has much to offer the world with this achievement. "The Marshall Islands can serve as a model of government, non-profit and private sector coming together to solve a major problem: The need for clean water." Larson said there were many countries that were making progress in delivering clean water to their populations. "But there is no place like the Marshall Islands," he said. "Here, the government supported an NGO to roll out the programme. I cannot say enough about the KIO Club." Delivery of the water filtration systems to every corner of this dispersed nation, which covers an ocean area the size of the US state of Texas and is dotted by over 1200 small coral islands, was made possible by cooperation, said Larson. He also praised KIO for its policy of prioritizing rural, hard-to-reach islanders and leaving the urban centres to last. "You started with the most vulnerable people first," he said. Larson and other speakers commented on the fact that KIO Club is an all-volunteer women's group that "got the project to the finish line". KIO Club's Marshallese name, Kora In Okrane, translates as women who get things accomplished. Representatives of UNICEF and the World Health Organization, which supported the five-year project, sent taped messages of congratulations that were played during the recognition dinner. Source: Radio NZ

The United Nations' nuclear watchdog is travelling to New Zealand and Rarotonga to present their report on the Safety Review of the Advanced Liquid Processing System or ALPS-treated water at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. Japan's discharge of more than one-million tonnes of treated nuclear wastewater into the Pacific Ocean is expected to start imminently, following the release of the report. "As stewards of the Pacific Ocean, it is incumbent upon us to leave no stones unturned in our collective effort to leave behind for our future generations a healthy and resilient ocean," Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) chair and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown said. The visit comes after backlash from anti-nuclear activists across the region and uncertainty from some Pacific leaders. The 18 members of the PIF have differing views on the issue. Brown said the Troika, so past, present and future chairs have met and agreed on the need for decisions on the future of the Pacific Ocean to be informed by independent and verifiable scientific assessments. "We have continued to uphold our commitments under the South Pacific Nuclear-Free Zone Treaty (the Rarotonga Treaty), including the prevention of nuclear contamination, whether by direct means or through transboundary impact," Brown said. The Forum has commissioned an independent panel of experts who have called out the Agency, even going as far as to say their latest report is egregious. Dumping: 'worst option' A Pacific Island Forum Panellist has said the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has a lot of explaining to do in its upcoming trip. Institute for Energy and Environmental Research president Dr Arjun Makhijani, who has more than half a century of expertise, said the panel has raised some very difficult questions for the IAEA. "I think it's [releasing wastewater] one of the worst ways to deal with it. We have to stop, dilution is the solution to pollution," Makhijani said. First, he found it "very interesting" how eager the IAEA had been to say this was going to have a "negligible impact" and it would all be fine. Makhijani said the IAEA overstated well-known facts about tritium back in June and silently corrected its statement in its latest report. "That's how egregious this process has been, in terms of the IAEA's eagerness to bless this issue," he said. Furthermore, he is outraged that the IAEA and Japan have so far "ignored" the Expert Panel's proposal that the water could be treated and turned into concrete and then used at the Fukushima site. "Tritium emits only relatively low energy beta particles, which will be almost completely blocked by the concrete," he said. The IAEA has ruled this out as not being within its scope, but Makhijani said a comparison of alternatives was normal in assessing compliance. These are just two examples of issues and frustrations raised by the experts who all have differing views of their own. Some disagree with Makhijani's frustrations and trust Japan and believe releasing the treated wastewater into the ocean is indeed the safest option. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi is expected to be in Auckland on Monday and then Rarotonga the following day. Source: RNZ

Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso, this week opened PNG’s first Climate Proofing Provincial Wharf in Alotau, Milne Bay Province. This state-of-the-art infrastructure is a pilot project built in partnership with the Milne Bay Provincial Government, Climate Change Development Authority and the Asian Development Bank at a cost of K36 million. During the opening, DPM Rosso said it was an honor to open this great infrastructure for the people of Milne Bay. “We have stressed both in-country as well ad abroad about less rhetoric (inap lo toktok planti tumas) however we have not done enough about climate change." “This opening here today is an auspicious testimony of what the Government is doing to address climate change throughout the country,” DPM Rosso said. He said climate change is affecting everyone and I commend the Minister for Environment Conservation and Climate Change, Hon. Simo Kilepa, for really taking the task to hand in addressing climate change. "This climate proofing wharf is the first of its kind throughout the country and took around 10 months to be built."

