Chimbu Province

This has been confirmed by Chimbu Provincial Election Manager, Tom Sine Kaupa.

The deferral was made to allow ample time for preparations to be completed so that polling is conducted smoothly within the gazetted period. 

Polling for Jiwaka will be conducted today 15th July.

Kaupa added that all the ballot papers for Chimbu will be stamped and signed.
He said this is to avoid illegal practice on the ballot papers.
 
All polling in the country will be completed on Tuesday, July 19, 2022.

Chimbu Provincial Police Commander Superintendent, David Warap says the province is into the final period of campaigning with very few incidents created by supporters of candidates, but police have managed this.

He said police have stepped up with the launch of the 2022 National General Election security operations for the Highlands region and police will be out in full force to conduct security operations.

Beginning with the Written Expression paper the examination on Monday and ended the exams today with English paper two.

Head teacher, Jack Gena in welcoming the invigilators, Pauline Ninkama and Elias Ule said the students have come through many challenges over the past seven years to this day they sit for their examinations.

Mr Gena said the students have been disturbed with the COVID-19 pandemic and acknowledged them for their perseverance in attending classes through difficult times until the week of their examinations.

Forests Minister, Walter Schnaubelt said PNGFA used its small development funds to purchase 15 Concentrators units, which are being distributed to the districts that have been selected by the Health Department to be potential hot spot for outbreak.

Member for Sinasina Yongomugl, Kerenga Kua was present to receive the donations from the Authority, which have been approved by the Department of Health.

He thanked Minister Schnaubelt the PNG Forest Board Chairman, Keith Iduhu and management for the oxygen concentrators.

He was awarded a Member of British Empire for his service to the public service by former Governor General late Sir Michael Ogio.

He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education Administration from the University of Papua New Guinea. From being the Principal of Gumine Secondary School, he was elevated to occupy the position of Principal Advisor or Assistant Secretary for division of Education in Chimbu.

The trial, presided by Justice Panuel Mogish, saw the fourth state witness take the stand today.

Businessman Willie Gare of Gumine, Chimbu Province, is standing at the National Court for six counts of human trafficking, one count of aggravated human trafficking and one count of rape. 

Gare who has pleaded not guilty to all the charges was allegedly involved in the recruitment and transportation of two boys and eight girls from Lealea and Boera villages, to Kundiawa on 30 July 2015, to perform at the opening of a lodge on 14 August, 2015.

A major landslide which occurred on January 8 in that area has blocked the Highlands Highway for the past six days.

At the moment a temporary bypass has been created by the Simbu-based Kaiaworks Construction under the Works Department's supervision.

The Government allocated an undisclosed amount of funds for the removal of the debris and the construction of the bypass.

Additional funding was allocated to Kaiaworks to build a permanent road apart from the bypass.

MP Mogerema Sigo Wei said K1.8 million has been allocated by the Karamui-Nomane District Development Authority for this purpose in 2017. This will cover a total of 1400 students studying in various institutions both in PNG and abroad. 

Sigo Wei said since 2013, Karamui-Nomane DDA had so far spent K5 million for more than 3000 students.

He said assistance for students in other universities and learning institutions would be made in the coming weeks.

The institutions are both private and government owned.

Martin Kombre, who lives in Kundiawa but travels to Kerowaghi daily, says the soil, which has broken away, remains fragile and shaky.

He says while travelers are crossing the landslip, the fragile soil gives way, forcing them to panic and run across the slipping mud.

Many have no choice but to take the risk, with no major incidents reported so far.

On the other hand, the situation has landowners and locals in the area laughing all the way to the bank as they have begun charging tolls on individuals and their cargo, as well as performing carrier services.

Local tour operator in Chimbu Province, Chris Jaime, said tourism remains the only industry where everyone can benefit from.

Jaime operates tours and provides adventure trips for both local and international tourists in Chimbu, including tours for Mt Wilhelm, which is the highest peak in PNG and the Oceania region.

Jaime said people can be involved in Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) to sustain their livelihoods and also contribute to the country’s economy by promoting tourism with their products.