Hela Province

Some of them had arthritis, skin infections, backache, antenatal care and also more common illnesses such as malaria, dysentery and pneumonia.  

Barrick (Niugini) Limited (BNL), operator of the Porgera Gold Mine, recently led a team on a medical patrol to the area.

The village, located about 116km downstream from the mine, is in the Kopiago District and has a health centre that serves about 5,000 people from five Local Level Government (LLG) council wards.

The health centre is operated by the Mambisanda Agency of the Lutheran Mission based in Wapenamanda, Enga.  

The students’ requests, contained in a detailed brief was handed to Imbonggu MP, Francis Awesa last Thursday July 14 and is to be considered by parliamentarians from the two provinces.

First of its kind from any university displaced student group from around PNG, Southern Highlands and Hela students are asking for government assistance to help them involve in worthwhile projects and activities.

The MPs are Peter O’Neill (Prime Minister / Ilalibu-Pangia), James Marape (Minister for Finance / Tari-Pori), Francis Awesa (Minister for Works and Implementation / Imbonggu Open), De Kewanu (Vice Minister for Works / Member for Mendi Open), William Powi (Governor for Southern Highlands Province), Jeffery Komal (Nipa-Kutubu Open), Francis Potape (Komo-Margarima Open), James Lagea (Kagua-Erave Open) and Philip Undialu (Koropa-Lake Kopiago).

 Agiru was ousted as governor at a meeting conducted by Francis Potape and other members of the Hela Provincial Assembly on December 29 in Tari.

He returned to the National Court at Waigani this morning to move the notice of motion that was filed on January 4 (yesterday).

However the matter could not proceed any further as the motion was “short served’’ (insufficient notice) to Francis Potape’s lawyer Philip Ame just this morning.

The matter came before Justice Derek Hartshorn.

The Prime Minister commended the petitioners for showing flexibility in discussion with the Government and extending their call for response which has enabled the Government to consult relevant Agencies and other landowner leaders. (Responses attached)

“I am fully aware of the frustrations of our people in Hela Province,” the Prime Minister said in his response to the petition.

“What I can assure you is that this Government is committed to working with all stakeholders, including the Hela Provincial Government, in addressing the State's commitments in the Agreements.”