Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PNG Power Limited (PPL) Mr. Paul Bayly has confirmed that the generation of electricity in Port Moresby will continue to increase over the coming weeks and months through ongoing repairs and infrastructure upgrades, as well as increased rainfall for hydroelectricity generation. Mr. Bayly confirmed that following the Konedobu substation fire, PNG Power teams have overcome remaining obstacles to restoring service. He said that work is almost complete to reconnect all of the downtown area, as well as Hohola and Gordons, after some logistical delays. “The Konedobu Substation fire was serious and caused substantial outages in Port Moresby requiring new equipment to be brought in and connected.” “Fortunately, the infrastructure that has been installed or upgraded has replaced old equipment and will serve the city for many years into the future.” “This includes a containerized control system and upgrades to distribution lines that will improve power distribution.” In addition, he said that replacing decades-old infrastructure and expanding the grid for an increasing population is a challenge but are meeting this head-on. Mr. Bayly provided a positive outlook for Port Moresby power supplies moving into the wet season with anticipated solid rainfall feeding the Rouna Hydro Plant. “The additional rain will flow into the Brown River basin and further increase hydroelectricity generation.” “Around half of the power in the city is from hydrogenators, so with higher river flows increasing additional electricity is generated.” “Rain levels are ten times higher during the wet season than in the dry months in the middle of the year.” Moreover, upgrades are also underway at the Rouna Hydro Plant that will provide additional electricity supply going into 2026.  The Rouna 3 Hydropower Station restoration is nearing completion to be back in operation after being shut for 14 months and it will generate 12MW of electricity. “Rouna 1 will be bought back online after four years out of service will start with one 6MW turbine being commissioned by end 2025.” “Our Rouna 1 and 3 Hydropower station will be online before the end of this year, with Rouna 1 generating 6MW and Rouna 3 generating 12MW.” “This is investment by the Government to update or replace infrastructure that is outdated and will deliver more power to the people and businesses of the capital.” Meanwhile, Mr. Bayly said that PNG Power is working to overcome the challengers of the increasing demand by rolling out the most significant infrastructure investment in more than a generation. “With the ever-increasing population around the country, as well as much greater business activity as the economy grows, demand for electricity is increasing at a faster rate than ever before.” “The National Government, through the State Enterprises Minister William Duma, has directed that PNG Power must keep pace with rising demand and this is taking place through additional support from the National budget.” “Current peak output in Port Moresby is 155MW, and for the population and business activities when power production is at its peak, we will have an available of 176MW and we are on target to achieve this goal.” Furthermore, he said that it is the same story for every population centre around the country where demand continues to increase in which they are now expanding access to electricity for people who have never had power. “This is through the expansion of existing power grids, and the creation of off-grid energy production. These include solar, hydro, wind and geo-thermal power generation.” “The bottom line is that we are working to deliver uninterrupted power supply to as many people as we can from cities to the most remote villages.” “We are under no illusion of quick fixes with there being a mountain of work ahead, and we have the right teams of engineers and staff in place to deliver more power for the Nation.” Mr. Bayly thanked the public and businesses in the areas affected for their patience as his teams worked around the clock to restore power.

The Brisbane Broncos claimed their seventh premiership and ended a 19-year drought by defeating the Melbourne Storm 26-22 in a stunning comeback at Accor Stadium, Sydney. The victory was sealed by a heroic individual performance from Reece Walsh, who won the Clive Churchill Medal after overcoming a controversial first-half high shot to dominate the game. In front of 80, 223 fans at Accor Stadium the Broncos capped a magnificent season as Ben Hunt savored redemption for 2015 and Adam Reynolds grabbed a second premiership eleven years after his first. Michael Maguire joins Wayne Bennett, Chris Anderson, Jack Gibson, Tim Sheens and Phil Gould as the only coaches to have won titles with two clubs. His stats were phenomenal with one try, three try assists, four line-break assists, 14 tackle busts, and multiple try-saving plays, including a match-sealer on Ryan Papenhuyzen in the final minute. The game was a story of two halves: • Storm's First Half Dominance: The Broncos started fast with an early try to Deine Mariner. However, the Storm quickly took control, with tries to Nick Meaney, Eli Katoa, and Will Warbrick. Despite a brilliant solo effort try from Walsh, the Storm restored their lead through Jahrome Hughes's brilliant footwork, heading into the breakup 22-12. • Broncos' Resilient Second Half: The momentum shifted immediately after halftime when Storm prop Tui Kamikamica fumbled the ball over the line. The Broncos capitalized, beginning their fightback with a try to Gehamat Shibasaki. The Broncos' victory was made more remarkable by the loss of both their experienced halves in the second half including, Captain Adam Reynolds, who was forced off with a calf injury and five-eighth Ben Hunt who was later knocked out with a concussion. In their absence, the combination of Walsh, Ezra Mam, and the remaining players stood tall. Mam created a crucial turnover with a massive tackle, leading to a quick-fire double from the wing-centre pairing of Mariner and Shibasaki, putting Brisbane ahead 26-22 with 20 minutes to play. The Storm's challenge was finally broken when Trent Loiero was sin-binned for a shoulder charge in the final minutes, allowing the shorthanded Broncos to hold on for the premiership. The win also saw coach Michael Maguire join an elite club of coaches to win premierships at two different clubs, while Ben Hunt savored redemption after his 2015 Grand Final heartbreak.