A District Development Authority (DDA) Watch website was recently launched by advocacy group Act NOW, for ordinary Papua New Guineans to access information and know what is happening within their respective district authorities. Act NOW Information Coordinator Ms. Cathy Tukne, who was at the forefront of establishing the DDA Watch website, explained that the website is an information hub for the public. Ms. Tukne stated that anyone with a smart phone can go to www.ddawatch.org and access the website. She said, whoever that goes on that website can type any DDA and all the 93 districts in total, excluding NCD and two Bougainville districts, will appear for them to get information on what is happening in their district. She also highlighted that there is a criteria on the website where one can rank their DDA’s performance. “There is a strict criteria to rank each DDA, based on their availability of key documents such as the 5 years plan, annual budget, acquittal report, inspection report and the audit report.” “These documents makeup 70% of the score and the other 30% is where the public can give their own satisfaction score based on their own judgments on what they observe and the scores are rates as Very Bad, Bad, Ok, Good and Very Good.” Ms. Tukne added that if people are not sure of what the function of a DDA is, then this website is the place where people can go to learn more about DDAs and their functions. “Every year K10million is given to each district and just recently, our government has announced an additional K10million for infrastructure and that is a total of K20million to each district every year.” “Sadly, there is accountability on how these monies are spent, thus this website is an advocacy tool created to provide information for transparency purposes.” She encouraged DDAs to see the platform as a way forward in promoting transparency and accountability with regards to the use of the District Services Improvement Program (DSIP) funds and also a way to keep the district informed. Act NOW Campaign Manager Eddie Tanago highlighted the importance of research and data to substantiate facts regarding any development agenda. Mr. Tanago also emphasises that instead of the local members and their DDAs holding back public information in regards to their work in their district, they should consider this as a positive platform for their own benefit too. “After 5 years, MPs do not need to campaign, they can just tell their people to go on the DDA Watch and see for themselves what he and the DDA have done in the last 5 years,” he said. All DDA’s are encouraged to submit their 5 Year District Plans, Annual Budgets, Acquittal Reports, Inspection Reports and Audit Reports to Act NOW to upload on the website Tanago also encourages the media to work closely with NGOs to put these facts out and hold leaders accountable and encourage transparency at all levels.

The Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) is preparing to dump about 1.3 million tonnes of contaminated water into the Pacific over three to four decades, as it decommissions the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, 12 years after it was devastated by a tsunami. Via a report by the International Atomic Energy Agency, Japan’s approach to discharge treated nuclear wastewater into the Pacific is consistent with relevant international safety standards. However, Papua New Guinea Opposition Leader Joseph Lelang is calling on the Prime Minister James Marape to reject a report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and oppose Japan’s request to dump nuclear waste in the Pacific Ocean. Mr Lelang said the IAEA released a report on its findings in its latest report covering its independent sampling and analysis to assess the safety relating to Japan’s plan to release the treated nuclear wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear waste. He said their report is completely contradictory to the Position Paper released by the Pacific Island Forum and the National Association of Marine Laboratories (NAML) in opposing Japan’s plan to dump. “I am rejecting Japan’s plans to release radioactive waste in the Pacific Ocean outright because it will affect the ocean marine life, it will affect the fishing industry and its markets and the health of our people in Pacific Island countries.” Opposition Leader, Joseph Lelang said the Opposition’s position is clear and they acknowledge the NAML, an organization made up of 100 member laboratories that are now calling on the government of Japan and IAEA scientists to more fully and adequately consider the options recommended by the Pacific Islands Forum experts’ panel. “NAML have made their position clear and that they are concerned about the absence of critical data on the radionuclide contents of each tank and the underlying rationale of dilution ignores the reality of biological processes of organic binding bioaccumulation and bio-concentration as well as accumulation in local sea food sediments.” The Opposition Leader said it is right on the government to commit to the Treaty of Rarotonga and Treaty of Waigani of which Papua New Guinea is signatory to both and is binding by law. “The Treaty of Rarotonga on the Nuclear Free Zone opened for signature on 6th of August 1985 and entered into force on 11th December 1986, of which, PNG is a current state membership. “The Treaty of Waigani is the Convention to Ban the importation into Forum Island Countries of Hazardous and Radioactive Wastes and to control the transboundary Movement of Hazardous wastes with in Pacific Region.” Lelang further reminded the Government that once a treaty has been signed and rectified by parliament, it takes the force of domestic law, so when we are talking to Japan to dump nuclear waste into any part of pacific it breaches domestic law. “The Treaty was signed in Waigani, in PNG in 1995 and was entered into force in 2001.” “Other Members to the Treaty are; Australia, Cook Island, Fiji, Kiribati, Federated States of Micronesia, Niue, New Zealand Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.”

