Kerebi DAVID

A workshop on phase three of the national rollout of the Department of Implementation & Rural Development’s (DIRD) integrated Digital Reporting Platform was held recently.  The two days consultative workshop was facilitated by the Catalpa International, an international Information Technology expert contracted by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT). DFAT is responsible for the design and development of the Service Improvement Program (SIP) Management System (MS) and District Information Management Systems (DIMS) platform project. The SIP – MS and DIMS program platform is basically being developed to the DIRD’s specifications (users name) as required by Administrative Guidelines and Financial Instructions of 2019 and the Government of Papua New Guinea’s new Digital Transformation Policy 2021. The main goal of this integrated SIP-DIMS program is to develop a “fit –for-purpose’ program and data management system (the SIP-DIMS Platform) to improve on monitoring, reporting and assessing the impact of the SIP funds to provinces and districts in PNG in service delivery. This ensures the platform (Program and Data Management System) is available to all districts and provinces and provides substantial administration efficiency and cost-effective benefits. This is to also look at the availability of reliable data for districts, provinces and the national government for development planning purposes Speaking during the closing of the workshop, Secretary Aihi Vaki highlighted that the platform will highly support individual districts and provinces to manage, implement and monitor their own five-year development plans and SIP projects. Vaki said the program will ensure the SIP management system is coordinated and integrated with the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS)/Provincial Government Accounting System (PGAS) at national and sub-national administrations. “I challenge each and every one of you to take ownership of this vital program that will provide up-to-date realistic data and analysis for districts and provinces to make informed investment decisions to improve for better development impact and outcomes.” Mr. Vaki said this SIP-DIMS platform database will be part of DIRD’s structure under the recurrent activities, which will also elevate the department’s mandate and core functions to the next level. DIRD is responsible for the oversight and effective coordination of the Government of PNG’s policies and priority programs to support equitable rural development. This includes overseeing management and reporting of the SIPs which amounts to around K1.165 billion funding annually DFAT representative Counsellor Christine Charity commended DIRD and Catalpa International for their effort towards the development of the SIP- DIMS platform. Christine stressed that data is about delivering for citizens.  “SIP-DIMS platform is a public good, and it's meant to improve the interaction between government and non-government actors, between government and citizens, especially related to service delivery at the sub national level. And it's about providing the evidence base for decision making.” “We at the Australian High Commission appreciate the challenges for the PNG government in maintaining the system and in rolling it out to the sub national administrations. And I think the phase one and phase two of the program have elevated some of the challenges and some of the lessons and some of the potential way forward in a broader rollout of the system”. “So, we definitely commend DIRD and CATALPA for holding this workshop to ensure that there is a clear road map, a clear way forward for how DIRD will maintain and sustain the platform going forward, because ultimately, this is something for the PNG government and for PNG citizens,” Ms. Charity stressed. Vaki also added that SIP-DIMS data base system with the assistance from Australian Government through DFAT will enhance department’s competence to measure the performance of all 118 electorates, so that at the end of the day there is an effective system of reporting to the National Government and Parliament, also importantly a source of reliable development planning data for all levels of government.

The Solomon Islands has lifted all its COVID-19 related requirements and travelers to the destination will no longer need to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or COVID-19 test. This new measure is effective immediately. However, passengers will still be required to complete a health declaration card which will be made available on-board arriving aircraft or at point of entry into Solomon Islands. Mr Dagnal Dereveke, Tourism Solomons CEO (acting) stated that the announcement by the Ministry of Health & Medical Services (MHMS) would significantly enhance the appeal of the Solomon Islands to those travelers who might have been deterred by previous restrictions. “The decision to drop COVID-related entry requirements showcases the Solomon Islands as a welcoming and traveller-friendly destination”. Dereveka added that this goes to demonstrate their commitment to facilitating tourism and also highlight their confidence in having managed the COVID-19 situation effectively; however, they will not be letting their guard down. “During the pandemic, the Solomon Islands closed its borders for more than 800 days, however the Tourism Solomons worked closely with the Ministry of Culture & Tourism (MCT) to proactively promote safety and service excellence across the tourism sector.” “This involved introducing health and safety guidelines promoting hygiene facilities, maintaining cleanliness, monitoring activities, and educating our people. " Dereveke highlighted that their main aim now is to continue to train their local tourism industry workforce to ensure they deliver a safe, healthy environment and experiences for all visitors. ‘’The timing for the MHMS announcement was even more relevant given in just a few months’ time the Solomon Islands will be hosting thousands of athletes, support staff and spectators attending the 2023 Pacific Games taking place in November.”

