The Central province Governor, Rufina Peter along with her provincial administration finally submitted their 2021 and 2022 Provincial Support Improvement Program (PSIP) Acquittals today to the Department of Rural Development and Implementation (DIRD) after some delays. The new Acting Provincial Administrator, Mr. Edward Kila said the delays in the submissions of the acquittals, were due to one disaster and the changes within the provincial administration itself. In a written letter presented at the DIRD office in Port Moresby today, he said the building that housed some of the source documents burned down in 2022 destroying some of that, while the changes to the provincial administrator’s position also caused some delays. “There were some supporting documents still with the former provincial administrator and were not easily obtained,” Mr. Kila said. "I only assumed the role of Acting Provincial Administrator in December 2023.” Also, there was a change of the Provincial Financial Manager, but nevertheless, the provincial government was able to put together the PSIP Acquittals for the two-year period and finally present them to the DIRD. “I will give my undivided support to ensure in the future we provide acquittals on time and the production of the reports are consistent with your (DIRD) template.” The PSIP acquittals are important because the funds are constitutional funds allocated to respective Members of Parliament (MPs) and Central province as a recipient of the funds, has the duty to report back on how the funds were used to provide service to the people. “We are obligated by law to provide the acquittals reflecting the receipt and expenditure for funds received during these said periods,” said the Acting Provincial Administrator. Meanwhile, Governor Peter expressed satisfaction over the completion of the acquittals and happily handed them over to the DIRD Deputy Secretary Mr. Gordon Wafimbi at the DIRD office.

The National Airport Corporation (NAC) and Nasfund today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see the two-organisations benefit from the investments that will be made in the airport facilities nationwide. The Minister for Transport and Civil Aviation, Walter Schnaubelt who officiated at the small but significant signing ceremony at his office at 7 Mile, Port Moresby said the agreement will enable Nasfund in the future to invest in infrastructures like shops or facilities that would offer convenience for the travelling public at airports. “Today marks a significant milestone for the National Airport Corporation,” said the minister. “We sign now an MoU with Nasfund to try and now look at potential investment development opportunities within the airport precinct of all twenty- two airports under the management of National Airport Corporate.” “This MoU will give opportunity for both the Nasfund and NAC to identify which areas of investments and information that is needed by NAC and acceptable by Nasfund in terms of their requirement.” “This is an opportunity we’ve been waiting and longing for a long time and it’s now here and we are looking forward to that relationship and provide all the necessary information to get to the stage that we can sign an actual agreement, and investment identification in terms of what we are going to build and what cost,” he added. Nasfund Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rajeev Sharma said the investment that would be made will greatly benefit its 680, 000-member base with returns on investments passed on to the members. He said this will greatly increase Nasfund investment portfolio. Meanwhile, NAC Acting Managing Director Mr. Dominic Kaumu said NAC needs this kind of partnership that would assist them develop their airport facilities because NAC cannot do it alone given the major costs involved. Mr. Kaumu said NAC along with Niusky Pacific have K4 billion worth of assets and this agreement identify which parts of land to build and what type of building to build on the land, greatly benefiting NAC and the traveling public.

