Boera

A Papa village ward councilor in Central Province is questioning what plans are there for the next 5 years considering the global issues that are affecting PNG.

Councilor Tarata Geita stated that it is important for the PNG government to inform the people on what the future holds for the LNG project in the country.

He said they are the most impacted and they still have some benefits outstanding as well.

They are adamant that the government initiate some kind of awareness or information programs so that they are aware of issues relevant to the gas project.

Ward councilor of Papa, Tarata Geita, said: “It is our humble request that we collectively negotiate with the new gas fired power plant board management, led by chairman Wapu Sonk, to consider supplying the four impact communities of Papa, Lealea, Boera and Porebada free electricity for the duration of the PNG LNG Project.”

Geita said this request from landowners from portion 152 must be met.

Currently the landowners receive power supply from the rural electrification program initiated by the Central Provincial Government.

Recently the staff successfully concluded a three-month program to help the schools and students who were being impacted by this year’s dry season.

Students were unable to complete full days at school due to water shortages.

The water cartage initiative began in September after the site operations team was able to adjust plant needs for water and redirect a portion of the site’s potable water supply to the cartage program. A delivery roster was then set up with the schools to provide potable water on a regular basis. 

However, a couple is on a mission to restore and regenerate their once lush mangrove coastlines.

Ulato Avei and husband William Kwara recently opened Koke Hanua bar and conference area at their home in Boera, Central Province, after successfully obtaining a loan from the National Development Bank.

“Koke is the name of the area and Hanua means villa in our language, so it’s translated to Koke Villa,” says Ulato.

One very visible sight customers will appreciate is the lush mangrove overlooking the sea.

 This includes the Minister for Lands Benny Allan, his secretary, their servants and agents.

The National Court will be judicially reviewing the forfeiture of land known as portion 2747, land located along the PNG LNG Project area.

This comes after Laba Holdings Limited, the landowner company that represents the four villages of Porebada, Boera, Papa and Lealea, filed a motion in court seeking interim orders and Judicial Review.

Justice Leka Nablu issued the restraining orders this morning after she allowed for a judicial review to be carried out.

ExxonMobil PNG, on behalf of PNG LNG, has contributed K165,000 towards PNG Cancer Foundation’s Healthy Teens School Program (HTSP). This brings ExxonMobil PNG’s support to K269,700 for PNGCF awareness programs since 2014.

The partnership will see the program rolled out to schools in Papa Lealea, Hanuabada, Baruni, Boera, Tatana, Porebada, Port Moresby, Hides and Moro. 

Boera is in the Kairuku Hiri District and has a population of 4000 people.

The two days cancer awareness program started today and includes education on the different types of cancer namely cervical, mouth and breast cancer.

The ten member team that includes two nurses and five dentists is also carrying out free screening for women and girls.

CFPNG chief executive officer Dadi Toka Jnr says they are anticipating a big crowd with the nearby villagers from Porebada and Papa Lealea also expected to attend.