Australian Government has given its support to the SME sector through a partnership with the Women’s Micro Bank (Mama Bank). A K3.5million Revolving Fund from the Australian Government to the Women’s Micro Bank to support export crops in PNG was recently launched. These funds will enable exporters to finance SMEs to purchase quality raw materials for exports and the facility will be available to exporters and SMEs dealing with coffee, cocoa, copra, and vanilla. The Australian Government supports PNG’s overall economic growth and recognizes that the agriculture sector is a key component of national progress and prosperity. Mr Nic Jonsson, Counsellor (Economics) at the Australian High Commission to Papua New Guinea, said that the Australian Government is proud to support Women’s Micro Bank (Mama Bank) in setting up a revolving fund that provides affordable credit to SMEs. “Australia supports the development of PNG’s agriculture sector by collaborating with public and private sectors to enhance PNG Agri-value chains that is crucial for high-value agricultural exports. “ He further added that limited access to affordable financing poses a challenge to the growth of this value chain therefore it is important to support financial service providers to offer affordable credit to SMEs and smallholders, which can later be used to improve their production. “The financial tool will enhance financial inclusion for women-owned SMEs and facilitate the export of quality coffee, cocoa, vanilla, copra, and other cash crops”. Mama Bank Board’s Chairman, Mr Noel Norikgu, described the partnership as a milestone for SMEs in agriculture. According to him, the fund will economically empower SMEs by enabling them to access credit and ease the liquidity crunch during the commodity buying season. The Revolving Fund will allow exporters to finance SMEs to purchase raw materials from smallholder farmers multiple times a year. The fund has two components: • Financing SMEs suppliers and processors to source quality raw materials. • Priority financing for women-owned SMEs to source quality raw materials and acquire equipment for value addition. The Revolving Fund is a new addition to the Mama Bank’s portfolio. Mr Norikgu stated that the bank has introduced innovative products that provide affordable finance to both growers and women owned MSMEs, thus empowering them economically. Most of the banks' products include microloans for smallholders. “Through the Revolving Fund, Mama Bank will provide loans to small and medium [1] sized enterprises (SMEs) to help them overcome the liquidity issues that Agri-SMEs encounter when purchasing raw materials.”