Ok Tedi Mining Ltd (OTML) has stepped in assist with the supply of aviation fuel (JETA1) to support the aviation industry, which is currently experiencing fuel issues and flight disruptions due to the inability of Puma Energy to supply fuel. OTML is proud to announce that this assistance is through the establishment of a robust and reliable JETA1 supply chain, crucial to resolving the ongoing fuel crisis in Papua New Guinea (PNG). This decisive action comes in response to Puma Energy’s continued inability to supply the nation due to its alleged Forex issues. OTML has recently concluded agreements with the nation's major airlines to ensure a stable and sufficient fuel supply to get the nation’s airlines meeting their flight schedules without interruptions. The aviation sector in PNG has been severely impacted by Puma’s continuous supply disruptions, causing significant travel delays and economic setbacks. OTML Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Kedi Ilimbit said OTML’s commitment to securing this supply chain marks a pivotal moment for the industry, paving the way for renewed confidence and operational efficiency for the airlines and their passengers. "We are thrilled to have established a reliable supply chain that will play a crucial role in resolving the fuel crisis in Papua New Guinea," said Mr. Ilimbit. "Our agreements with these major airlines underscore our dedication to supporting the industry and our nation with the essential resources needed to resume and maintain robust flight operations." The agreements between OTML and PNG's leading airlines include long-term supply contracts that ensure an uninterrupted JETA1 fuel supply. He said this development is timely as Puma continues severe rationing to airlines that have in turn been struggling to meet passenger demands and maintain their flight schedules due to fuel shortages. The reliability and consistency of this JETA1 supply will enable airlines to plan and operate with greater confidence, contributing to the broader economic recovery.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has put out a statement refuting what he says are claims made by one of the daily newspapers that the country is facing a cash crisis. In that statement, Marape refuted claims in an article by Post-Courier on Tuesday 25th June 2024, which stated that the government is presently experiencing a cash crisis. He said this is not true and assures the public, business houses, stakeholders and investors that government accounts are being managed prudently by Treasury, and Finance and Planning, with revenue collection pushing 50 percent (50%). PM Marape said, “Every week, there is a budget management committee that sits to ensure that government priorities are being retired, as we collect revenue and disburse the expenditures as we go. “As I speak, up to today, we have collected 42 percent (42%) of our envisaged revenue totaling over K8.4 billion. “So, we collect and pay as we go; we are managing our cash flow to make sure that what we collect go to essential and recurrent expenditures in the first instance, then our core development budget. “There is no issue with cash in the country,” PM Marape further stressed. To prove this, Marape said Treasury will release the mid-year fiscal economic outlook report to the public at the end of the month to fully outline spending past mid-year and the economic management for 2024. “I want to assure all our stakeholders in the country that there is no cash crisis. We are paying for expenditures as budgeted; all expenditure is consistent with our funding plan in Budget 2024. “We are managing our finances well, as we have done over the last five years including the toughest years of 2022 and 2023 with COVID-19. “We have a temporary advance facility with Central Bank of up to K1.5 billion which we fall back on when we need to because our fiscal management is reliable and Central Bank trusts us as we have not defaulted since 2019,” said the Prime Minister.

The recent Regional Consultative Workshop and Review of the NYDA Act 2014 was held in Banz, Jiwaka province from 17th June to the 21st of June where the Highlands regional participants were told of the importance of this exercise. The Minister for Community Development and Religion, Jason Peter, who spoke during opening of the recent consultation and review, said the National Government is focused on addressing the youth issues in the country such as unemployment, and looks forward to making important changes so to better deliver that, and that is why such consultations, and the review of the NYDA Act are significant to the cause. He said this consultative and review exercise aims to get the views of all youth stakeholders in four (4) Regional Consultative Workshops. “Once this is done, all the lists will be put together and then sent to the government,” said the minister when explaining the process following the consultations and reviews. The NYDA Director Mr. Joe Itaki also gave his piece of advice, urging all youth stakeholders to make submissions and give their views in the respective regional consultations. “In collaboration with key stakeholders, we need to work together to raise the bar pertaining to youth interventions, hence the Act Review is timely to ground programs on a solid legal footing. This will help towards strengthening connection from national to the subnational level,” he said. Meanwhile, the two remaining regions (New Guinea Islands & Southern) will host their Regional Consultative Workshops in July. The Momase region was the first to start and completed its consultative workshop last year. Thereafter, all views, opinions and submissions will culminate in the final amendment to be presented to the National Parliament at the end of this year.