Central Province has stepped forward to take bold action, signing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) to strengthen climate resilience for its people. The agreement, signed on the opening day of the 3rd National Climate Change Summit 2025 in Port Moresby, commits the Central Provincial Government, Central Provincial Administration, and CCDA to work together to protect communities from the impacts of rising sea levels, flooding, food insecurity, and extreme weather events. For families in Central Province, climate change is already a lived reality. Coastal villagers are losing land to the sea and struggling with saltwater intrusion, while inland farmers face unpredictable rains and poor harvests. The MoU provides a framework to ensure practical solutions, from seawalls and safe water systems to climate-resilient crops and renewable energy, reach the people who need them most. Under the MoU, a Provincial Climate Change Committee (PCCC) will be established to coordinate all climate-related programs in Central Province. This will ensure projects are better planned, monitored, and linked to national strategies, while also giving the province direct access to international climate financing opportunities such as the Green Climate Fund. The partnership also commits to creating a Division of Climate Change within the provincial structure and training local climate officers, empowering young Papua New Guineans to become champions of adaptation and innovation in their own communities. Acting Climate Change and Environment Advisor Mr. Benjamin Keni along with Central Province Acting Deputy Administrator for Economic Services, Mr. Philip Alu, and Acting Deputy Provincial Administrator for Corporate Services, Mr. Magini Raga, were present to witness the signing on behalf of the Governor of Central Province, Rufina Peter, and Acting Provincial Administrator, Mr. Bala Kapa, who were unavailable at the time. “Our mothers in the markets, our farmers in the gardens, and our families living along the coast are already feeling the impacts of climate change,” said Mr. Raga. “This agreement ensures that climate action is integrated into our development plans so our people can live safer, more secure, and more hopeful lives.” Speaking during the signing ceremony, Acting Managing Director of the Climate Change and Development Authority, Debra Sungi, highlighted the importance of establishing Climate Change Committees at the provincial level. “We have through the national Climate Change Development Authority and the Climate Change Management Act, the provisions that allow Climate Change Development Authority to establish its committee through the established provincial government structures.” “So, we have effectively tried as much as we can through the 21 provinces including the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, established the Provincial Climate Change Committee through the MoU arrangement.” In addition, the signing makes Central Province the eighth province to sign an MoU with CCDA for a PCCC and comes as PNG uses its Golden Jubilee year to reflect on its climate leadership over the past five decades. From ratifying the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1993, to passing the Climate Change (Management) Act in 2015, launching the National REDD+ Strategy in 2017, and unveiling the National Adaptation Plan in 2023, PNG has steadily positioned itself as a global voice on climate resilience and green growth. The National Climate Change Summit 2025, which convenes over 200 representatives from government, private sector, universities, development partners, youth, and local communities, provides a platform to showcase this progress and chart the next fifty years of climate resilience. Furthermore, new features of this year’s summit include youth-led climate innovation competitions and presentations from climate research grantees under the Australia-PNG Economic Partnership. While the MoU is not legally binding, it is a powerful commitment based on understanding and cooperation between the national government and the Central Provincial Government and its administration, with real benefits for people at the community level. By aligning local action with national and global climate goals, Central Province is setting an example for how other provinces can play a leading role in safeguarding PNG’s future.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) marked recently marked a milestone in border modernization with the official launch of the PNG Digital Arrival Card (PNGDAC) and the establishment of the Immigration Operations Command Center (IOCC). Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Immigration and Border Security John Rosso, who was unable to attend the launch in Port Moresby, due to him attending funeral proceedings of the late Governor for Morobe, Luther Wenge, explained that the PNGDAC and IOCC initiatives form Phase 1 of the Pre-Advance Passenger Information (iAPI) Project. This is a key part of the PNG e-Border Solution Project led by the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Service Authority (ICSA). “The PNGDAC replaces the old paper arrival card with a secure, online platform.” “From now onwards, passengers travelling to PNG can conveniently complete their arrival card digitally in 72 hours prior to boarding, making travel easier, while also giving our border agencies faster access to accurate passenger information.” The IOCC will act as the central hub for immigration intelligence and risk assessments, receiving and analyzing passenger information in real time. It is designed to meet international standards, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and International Air Transport Association (IATA) protocols, ensuring PNG’s border systems are future-ready and globally aligned. “For the first time, Immigration, Customs, and the National Agriculture and Quarantine Inspection Authority, are fully integrated into one information system, allowing a whole of-government approach to secure borders, faster processing, and smarter facilitation of trade and travel.” “This is more than just a technological upgrade; it is a national security priority.” “By modernizing our border security systems, the PNG government is protecting our people, strengthening trade and tourism, and ensuring that PNG remains connected to the world in a safe and secure way.” Furthermore, he commended the Chief Migration Officer Wellington Navasivu, and his team for their tireless work in delivering this reform, and the Deputy Chief Migration Officer for Visa, Passport and Work Permit, Clarence Parisau, for launching the initiatives. He now looks forward to Phase 2 of the project, which will expand these capabilities even further with full interactive passenger data feeds from all airlines and sea vessels.