PNG professional boxer Junior Kauko Raka is now in his final stages of training for this month’s fight against Vietnam’s Van Thao Tran. Raka fights in the super featherweight (59kg) category and has accepted the July 15 invitation from VSP Promotions at Ho Tram Resort and Casino in Vung Tau, Vietnam. The non-title fight depicts opportunities that Raka needs for increased ring time on the wider pro boxing space so that his profile gets more exposure than at present. Working this at the local level would be a cheaper option; however the lack of credible opponents is a continuous challenge for Junior Raka to gain the experience that he needs. Pro-box Media PNG promotion’s Martin Liri has thrown support behind Raka for this fight and others being sourced so that PNG professional boxers like Raka are provided increased opportunities than at present. Liri stated that Raka is a tough boxer, quite experienced despite his lack of fights in pro boxing arena and can develop into a better boxer with more fights against quality opposition. “Raka needs more opportunities like this where he can showcase his boxing talent on a more exposed space which at the same time fly the PNG flag on the world stage." “With the internet technology progressing at an unimaginable rate and various social media platforms picking up what’s happening throughout the world, one good show in the ring can get noticed elsewhere and PNG as a country can benefit by marketing our upcoming boxers through Raka." Liri further stated that Raka works hard, training young boxers, administering his local club Team Raka Boxing and at the same time manages his pro boxing career and is looking for sponsorship support. “He came through on a proper pathway program, off a commendable amateur career representing PNG and winning a South Pacific Games gold medal in New Caledonia in 2011 and now we need to support him to realize his full potential at the pro level.” The Vietnam promoter is covering Raka’s in-country costs and offered a decent purse by PNG standards but airfares for him and coaching team is being sourced through fund raising. “The momentum has picked up in Vietnam as well as they promote the Van Thao Tran-Raka fight and at present it is one of the fights on the program but if it becomes the main bout – that will mean we are getting better exposure.” Liri added that the plan is to spend some time in Philippines where Raka can get quality competition sparring against high class boxers from his weight division before Vietnam. “At present the best Raka can get in terms of competition sparring is against top PNG amateurs John Ume, Neville Warupi, Allan Oaike, Wani Palme – boxers who are preparing for the November Pacific Games.” “I have watched Raka against these heavier boxers who Keto swaps in terms of opponent and it is the best available preparation he can get under the circumstances." "He holds up pretty well which shows his toughness." Liri further extended thanks to PNG Boxing Union and Coach Mark Keto for the support.

A six weeks long online Dedicated Mentoring Program (DMP) which started in April ended today, which saw nineteen officials from government and non-government organizations (NGOs) receive certificates today for active participation. The DMP aimed was to train government officials across different sectors on the development of project concept notes and funding proposals to access international climate finance through the Green Climate Fund Mechanism to fund Papua New Guinea’s climate actions. The participants also participated in a five weeklong Green Growth Fellowship Program (GGFP) from within the same period of time from April up to the end of June. The GGFP was aimed at providing support to Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) and relevant national and provincial government staff in providing green growth policy advisory support, including low-carbon growth and sustainable development advice. CCDA Acting Managing Director William Lakain congratulated the participants and described both programs as critical for broadening their knowledge and skills in developing climate finance projects, and green growth policy interventions towards a low carbon growth in Papua New Guinea. “These two programs are very important and should be supported into the future.” “These programs will greatly improve the knowledge and skills of government officials on key areas such as developing project concept notes and providing policy advisory support on low carbon growth and sustainable development.” Mr Lakain further acknowledged the support of GGGI and thanked the Australian High Commission for accommodating the program through funding support under the PNGAus Climate Change Partnership. He also acknowledged the University of Papua New Guinea, University of Technology and the University of Natural Resources and Environment (UNRE)for running these important programs. “The participants were also the first to receive their certificates under a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), Climate Change and Development Authority.” DFAT Australia was represented at the ceremony by Mr Nic Jonsson, the Counsellor Economics at the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby. “Australia was very proud to fund the DMP and GGFP knowing the value add it will make to build the capacity of the Government of PNG and NGOs to access international climate finance and render quality climate change policy advice.” He thanked GGGI for its role as the delivery partner in collaboration with UPNG. Meanwhile the participants expressed gratitude for receiving these two trainings. Ms. Priscilla Pep, one of the participants expressed that these two programs are very important because currently, workplaces are becoming more competitive as new ideas or skills are being introduced. “These programs have helped us upscale our knowledge in building and managing projects at different scales whether it is in the private or public sectors.”