Nambawan Super Limited (NSL) has final secured its final portion of land at Bush Wara at 9 Mile, Port Moresby following at lengthy court proceeding that took six years. Last Friday, 14 June 2024, the National Court ruled in favour of Nambawan Super by dismissing an appeal made by an illegal squatter, challenging the summary ejectment order of the District Court for NSL’s Land Portion 2158 at 9- Mile, Bush Wara. The Court found in 2017 that the illegal squatter, whilst working at the Department of Lands, fraudulently acquired the title to Portion 2158, and ordered him to vacate the land. But the squatter continued to occupy the land, in defiance of this Court Order from 2017, while launching several court proceedings against Nambawan Super, frustrating its efforts to secure possession of its rightful asset. Last week Friday, after the National Court reaffirmed its decision of 2017, refreshed orders were issued to proceed with the eviction of this particular illegal squatter. On Thursday, 20 June 2024, the Eviction Order for Portion 2158 was executed by the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC), with vacant possession secured and handed back to NSL who own the land in trust, on behalf of their 228,319 Members. Nambawan Super has followed all legal requirements to lawfully secure the titles of its Land Portions. The outcome of the National Court’s decision over Portion 2158 reaffirms Nambawan Super’s position, and that is to serve and protect the interests of its 228,319 Members. NSL has explored every possible option to find an equitable resolution for all parties. "Despite our efforts, all options have been exhausted, leaving eviction as the final recourse. In light of this, NSL requests the support and cooperation of all stakeholders, to ensure the carefully planned Bush Wara Eviction Program for Portions 2156, 2157 and 2159 is implemented in a safe and peaceful manner." Illegal squatters on the remaining Land Portions have been granted a 120-Day grace period that commenced on Tuesday, 12 March 2024 and will end on Wednesday, 10 July 2024. The Eviction Exercise will commence on Thursday, 11 July 2024. “We strongly encourage all illegal squatters to immediately dismantle your personal property and voluntarily vacate now, as you have less than 20 days remaining.” As a Trustee, Nambawan Super Limited cannot use Members’ funds to assist Squatters. Those who would like assistance should speak to the Police located at the Site Office at Bush Wara.

The public and business houses in the country will have to dig a bit deeper into their pockets to purchase Ramu Sugar following the announcement of a price increase on the locally refined sugar product. The Independent Consumer and Competitions Commission (ICCC) recently made this announcement just after acknowledging the increase of sugar price by Ramu Agri Industries Limited (RAIL) up by five per cent (5%). According to the ICCC Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Paulus Ain, the increase was due to RAIL’s factory- gate price. Ramu Agri notified the ICCC of the increase, stating that it was due to the high cost of operation and materials. “Upon ICCC’s assessment of the information provided by RAIL, the ICCC noted that RAIL’s price increases are mostly due to in- country cost, particularly its domestic production volume which is greater than its import volume,” said Mr. Ain. “Given RAIL’s high domestic production volume, the ICCC concluded that despite a reduction in international prices recently, this may not have a significant bearing on RAIL’s domestic prices. “We have observed that RAIL has been keeping its prices constant from 2018 to 2021, while international sugar prices have been increasing during that period, thus giving an indication that RAIL was not sensitive to movements in international sugar prices.” However, since December 2021, RAIL has been slowly increasing its factory- gate price between 3% and 5% as the global inflation continues to persist in the domestic economy. This Mr. Ain said is concerning for the Commission with the increase in price for sugar and other basic goods in the country. The ICCC is mandated to monitor the prices of basic household goods, including sugar and under the price monitoring role, it monitors the popular Ramu Mill White Sugar 1kg packs at the factory- gate level and at the retail level as well, against relevant international benchmark prices. As such, Mr. Ain said if there is a significant shift observed between domestic and international prices of sugar, then the ICCC may require RAIL to justify and if the ICCC is not satisfied with the justification, it can recommend to the Treasurer to declare sugar for stringent price controls. Nevertheless, the ICCC continues to urge other importers of sugar to reflect on their true cost in their pricing and they must not raise their prices unnecessarily to the detriment of consumers. Mr. Ain said the Commission will continue to monitor sugar prices to ensure consumers are not disadvantaged in terms of fair pricing.

The Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) Air Transport Wing (ATW) on Thursday 21st June saw the opening of its refurbished Hanger at 7 Mile, Port Moresby. Refurbished with the assistance of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), the facility was opened by the Australian Chief of Defence, General Angus Campbell along with the PNGDF Acting Commander Defence Force (CDF), Philip Polewara. The hanger, which was initially built in the early 1990s, got a much needed facelift and will continue to house aircraft and cater for other ATW activities in the country and the region into the future. General Campbell said this assistance shows the continued defence and security ties between the two countries, and commitments to improving the capacity of the PNGDF to support development in PNG and to assist in regional security as well. “This relationship is renewed in the continuing efforts between our countries; efforts between our two forces to build the Air Transport Wing,” said the ADF General when highlighting the importance of defence infrastructures and support. He said such infrastructure is a critical part of enabling the progressive development of air transport capabilities of both cargo and personnel from the PNGDF and also PNG. “Australia is delighted to be part of that story, a story that we are committed to and a story that will see overtime the development of the air capability that members of the defence force can relay on.” General Campbell went on to say that the support given to ATW is not just on infrastructures and equipment. “The work at ATW is not just here, but also in building that technical skills and competency through experience and training provided by Australia.” In saying so, he said that Australia is welcoming ATW into the Air Force gathering that will occur later this year in Darwin. An activity that will see twenty- four (24) countries come together to demonstrate airpower, air capability, air planning and logistics. “Our nations have been building defence capabilities together now for almost fifty (50) years,” remarked the General. “We’re going to continue to do that work and I’m also inspired by the potential of where we can go together.” Meanwhile, the Acting CDF thanked the ADF and the Australian government for the continued support and assistance over the years, saying that this partnership strengthens defence capabilities between PNG and Australia, and also strengthens regional security.

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Trade Union Congress (TUC) has made its stand very clear in a press conference today on the matter of the Nambawan Super Limited (NSL) land portions and the looming eviction of squatters at Bushwara in 9- Mile just outside Port Moresby city. In that press conference hosted by the TUC at the Hilton Hotel this morning, the Vice President of the PNG TUC and Police Association President Mr. Lowa Tambua, made it clear that they represent their members, all 228, 000 of them and want the settlers to move out of their members' land portions before the deadline on July 10th. “So, we’re not speaking as unions, we are speaking for everyone, so long as you are a contributor to Nambawan Super,” said Mr. Tambua. He said the settlers had been initially dealing with the corporate trustees in the courts who were speaking on behalf of Nambawan Super. But PNG TUC’s position here is as a voice of the owners of the fund. “We represent all members who own the portions of land at Bushwara,” stressed the TUC Vice President when making a call to the squatters to vacate the land in a peaceful manner before eviction takes place. He said the courts have ruled in favour of NSL in the previous court cases and the latest was the ruling by the courts that the last remaining portion (Portion 2158), also belongs to Nambawan Super. This now gives all land portions from 2156, 2157, 2159 to now 2158 to Nambawan Super, where it has plans to develop the land and create investments for its members’ benefits. The President of the Correctional Service Employees Association, Mr. Daniel Mollen also assured the settlers that no one is an enemy in this matter and that everything is being done for the benefit of members of the NSL, which includes CS officers and staff. He said the land portions have been in court for almost 30 years and now that the NSL has been given its own lands back following numerous court cases, its time NSL use the land portions to make investments that would generate good returns for its members. Mr. Tambua said they sympathize with the settlers in that they would have to move but appeals for their understanding because the matter is for the benefit of everyone. “We encourage the squatters to start removing your house materials and gardens, so that they are not damaged in the eviction process.” Meanwhile, the settlers were given a120- day grace period since March 2024 following a court order issued, which has provided ample time for them to consider their future and voluntarily vacate the land with their properties. Police in Port Moresby since then have been also carrying out awareness in the illegal settlement area, urging the people to start moving. This grace period will end on Wednesday 10th July and the eviction will start on Thursday 11th July. And as of today, Friday 21st June 2024, the settlers have exactly 19 days left to vacate those land portions belonging to NSL.

