Eastern Highlands Province

Jaffa community health post re-opens

This is a project funded by the ADB at the cost of K5million.

The Community Health Post was originally opened in early 2019 and was active in providing and delivering essential health services for the locals, but after a few months of operation tribal conflict between the Jomposa and its neighboring Jaffa tribe affected the operation of the health post.

EHAS a mouthpiece for farmers

President Solepa remarked that the role of EHAS is to promote local farmers in their projects.

“Currently, the EHAS is just a mouthpiece for these hardworking members. But for livestock, we are planning on assisting our small farmers in documenting their projects so they can access financial assistance from their local MPs, donor agencies or the private sector,” said President Solepa.

Goroka hospital to improve facilities

On top of this an additional K4 million will be set aside for any other developments that may be required within the hospital.

The hospital can now render better health care service to the patients, especially women and children in Eastern Highlands, with improved facilities. Other health centres around the province will also benefit in terms of primary health care and establishment of community health posts in selected districts of the province. 

Gama Sese Tournament unites clans

In this time when urbanization in Goroka Town is increasing and the natives of Goroka are prone to outside influences that could potentially cause them to lose their cultural identity, the five clans have agreed to host the sporting event to celebrate, educate and generally unite the clansmen.

The 2023 Gama Sese Tournament has established good relationships amongst them and promotes healthy lifestyle for the youth through sports.

Lufa taking lead in mushroom production

Minister for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change and MP for Lufa, Simo Kilepa, on Boxing Day, was at his district headquarters for the groundbreaking and unveiling of the new mushroom processing building design.

“As part of our master Five–Year Development Plan, mushroom is one of our hero cash crops apart from coffee,” Mr Kilepa said.

The construction of the new building will begin in the new year.

Once in operation, the building and mushroom re-selling will be managed by the District Development Authority business arm – Debala Investment.

Steel door safeguards clinic

BSP Goroka Branch Manager, Rosemary Mawe and Director Public Health Services, Dr. Max Manape cut the ribbon to officiate the launch. 

Lopi Clinic in Goroka, Eastern Highlands has experienced continuous break-ins in recent times. BSP has stepped in to prevent any more breaking and entering, and theft.

Mawe said BSP responded to this request by the clinic because this clinic serves a wider community.  

Seigu school celebrates new infrastructure

This is an initiative of the Seigu High School board led by Chairman Tom Amero, who expressed gratitude to the former provincial government for its support funding of K175,000 for the school infrastructure grants.

The project, supported by the Eastern Highlands education director Wesley Albert, is part of a broader vision to enhance educational facilities across the province.

First landing

Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) pilot, Andy Symmonds embarked on the maiden flight to Aiyu and shared his experience.

He was welcomed with a singsing, the participants danced around the aircraft.

All the local dignitaries were in attendance, including local government members, pastors, and newly appointed MAF agents. He gave them some instructions on the care and maintenance of the strip.

The community advised Symmonds that the nearest operational airstrips were at least a full day's walk away, over difficult swampy terrain.

Rosso applauds EHP leaders

DPM Rosso was accompanied by Eastern Highlands Governor, Simon Sia, and local MPs William Hagahuno – Kainantu MP, Saki Soloma – Okapa MP, John Boito – Obura-Wonenara MP, Robert Atiyafa – Henganofi MP, Ekime Gorosahu – Daulo MP and Kinoka Hotune Feo, Unggai-Bena MP.

Coinciding with PNG’s 48th Independence celebrations, the sleepy town of Kainantu came alive with traditional singsing groups, students’ march and a local police parade.

UOG prepares for VC Cup showdown

Defending champions, the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) Pythons, will be defending their title this year, after winning the cup in a fiery grand final match against the University of Technology (Unitech) Spartans in Port Moresby, in 2021.

UPNG has assembled three teams; two from the main campus including defending champions, the UPNG Pythons. The Third UPNG Team is Medfac from the School of Medicine, Taurama campus.