As Papua New Guinea celebrated fifty years of independence, rural communities in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) and East New Britain (ENB) are now witnessing a transformative milestone with the near completion of three vital agriculture feeder roads under the PNG Agriculture Commercialization and Diversification (PACD) Cocoa Project. Funded by the Government of Papua New Guinea with support from the World Bank, the PACD Cocoa Project is driving rural development by improving access to markets, services, and economic opportunities for cocoa-growing communities. During the 10th Implementation Support Mission (ISM) visit last week, Senior Agriculture Specialist and PACD Team Leader Allan Oliver commended the progress of the road rehabilitation works. Oliver also urged communities to take ownership of road maintenance once contractors complete their work. “These roads are very important, and you are lucky to have them. There are other areas in the country still crying for better roads.” Oliver emphasized that PACD includes road maintenance training to empower communities to keep the infrastructure in good condition. He encouraged local wards to engage with their Local Level Governments (LLGs) and Districts to ensure long-term upkeep, noting that the roads contribute directly to the economic growth of the region. In addition, local leaders and residents have welcomed the development, describing it as long overdue. Meanwhile, Russel Anip, Chairman of the ward development committee for infrastructure in Kulungere, said that they have waited over ten years for this road. “It will benefit not only cocoa farmers but also provide access to schools, health centres, and basic services for everyone.” On the other hand, Youth representative Clive Niali, highlighted the impact on women and young people. “Mothers have carried cocoa and children on foot over rough terrain. This road will ease those burdens and make transport safer.” “During the wet season, we have had to cross flooded rivers just to transport cocoa. This road will give youths better access to farming and market opportunities.” Furthermore, as the PACD Cocoa Project continues to unfold, communities are being urged to use the improved infrastructure to strengthen their livelihoods, invest in better housing, and save for the future, especially with rising cocoa prices offering new economic potential.

Papua New Guinean boxer Peter Miria scored an impressive victory over Trent Elliott on September 27, knocking him out in the second round of their Super Middleweight (76 kg) fight.The match was hosted by Black Diamond Boxing Promotions in Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia. Miria, 29, is from Waima, Kairuku District, Central Province who started boxing in 2013 under the guidance of his late uncle, Joseph Mako, and represented the National Capital District (NCD) in several amateur tournaments. After forming the Team PNG development squad, Miria took a break from boxing between 2017 and 2018. He later returned as a professional, registering with the PNG Pro Boxing Control Board under Oceania Fight Promotions. He had several pro fights in Papua New Guinea before getting a fight opportunity in Sydney in 2023. Miria now trains at Sydney Fight Gym under coach and manager, Shadi Chebib. “I trained hard here in Sydney, and my coach Shadi Chebib helped me get ready for this fight,” said Miria. With this win, Miria continues to make a name for himself in professional boxing and shows promise as one of PNG’s rising boxing stars.