The meeting between Acting Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Gary Seddon and his executives with the Palau President, Surangel Whipps Jr in Port Moresby, explored more ways in which the airline company can expand its services to Palau and the pacific. The first Air Niugini PNG/Palau flights commenced in February this year, which saw weekly flights operating every Tuesday from Brisbane via Port Moresby and Koror (Palau) and has continued since. Both parties expressed that there are further opportunities to explore, to promote the sector, build interest and steadily grow passenger volumes. They further added that by connecting Pacific Islands to drive trade and tourism, it provides an opportunity for Air Niugini to strengthen its position as a regional airline, supporting the sixth freedom traffic, which is the right or privilege of operating scheduled international air services via the home state of the carrier to move traffic between the two states. “This is a fantastic opportunity for Air Niugini to participate in an invaluable initiative connecting people across the Pacific. We are honoured to have had the chance to share Air Niugini’s future plans with the President and his delegation,” Mr Seddon said. “This will further be underpinned by Air Niugini’s fleet replacement program.” The sector between PNG and Palau is supported by the Australian Government through an initiative to promote regional connectivity.

The spouses of the Pacific Islands leaders who are attending the 3rd Forum of the India- Pacific Islands Cooperation meeting had a tour of the metropolitan city of Port Moresby on Monday. Prime Minister James Marape’s wife Racheal Marape, Fiji Prime Minister’s Wife Sulutei Rabuka, Solomon Islands Prime Minister’s wife Emmy Songovare and Vanuatu Prime Minister’s wife Ellene Kalsakau started their tour with the first visit the National Museum. After the visit to the National Museum, they then proceeded to the Unity Shopping Mall where they were give tour on the different SME stalls in the Mall. The leaders’ spouses’ tour concluded with a beautiful boat cruise around the Port Moresby harbor.

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins paid today an official visit to the Gordons market at 10:30 am. The new Gordons market was a project that was funded by the people and the Government of New Zealand. The New Zealand Government gave K15million for the new Gordons market. The market which was opened in November 6th 2019 has become a business hub of the city. Prime Minster Hipkins was welcomed with the sound of whistles, claps and cheers by the vendors and the general public also there to witness the official visit. NCD Governor Powes Parkop thanked the NZ Government adding that Gordons Market has become an avenue for financial empowerment for local women. This has enabled the country to achieve gender equality in terms of financial freedom. Parkop further highlighted that through this financial empowerment, women in the country will be in a position to share power, decisions, and platform with the men and that is the national goal. “The NZ government by funding the establishment of this market has helped PNG to achieve this.” “By investing in Gordons Market, NZ Government is supporting human empowerment and it strengthens also our cultural heritage.” Parkop further said that Gordons market also serves as a social space where people can meet and interact, not just financially but also to build friendship. “This market brings together individuals from different clans, tribes, and nationalities, over 1000 tribes and 800 languages interact daily here and this place is major hub of our city and an integral part of our community progress”. Meanwhile, NZ PM Hipkins thanked the people of PNG and Gordons market for the warm welcome and for the partnership PNG has with the people of NZ. Hipkins was presented a gift from NCD Governor has a token of appreciation for his visit to the market and as appreciation for his visit to the market. The NZ Prime Minister was also gifted by Mama Bank, who added they were thankful for NZ’s support to fund this market which has helped more women achieve financial freedom in banking with Mama Bank. Hipkins visit ended with a short visit into the market where he stopped by the fruits stall and had a short interaction with the mothers before he departed.

The Prime Minister (PM) of New Zealand, Chris Hipkins is now in country after arriving at the Jackson’s International Airport APEC Terminal on a Royal New Zealand Air Force aircraft at around 7:20pm, Sunday evening.  Today, PM Hipkins will pay a curtesy visit to Governor General Grand Chief, Sir Bob Dadae at the Government House around 9:55am. Later on, around 10:25am Hipkins will proceed to visit Gordons Market, which is a New Zealand Government project. And around 11am he will pay a visit to the New Zealand High Commission Chancery. PM Hipkins later on in the afternoon will have a bilateral meeting with his Excellency Narendra Modi, Prime Minster for India at Airways Hotel and then after the meet, he will proceed to US-PNG-Pacific Islands Leaders’ Summit at the APEC Haus. Hipkins departs APEC Haus for APEC Terminal and will leave for New Zealand around 7pm this evening. 