Today marked the final day of the 2023 Papua New Guinea Disaster Response Exercise and Exchange. The joint exercise, co-hosted by USA and PNG at the request of the government of PNG, built on the capabilities of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force and National Disaster Center to prepare for, respond to, and recover from a disaster. Working together hand-in-hand, experts from Papua New Guinea, the United States, and the United Nations used a scenario-based table-top exercise to evaluate and implement the national disaster response framework. Major General Reginald Neal, Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Pacific arrived in Port Moresby to meet with PNDGF officials and take part in the closing ceremony. He thanked the PNGDF for their hospitality during past military-to-military events such as Koa Moana which began in 2016, Naval Mobile Construction Battalions construction on the PNGDF maritime base, HMPNGS Tarangau in Manus, which began in 2020, and Tamiok Strike which began in 2022. The team also highlighted that U.S. support for the PNDGF aims to promote a safe, stable, and secure PNG. At the event, Major John Cole of the U.S. Embassy’s Office of Defense Cooperation said, “We are grateful for the partnership we share with the people of Papua New Guinea which began in WWII.” “My own grandfather parachuted into Markham Valley, so this partnership has special significance for me.” “The U.S. Embassy wants PNG to prosper, and peace is the key to prosperity. Through the Disaster Response Exercise and Exchange and other programs that the PNGDF requested, we hope to support stability for all Papua New Guineans.” The scenario first presented a simple natural disaster, but over the course of the exercise, evolved into a complex event with different provinces facing unique challenges. Distinguished visitors from the Papua New Guinea Defence Forces, the National Disaster Center, the United Nations Resident Coordinator's office, the United States Army Pacific, and Wisconsin National Guard supported the exercise to maintain a safe, stable, and secure PNG for future generations. The goal of this partnered event is a strong Papua New Guinea that can respond to an emergency by leveraging shared best practices, interoperability, and partnerships to assist affected communities. This DREE highlighted the relationship between United States and Papua New Guinea, and their commitment to the safety and resilience of Papua New Guinea. Of historical note, the 32nd Infantry Division of the Wisconsin and Michigan National Guards, called the Red Arrow Division, was one of the first infantry divisions to engage in combat in WWII. Much of their 654 days of combat throughout WWII was conducted in Papua New Guinea

At the invitation of the Government of Papua New Guinea, the Papua New Guinea Defence Force and the U.S. Army co-hosted a Disaster Response Exercise and Exchange (DREE) in Port Moresby June 26 – 30 to share best practices on disaster response with key stakeholders across PNG. Disasters can strike unexpectedly, causing significant damage to communities, infrastructure, and human lives. In the face of such challenges, a well-prepared and knowledgeable response is critical to recovery. Recognizing the need for comprehensive disaster response preparation, the PNGDF and U.S. Army Pacific curated a five-day seminar that brings together academics, community leaders, and disaster response professionals. The DREE featured in-depth academic discussions on a variety of topics, followed by a tabletop exercise simulating a realistic disaster scenario to enhance practical skills and decision-making abilities. The 2023 Papua New Guinea Disaster Response Exercise and Exchange builds on the capabilities of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force and other government agencies to prepare for, respond to, and recover from a disaster. Working together, experts from Papua New Guinea, the United States, and the United Nations used a scenario-based table-top exercise to evaluate and improve the national disaster response framework. The goal of this partnered event is a strong Papua New Guinea that can respond to an emergency by leveraging shared best practices, interoperability, and partnerships to assist affected communities. The DREE highlights the relationship between United States and Papua New Guinea, and their commitment to the safety and resilience of Papua New Guinea. This event was facilitated by the U.S. government at the request of the government of Papua New Guinea. Personnel came to PNG from Papua New Guinea Defence Force’s State Partner the Wisconsin National Guard, Wisconsin Disaster Management, the Institute for Security Governance, and the Center for Excellence of Disaster Management. Representatives from UNDP and IOM are scheduled to attend as well. “We are excited to facilitate this unique seminar, bringing together practical expertise and the PNGDF together”, said Corporal Louie Kaman, a PNG-American Soldier. “By combining the resources of the PNGDF and PNG government with the disaster response community, we can find better ways to support PNG in times of crisis.” Leaders of the Wisconsin National Guard and Papua New Guinea signed a State Partnership Program agreement December 2, 2022. The State Partnership Program between Papua New Guinea and the Wisconsin National Guard officially began in 2020, but COVID-19 travel restrictions delayed the formal signing ceremony until 2022. Maj. Gen. Paul Knapp of the Wisconsin National Guard and Maj. Gen. Mark Goina of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force signed the partnership agreement in Papua New Guinea, and all future activities will be mutually agreed upon and arranged at the request of the government of Papua New Guinea.