In yet another show off support and close ties between Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Australia, both nations today signed the Joint Statement of Intent intended to support the PNG's Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector. The PNG caretaker Minister for Higher education, research, science and technology and sports, Lucas Dekena, following the signing at the PNG- AUSTRALIA Ministerial Forum today in Port Moresby, said the signing now means the TVET sector will be getting the attention to further boost the training of young Papua New Guineans in technical and trade skills to very high international standards. "This agreement reaffirms our shared commitment to enhance Papua New Guinea's TVET sector and to increase Papua New Guinea's chances to seize economic growth both domestically and internationally," said the minister. Minister Dekena said the signing today continues the long standing partnership between the two countries in education, stating that TVET remains a priority under the PNG- Australia Partnership. Meanwhile, the original statement of intent was signed on August 2020 and reaffirmed during the 29th Ministerial Forum in 2023. Minister Dekena concluded by stating that improving TVET across PNG will empower more Papua New Guineans to support the country's growing industries and benefit from opportunities provided by Australia's Labour Mobility programs. The signing of the Statement of Intent today was between Minister Dekena and Australia's Minister for Defence Industry and International Development and Pacific, Pat Conroy. Minister Conroy said the Australian government gives this support because Australia recognizes the vital role that education and training play in national development and in fostering a vibrant economy.

The affected communities in Enga province where the landslip destroyed homes and took lives, continue to get much needed support following the devastating natural disaster. This time its from Kumul Petroleum Holding Limited (KPHL) where the local resource company handed over a cheque for K1 million to Enga Governor, Sir Peter Ipatas on Tuesday 18th June in Port Moresby to assist with the ongoing disaster relief effort at Mulitaka. Kumul Petroleum Managing Director, Mr. Wapu Sonk when presenting the cheque said, “There has been a lot of support coming from other countries, companies and the community at large but as PNG’s national gas and resources company, we also want to assist with the relief effort.” “The funds, approved by the KPHL Board, are to assist the disaster relief committee on the ground in their efforts to bring some comfort and relief to people who have lost their loved ones and homes in this terrible landslide.” “I understand that there are people that have been displaced through the landslide and they are not able to return to their land, we hope that our contribution can be used for in-kind support in their resettlement.” “On behalf of the Board, management and staff of Kumul Petroleum, we extend our heartfelt sorrow to those families that have lost their loved ones and homes, but we also want to encourage them to be resilient.” Mr. Sonk said.

The Port Moresby Moni Plus AFL season in 2023 saw a couple of issues that popped up during the season especially towards the end of the competitions, but this has not been the case for this season so far since its commencement in early April. The President of the Port Moresby AFL Association (POM AFL) , Mr. Douglas Lai told PNG HAUSBUNG that so far, the competitions have been running smoothly with the men’s and women’s competition in play as they look forward to the Regional Championships coming up later this year. “The women’s competition will head into the finals this weekend following a successful normal season while the men’s still have about six to seven more weekends to go before their finals,” said the president. However, he said POM AFL is considering hosting the Regional Championships for the Southern Region, which should include a couple of clubs from the Central province to participate, towards the end of the month or the next month. He said there have been some delays on the part of the Papua New Guinea AFL Commission on the timings to stage the Regional Championships, so the Association decided to go ahead and stage their event, but the actual dates will be confirmed later by POM AFL pending approval from the Commission. But first things first, Mr. Lai said the focus here now is to close off the women’s competition first and from there, look at moving on to the hosting of the Regional Championships for the Southern Region, which will take place in the city of Port Moresby with all matches to be played out at the Colts Oval.