Drilling and blasting is currently happening at the land slide site at Pausa, Wapenamanda in Enga Province. Clearance work has been going on for 3 days now and will continue into the weekend. That’s from Mr Peter Jimbi, Supervisor for Highlands Drilling and Blasting Contractors. Mr Jimbi told PNG HAUSBUNG that there are two contractors engaged in the clearing exercise, the Holden Blasting Contractor and the Highlands Drilling and Blasting Contractors. “Holden Blasting for the last two days was trying to blast the boulders but the boulders were too strong and huge and as a result some of their machines were spoilt so Highlands Drilling and Blasting contractors now came in to help.” “We are providing the machines, blasting machine, excavator and bulldozer to assist Holden and to fast track the clearance process.” Mr Jimbi added that clearance is happening from both sides and they are working their way in and most of the debris, earth and masses of rocks are push down the cliff into Wara Lai. “The boulders are huge and so much came down the mountain during the land slide so the clearance exercise will most likely continue into the weekend and onto next week Monday or Tuesday.” Jimbi stated that most likely by Wednesday or Thursday next week the road should be fully clear with all clearance exercise finishing on Tuesday next week because the boulders look like they need about 3 to 4 blast before they can be cleared down into Wara Lai. “Currently any traveller coming from both sides trying to go into Enga or coming back down to Mt Hagen has had to pay certain amount of money to the landowners who are assisting the contractors in clearing the landslide as well as assisting the travellers across the land slide.” “The landowners have been helpful in clearing the landslide and assisting travellers,” said Jimbi. “Whenever the machines stop working the landowners quickly go in and clear the earth and make way for travellers to cross, and when they cross they give like K1, K2, even K5 or K10 to the landowners for their assistance over the landslide.” Mr Jimbi further stated that Police and PNG Defence Force are monitoring the situation and making sure that crossing is safe and that there are not tension between the travellers and the landowners. They are also providing security to the machines and the contractors. It’s understood that Provincial Works team too is on the ground monitoring the land slide clearance exercise. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgrqvoI9mt8[/embed]

The Parliamentary Committee on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) met this week to prepare for their first round public hearings that will run on the 24th -26th May at the Parliament Haus. Chairman of the Committee, Governor Powes Parkop stated that the committee will use all its powers to hold government agencies to account on how they respond to matters that affects our mothers and girls. “We have to make sure in this term of Parliament that we use our oversight powers to demand better responses from Government agencies.” “We want to know what funds are being allocated, what activities are being implemented – and why the women and girls of our country are still not feeling any tangible change in their daily lives despite gender equality being a core priority for the country.” The Day 1 public hearing will be on Wednesday 24 May, and it will start with testimony from a range of NGO representatives and women’s experts who will provide the Committee with insights from the field on the real-life experiences of women and girls around the country. The second half of the day will then review the current GEWE institutions and policies that are supposed to be driving the GEWE agenda across the country. Days 2 and 3 will focus on reviewing the Government’s efforts to address gender-based violence (GBV) and sorcery-accusation related violence (SARV). ALL these discussions will build on the work of the Special Parliamentary Committee on GBV from the 10th Parliament and Deputy Chair of the Committee, Governor Allan Bird, was very clear on his expectations of the hearings, stating: Governor Bird stated that, “I want us to be very focused on action . Officials need to come prepared to answer questions and explain why the Government is still failing to protect our women and girls and ensure they can safely enjoy their human rights.” “I’m tired of ‘talkfests’ that don’t result in any changes.” “We are taking these hearings very seriously and will use them to drive change and hold public officials to account where they are failing to properly do their jobs and implement their mandates”. Parliamentary Committee on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) other members of Parliament as its members apart from the Chairman Governor Parkop and Deputy Chairman Governor Bird (East Sepik) are Governor Rufina Peter (Central Province); Hon. Ricky Morris (Alotau); Hon. Lohia Boe Samuel (Port Moresby North West); Hon. William Bando (Koroba Lake Kopiago); and Hon. Marsh Narewec, (Wau Waria). The public hearings will be live streamed on the Committee’s Face book page as well as on the National Parliament’s committee’s platform.