Communities in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) and East New Britain (ENB) province have expressed their deep gratitude to the National Government and the World Bank following the 10th Implementation Support Mission (ISM) visit for the Productive Partnerships in Agriculture Project (PACD) Cocoa Project.The World Bank team, led by Mr. Allan Oliver, Senior Agriculture Specialist and Team Leader of PACD, is in Papua New Guinea for its biannual ISM from September 24 to October 6, 2025, to assess the progress of both the cocoa and coffee components of the PACD project. The mission began its visit to the Cocoa Project Management Unit (PMU) in Buka Island, where they inspected project partnerships and the nearly completed Teobhuin-Sipotavai 5.8 km Agriculture Feeder Road. The team then traveled to East New Britain to visit the Vunapalading-Burit Road and the Ivon-Kulungere road, as well as local grower partnerships. Mr. Oliver congratulated the Cocoa PMU on their commitment, noting that the feeder roads are a “lifeline for farmers and communities.” “We say thank you to the government for these kinds of initiatives working with the different commodity boards that we are benefiting from.” “We are happy that this project is helping you to increase revenue and income but at the same time all must look after revenue so that you build good house, savings in the bank and increase asset base in the cocoa industry.” The newly constructed roads are designed to withstand all weather conditions, a vital development that communities say is the first of its kind in forty to fifty years. Meanwhile, Joycelyne Karevui, Acting District Coordinator for Tinputz, called the road infrastructure a “significant milestone” that will improve connectivity, facilitate economic growth, enhance social services, and boost trade across the region. Speaking to beneficiaries, Mr. Oliver emphasized that the funding is a loan from the World Bank. He strongly encouraged farmers to “continue to grow cocoa and toil the land” to increase the country's export revenue, which will ultimately go toward repaying the loan. The Bank's mission is focused on projects like PACD to reduce poverty and promote shared prosperity in communities. Moreover, he advised that as income and revenue increase, people should look after it by building good houses, saving in the bank, and increasing their asset base in the cocoa industry. The mission is currently scheduled to visit the projects under the PACD Coffee Component in the Highlands Region.

A newly established white copra buying point has been opened recently in Rabaul town in East New Britain to cater for coconut farmers in the district.Located at Palatirip along the Tunnel Hill Road of Balanataman Local Level Government (LLG), the buying point will be operated by the Coconut Resource Limited (CRL), a business arm of the Kokonas Indastri Koporesen (KIK). The farm gate price per kilo is K5 for Rabaul district farmers while others will be at K4 per kilo. The subsidized price is aimed at assisting the local farmers and encourage families to venture into white copra production. Speaking during the opening of the white copra shed on September 23rd, 2025, the District Administrator Freddy Lemeki, said that the district has outsourced the operations to CRL to manage, however will continue to provide coordination and financial support. He added that the districts’ coconut plantation at Ramandu in North Baining of Gazelle district will also be producing white copra and selling at the new buying point. Lemeki further urged CRL to immediately begin with the operations and encouraged farmers to start selling their white copra. “Most of the time we launch projects or commission buildings, but we do not utilize it or sustain it, and now we must make sure that the shed is open for business.” Meanwhile, the CRL General Manager Ephraim Tade, who was also present to officiate the opening thanked the district administration for partnering with them in such vital economic projects. “We need to get quality white copra coming out of this shed and we encourage our farmers to meet all the required standards.” “We ensure that the moisture content is maintained, and all other requirements are met.” He further said that by November of this year, the district is expected to export a container and encourage farmers to continue meeting their weekly targets. Tade also mentioned that there are also plans to tap into other products using coconut water, coconut husks and coconut shells; however, more study and trainings must be done first.

The Commissioner of Police, David Manning, has confirmed that Royal Papua New Guinea (RPNGC) and Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) continue to strengthen counter-terrorism operations in the Highlands region.With a heightened security forces presence in the upper Highlands region, joint security operations have been consolidated with the appointment of Commander Anthony Wagambie Jr. as operation commander. “Protecting the innocent men, women, and children of the Highlands Region is the priority of deployed police and soldiers.” "With a significant joint security force presence building in the upper Highlands region and concurrent investigative activity, it is appropriate that on-the-ground command of this operation be supported by an experienced operational commander.” “After a period of time away from command duties, Mr Wagambie has today been commissioned to the rank of Commander and assigned to spearhead the operational command against these acts of terrorism.” “This appointment reflects Commander Wagambie's extensive policing experience.” As operation commander of the joint security response, Commander Wagambie will deliver on-the-ground command to ensure that the rule of law is respected by communities in this region. “Commander Wagambie knows what is expected of him in coordinating operations.” “Upholding the rule of law, protecting innocent communities, and bringing to justice those who have sought to hold our nation to ransom.” Meanwhile, Commissioner Manning said that the government has declared there must be zero tolerance in dealing with those who terrorise our communities, and our security forces are meeting this objective. Further details on this ongoing operation will be provided at an appropriate time.