“Kidnapping is not our culture or tradition.” “They kidnapped, held these helpless girls as captives and hostages and then raped them, used sexual violence as weapon and then they ask for ransom again, K40,000 and 10 pigs.” That is from Ms Ruth J Kissam, Chair for Advance PNG –Women Leaders Network. Kissam in a conference this week expressed disappointment and grievance on the recent kidnapping of the 17 girls in Mt Bosavi. She described the ordeal as an act of animal by men who are sick in their heads. Ms Kissam further told PNG HAUSBUNG that amongst the 17 hostages was a young mother who was also taken along with her infant baby whom she could not leave behind, and it was so sad to find out that she was also raped while clinging on to her little baby. “This is happening at their home, the place where you think is safe.” This incident and many other isolated incidents have not been reported, not being heard of is happening everywhere in the country to the women and girls said Ms Kissam. She added that abuse, sexual violence, and rape is also happening in the National Capital District where there are so many police stations, so many police personals and vehicles, yet women and girls are raped in broad day light in NCD. “This disease is nationwide, 55% of our population are broken, and 55% can never step one foot outside of their doors without looking around, always in fear”. Kissam further added that we as a country can never say that we are thriving and we are doing this good, when women and girls are abused, violated, and traumatised in this country. “We are calling on the Prime Minister to prioritize Law and Order, it’s happening in your back yard and its being happening for a very long time to your women and girls.” Kissam emphasized that because Papua New Guinea is also the Prime Minister’s backyard, and the women and children of this country have been broken, abused, raped and held for ransom by domestic terrorists; he must do something about this law-and-order situation, or not have a country to rule. Kissam further called on the Police Minister to come out clearly and make a statement on how this is being handled, and how the Minister is planning on empowering the police men on ground in Hela to carry out their duties. “Let’s put a stop to all the other deals that the government is doing that is not bringing any safety to the women and girls of this country and for the next 6 months let us focus on tackling the law-and-order issue in the country and bring back peace and safety.”

The people of the Abau district in the Central province continue to face challenges traveling to Port Moresby city to do business or just to visit, because their portion of the Magi Highway is in a very poor state. Mr. Ila Pat Ila’ava, a Ward 4 Council Member in the Aroma Coast Local Level Government (LLG), said that the Magi Highway portion that leads into Abau district after the Motuan Coastline, is only sealed up to Imila village and then right after the Imila bridge there is endless dirt road all the way to Kupiano station and further more to Moreguina. He said this poor road condition continues to affect the local commercial activities because fresh produce and fish brought in to sell in the nation’s capital, are returned, get spoilt and wasted because of the poor road condition or flooding on the road caused by the heavy rains during the wet season. “The villagers sell their produce and catch to buy basic necessities that they need, they sell to support their kids who go to school and they cannot afford to waste their hard labour because our roads are in very bad situation,” said Mr. Ila’ava. “Local farmers who bring their produces to sell in the nation’s capital often go home almost empty handed because most of their takings go to PMV fares and this is very sad.” Mr. Ila’ava also revealed that parts of the road that have been sealed before, have not been upgraded and as a result, there are pot- holes everywhere and the contractors only come in to patch-up those holes and nothing more. “We do not need to travel miles to come to a town and catch a plane to come to Port Moresby, we are just 3 to 4 hours outside of the city, yet we feel like we are so far away.” Rides into the city are always bumpy and long, sometimes passengers had to pull out bogged down PMVs or private vehicles when road conditions get worse during rain. As a result of this, PMV fares have gone up because PMV owners need to constantly service their vehicle, and this is harshly affecting the poor farmers who often bring their produce into the city to sell. Mr. Ila’ava claimed that this situation has been like this for the last 20 years or so, and something needs to be done about the roads as soon as possible. He further stated that their local Member of Parliament Sir Puka Temu, who is now in his 5th term in parliament, has to be serious in doing something about this situation because it is costly and it is affecting the lives of everyone in his electorate of Abau.