A workshop was held this week in Lamana Hotel, Port Moresby by the Climate Change Development Authority (CCDA) and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) which was centred on strengthening the country’s system for effective reporting on climate actions in the country. Climate reporting is an important tool for promoting transparency, accountability and for informed climate actions and the workshop was a key step under phase two of PNG’s Capacity Building Initiative for Transparency (CBIT) project. The CBIT project was established to build institutional and technical capacity for international climate reporting under the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) of the historical Paris Agreement on climate change signed in 2015 to keep global temperature below two degrees Celsius CCDA is pleased to collaborate with FAO on the second phase of the project, which will further enhance the capacity for Enhanced Transparency Framework and enable the country to meet its reporting requirements under the Paris Agreement. During the workshop they also launched three climate change policy documents which are the Energy Mitigation Plan 2022-2025, Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use Mitigation Plan 2022-2025 and National Green House Gas Inventory Improvement Plan 2022-2024. CCDA’s Acting Managing Director William Lakain highlighted that the system for Green House Emission in Data Base is difficult to set up and having FAO work with CCDA is actually helping CCDA set up systems necessary to enable the climate change Green house emission data base. “We get a number of technical assistance from FAO, and FAO have come this far to do the National Determine Contributions and under this we deal with a number of different Sectors.” Mr Lakain highlighted the different sectors as the Agriculture Sector, Energy Sector, Forest Sector and the Land Use Sectors and FAO is helping CCDA to find out how much green house gas emissions have being emitted from these sectors. “The three climate change policy documents launched now are the way forward, and that is where FAO comes in with its funding capacity that will help us there.” He added that this project will help support CCDA to prepare its Biennial Transparency Report and submit by December 31st 2024 to the United Nations Frame Work Convention on Climate Change Secretariat under the Paris Agreement.

Gas Resource Central Dabari’s hope for a 4 straight back-to-back win on home ground on Sunday at the Santos National Football stadium was destroyed by the visitors from East New Britain Province, the Agmark Rabaul Gurias. Central Dabaris Coach Steve Gunua stated that Gurias was a strong side on the field yesterday, with height, weight, and stamina they dominated the first half leading 4 tries and two conversions, finishing at half time, Gurias 22 and Dabaris 4. “There were many silly mistakes, our defence were not too strong and we did not play our footy in the first half,” said Coach Steve Gunua. “We gave away the first half to the visitors so easily, by slacking on our defence.” Dabaris came back after the half time and put up a strong challenge, made a comeback with 3 tries and two conversions out of the three. However Gurias also scored a try in the 2nd half but missed the conversion. Full time score was Gas Resource Central Dabari 20 and Agmark Rabaul Gurias 26. Coach Gunua said in the past games, the Dabaris boys had come backs after first half to recoup what they should have done in the first half and they succeeded and won however with Gurias it was different, the margin Gurias set before half time was quit a distance. “My boys need to realise the importance to score in the first half as well as to avoid silly mistakes,” Gunua said this week’s focus is defence, stamina, ball handling and just getting the basics right again. “Despite Gurias shattering our dream for a 4 straight back-to-back win on home ground, I congratulate my boys for an awesome comeback in the 2nd half and I want to also congratulate the Agmark Rabaul Gurias for a great game.”

“Minister Tkatchenko has betrayed the people and national interest; he has lost the confidence of the people”. That’s from President of Catholic Professionals Society PNG, Mr Paul Harricknen in a statement today. The Catholic Professionals Society PNG has joined other mounting voices around the country for the Prime Minister to sack MP Justin Tkatchenko from Cabinet. “The Minister in his position failed in his conduct when he chose to respond for his daughter in the way he did.” Mr Harricknen said that Tkatchenko could have responded in other responsible ways and that he cannot be excused now that he responded the way he did. He added that Tkatchenko must face the consequences of his actions. “The Minister has committed misconduct in office and breached the leadership code therefore the Ombudsman Commission is duty bound to investigate and lay appropriate charges and prosecute him under the leadership code.” “The PM does not have to wait for the OC or such other legal proceedings.” “The Minister should be sacked from the Cabinet.” Harricknen further stated that Immigration should also determine possible breaches of the Minister’s naturalized citizenship. “For the PM to accept the Minister stepping aside is a decision of compromise.” “It implies that the PM is not in control of Cabinet and allowing actions like this to undermine the integrity of the Cabinet.” “Our Prime Minister must be decisive with his actions because the decision to accept the apology is a relational decision and not in the national interest!”

