Kiunga

The Samagoes Fly rice factory operated by North Fly Agro Ltd and launched by Member for North Fly District James Donald in 2019, is now gaining momentum.

They plan to distribute throughout the country and overseas, once it reaches its market potential.

In July, Member Donald announced during the launch of the Kiunga Agro-Industrial Centre and Vanilla Project that the next big project will involve vanilla, cocoa, rubber, and the commissioning of the rice project.

Kiunga town celebrated PNG’s 48^th Independence over the weekend with no disturbances and no incidents at the Kiunga main oval.

It was an unforgettable turn-out as communities, businesses, and visitors were brought together in the heart of Kiunga.

The day commenced with the solemn flag-raising ceremony however it was the evening that truly lit up Kiunga as thousands of residents and visitors flocked to the Kiunga main oval to partake in the festivities.

Betty Wine, Women and Children’s Representative in the Fly River Provincial Government raised the concern following allegations of sexual abuse and increased unwanted pregnancies involving young local women in Kiunga.

Ms Wine, a member of the provincial executive council representing the health sector, expressed concern that there was rise in illegal activities including prostitution and pornography allegedly involving expatriates and people from other provinces working and living there.

The drug weighting 3.4kg worth around 40 to 50 thousand kina street value.

The men are now in the police cell and expected to appear before the Kiunga District Court today Tuesday, May 2, 2023.

They are being charged under new amended Dangerous Drug Act.

North Fly MP and Vice Minister for Mining & Border Development, James Donald, commended the police for the job well done.

The rehabilitation included the setting up of three additional hand washing stations to promote personal health and hygiene among staff, students and visitors, helping to stop the spread of COVID-19, as well as other communicable diseases.

Western Province was amongst the first in Papua New Guinea to report a COVID-19 case and now has the third highest number of cases in the country.

IOM, UNFPA and UNICEF have been aiding North Fly District in Western Province with support from the UN Secretary General’s Multi-Partner Trust Fund to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Those intending to travel, holding onto a valid ticket and have queries are encouraged to visit a PNG Air sales office or an agent to be served.

Acting Chief Commercial Officer, Nancy Nakikus said "PNG Air is looking forward to operate flights and continue to connect people".

"We are looking forward to getting normalcy back into PNG and giving our people a quality service they deserve,"

Locals in Kiunga have confirmed that two fuel stations at Pajawi and Kiunga have run out since the beginning of this month.

Aron Bale, who is a resident of Western Province, attributed the situation to the continuous dry spell that has caused the Fly River stage to decrease, preventing cargo ships from anchoring at the port.

“No more PMV services are provided because there’s no fuel and it’s really hot in Kiunga Town area and surrounding villages,” he said.

The prices of store goods and bus fares have also tripled, forcing locals to spend more.

David Kaya and his lawyer appeared before the Waigani National Court, where his bail conditions were varied, allowing him to fly to Kiunga where his trial will be held.

Kaya and his co-accused, who is also his lawyer, Philip Kamen, will stand trial next Monday before acting Judge Danajo Koeget.

Despite the matter being prosecuted in Port Moresby during the Committal Court stage, it will be transferred to the Western Province for trial because most of the witnesses are based there.

When announcing the launch of two bridges in Kiunga on Thursday, Awesa said the O'Neill-Dion government will deliver the most-needed infrastructure to the people of Western.

These projects should have been undertaken by previous governments, said the Minister.

Awesa said Prime Minister Peter O’Neill will be personally visiting the province sometime next week and will announce some of the major impact infrastructure projects in the province.

The Kiunga to Tabubil Road is about 132km.

Although the province hosts the Ok Tedi mine, road network and infrastructure were in a terrible condition.

Speaking at the announcement of three impact projects which will be launched soon in Kiunga, South Fly MP Aide Ganasi said a province-wide infrastructure network is essential so that people can work their land and move their produce to the markets.

The three impact projects include the Ningerum-Ok Tedi River Bridge construction, Drimgas Fly River Bridge construction and the redevelopment of the Kiunga District Hospital.