The Rabaul District Administration has recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the East New Britain Savings & Loans (ENBSL) for the districts’ micro- finance credit facility program.The credit facility creation is a strategic development program aimed to provide financial assistance to local SMES and support women and youth entrepreneurship at the community level. This program initiated by the district commerce sector was allocated K500, 000 under the District Services Improvement Program (DSIP) funding with K450, 000 for the micro credit facility creation and K50, 000 for the administration of the program. The MOA outlines the conditions & terms of the agreement and how ENBSL is expected to rollout the program. There are three loan categories which includes, K500-K1000 range, K1001-K3000, and K3001-K5000. Requirements for SME’s include business plan and cash flow, 30% equity, technical certificate (TVET/Financial Literacy certificate), K50 (Local Level Government (LLG) registration, Ward Development Committee recommendation and Respective LLG Manager with LLG Business Development Officer endorsement.For the second & third category, meeting minutes for SME groups and Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) registration is required. Speaking during the signing of the MOA at the districts’ headquarter this week was the Manager- Member Service & Branch Support Lopa Alua who thanked the Rabaul District Development Authority (DDA) and the district administration for having the trust in ENBSL and partnering with them. “This is our first shared commitment in fostering financial empowerment to our people at the ward levels in Rabaul district and we aim to provide full banking services to our economically challenged individuals, farmers, SMEs, etc. to help their business grow and improve livelihoods.” Meantime, Rabaul district Administrator Freddy Lemeki thanked ENBSL for the partnership and said the credit facility program will enable SME’s, women’s and youths who lack proper financial assistance expand their growth. He further urged those who were willing to apply to meet all the requirements and encouraged them to have a business operation plan in place to sustain their SMEs. Public servants and registered businesses/companies are not allowed to apply for the micro-credit facility program.

The Rabaul District Administration officially opened two new police duplexes this week at the Kurakakaul barracks, located at the district headquarters along the North Coast Road in East New Britain province. The new accommodation aims to address the critical issue of inadequate housing for local police personnel.The two three-bedroom duplexes were successfully completed last month by Paveks Construction Limited and Last-Born Enterprise Limited at a total cost of over K1.2 million, which included fencing works. The project was co-funded under the District Infrastructure and Law and Order program through the Provincial Services Improvement Programs (PSIP) and District Services Improvement Programs (DSIP).Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, District Administrator Freddy Lemeki highlighted the project's timely nature.“This is a timely project as our police personnel are being faced with inadequate housing and other related accommodation issues affecting their overall welfare.”He added that the duplexes will provide a much-needed home for officers and their families, which in turn will enhance their performance for effective policing.The new buildings will complement the existing police staff house, which currently accommodates the Rabaul Police Station Commander. Mr. Lemeki also urged families and nearby communities to be responsible and look after the new buildings.Meanwhile, Rabaul Police Station Commander Chief Sergeant John Hapot, who also witnessed the ceremony, thanked the district social sector and administration for their continuous support.“With the recent rise in law-and-order issues in Rabaul and nearby villages, the project will help beef up our manpower by immediately responding to issues in the nearby communities.”The completion of the two duplexes is part of a broader effort to improve the district's law and order infrastructure. Moreover, they will stand alongside the newly refurbished district courthouse and the Seif Haus, both located at the Kurakakaul district headquarters.The administration also announced plans to build similar police duplexes in the future to cater for more police officers.

Students of St Mary Star of the Sea Primary School in Balanataman Local Level Government (LLG) in Rabaul District, East New Britain (ENB) province, can now access a better learning environment with the opening of their newly constructed four-in-one classroom.During its official opening on September 23rd, Rabaul District Administrator Mr. Freddy Lemeki, said the building was funded through the District Services Improvement Program at a cost of K450, 000.“St Mary Star of the Sea Primary School has its own humble story to tell being that one of its classroom and teacher’s house were built from community-driven efforts alone with minimal government support.”Mr. Lemeki said the school located along Rapolo Tavana accommodates a growing number of student population and is in need of additional school infrastructure therefore the Rabaul District Development Authority (RDDA) resolved to support the school with infrastructure and enhance academic learning.The construction of the classroom was done by contractor 89 Consultancy & Engineering.Meanwhile, Senior Professional Assistant for Primary Schools with the Provincial Division of Education, Mr. Kilala Wartovo commended the RDDA for prioritizing education infrastructure.He commended the school from progressing from elementary to primary school status and recently graduated its pioneer Grade 8s who performed exceptionally well.“The Education Division is trying its best to bring education services closer to the people and such initiatives by districts help us to achieve this.”The Education Division is working tirelessly to have three junior high schools by next year in ENB.Furthermore, Mr. Wartovo said the St Mary Star of the Sea has the potential to become a junior high school in 2027 due to influx of students from the area and nearby wards facing issues commuting daily to Kokopo Secondary School.