A powerful cyclone has hit the coastlines of Bangladesh and Myanmar after intensifying into the equivalent of a category-five storm. Cyclone Mocha brought with it heavy rain and strong winds, leaving residents in low-lying coastal areas fearful they may lose their homes. More than 1,300 bamboo shelters in Cox's Bazar, the world's largest refugee camp, have been destroyed. At least five people have been reported dead in Myanmar. Landslides and floods are also hitting the area. As the storm approached, police patrolled the coastline in the town of Cox's Bazar carrying loudspeakers, urging people to stay indoors. The streets emptied as the cyclone intensified - the skies darkened, the winds picked up pace and the rains pounded down. Hundreds of people crammed into a school in the city which had been turned into a temporary cyclone shelter. Mothers with babies, young children, the elderly and the frail packed into any available space in the classrooms, sleeping on desks and sitting under them. Authorities here say more than 500,000 people were evacuated from their homes in this south-eastern stretch of Bangladesh. As many arrived at the shelter in rickshaws and on foot, they brought their livestock - cattle, chickens, goats - as well as mats to sleep on. They had come from fishing and coastal villages, as many as two hours away, making a difficult choice. "I didn't want to leave my house," said Sumi Akter, who lives on a riverbank. Sumi and others we met here say they have lived through other cyclones in recent years and are resigned to the regular pattern of leaving their homes to the mercy of nature. Storm surges of up to four metres could swamp villages in low-lying areas, Sumi and others here are fearful their homes may be submerged. "I wish the homes we lived in were built more strongly," she said. Jannat, aged 17, who we had met the day before in the same shelter, said she too was terrified of what state her home, on the riverbank, would be in once she went back. Last year, another cyclone, Sitrang, destroyed her house, forcing her to spend what little money she had on repairing it. "How can I live if this keeps happening? I can't afford to rebuild it - we are very poor," she said. Nature was also punishing the poor in the world's largest refugee camp nearby. Bangladesh's government does not allow Rohingya refugees to leave the camps, nor to build permanent structures. As the cyclone hit, they hunkered down in flimsy bamboo shelters with tarpaulin roofs. Some were moved to community shelters within the camps, which offered little more protection. Authorities told the BBC that more than 1,300 shelters were damaged by the wind, as were 16 mosques and learning centres. Trees had fallen in the camps, while two landslides also caused some damage. The tarpaulin that covered Mohammed Ayub's shelter was torn off by the winds. Now he and his family of eight are living in the open, in wet and miserable weather. Having spent the days before terrified of what Cyclone Mocha could bring, Mohammed was relieved the camps didn't take a direct hit from the storm. Mizanur Rahman, from the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner said that as far as he was aware, there were no casualties in the camps as a result of the cyclone. Forecasters warned Cyclone Mocha could be the most powerful storm seen in Bangladesh in nearly two decades. It also hit neighbouring Myanmar with great force. Heavy rain and driving winds battered the region as the storm system moved to the coast, with reports of increasing disruption near the city of Sittwe, in Myanmar, from about 13:00 (07:00 GMT). Electricity and wi-fi connections were disrupted across much of the Sittwe area, where videos showed the tide rising dramatically and carrying debris down flooded streets. A telecom tower was brought down by the high winds as the cyclone approached. Videos shared on social media also showed roofs being blown off houses and billboards flying off buildings in Yangon amid teeming rain. Images from the city of Mrauk U showed palm trees bending in the wind, metal roofing sheets being swept into the street and a few people still hurrying to take cover in storm shelters. Local media reported that a 14-year-old boy was killed by a falling tree in Myanmar's Rakhine State, while there were reports of damaged and collapsed buildings in various parts of Myanmar. The Bangladeshi meteorological department office said the maximum sustained wind speed within 75km (45 miles) of the centre of the cyclone was about 195km/h (120mph), with gusts and squalls of 215km/h. In preparation for the storm's arrival, nearby airports had been shut, fishermen were ordered to suspend their work and 1,500 shelters were set up as people from vulnerable areas were moved to safer spots. Authorities in Cox's Bazar said no lives were lost as a result of the Cyclone, despite the ferocity of the storm. As families began to leave their shelters once the storm had passed, there was relief. Evacuations in this area have been credited for saving lives, as the extreme weather continues to disrupt them.   Source: BBC