Solan Mirisim

The presentation conference occurred at the Department of Works Headquarters as six international contractors and 14 national contractors, were applauded for their duty under the Connect PNG Programme.

Works and Highways Minister Solan Mirisim confirmed that all invoices acquired from these contractors have undergone multiple auditing processes, and hence have been cleared for payment.

Minister Mirisim has brushed aside claims on social media that Connect PNG funds have been dawn to fund the looming Vote of No Confidence.

Mirisim and his Secretary David Wereh held a media conference today where the minister released the 8-page statement explaining the government’s Connect PNG program.

He set the tone for the conference by explaining how Connect PNG is benefiting the country by opening up inaccessible parts of the country and how local contractors are benefiting through contracts.

The list will introduce roads previously not under the program. By doing this, the national government will truly be taking the Connect PNG program nationwide by including roads in all 22 provinces.

The Minister was responding to questions posed by the member for North Fly James Donald. Donald was querying the actual monetary value of the Connect PNG program and the funding source of the Tabubil-Telefomin road, claiming that funds from the Ok Tedi Mining Limited  Tax Credit Scheme were used in building the Tabubil Telefomin highway.

Minister for Works and Highways, Solan Mirisim made this remarks when responding to MP for Hiri Koiari, Keith Iduhu’s recent media statement about a K30 million that was allocated to the Sogeri Road upgrade and maintenance works in 2014.

Iduhu alleged that the money was misused and that Department of Works and Highways was asked to clear the air.

Mirisim after confirming with the Department of Works Highways record that despite commitment made at that time by the National Government in 2014, there was no funds allocated. 

Oksapmin is located in the Telefomin District of Sundaun Province. This result has amazed Member for Telefomin, Solan Mirisim who has expressed his pride in this ranking.

He said when the change of status from High School to Secondary School was done in 2020 for the first grade 11 there was many confusion and anxiety by parents and community that Oksapmin High School is not ready for secondary school status.

News of her retirement has been received with sadness by Member for Telefomin, Solan Mirisim.

Glenda Giles came to Oksapmin Valley upon the invitation of the local people, who started what was known as Oksapmin High School in 2007 and taught until her retirement.

The New Zealander was instrumental in the setup of the junior high school, which eventually grew into a secondary school that has produced extraordinary results placing Oksapmin Secondary School in the top 10 performing schools this year.

The Tribunal members consisting Justice Les Gavara Nanu, Magistrate Josephine Kilage and Magistrate Mark Selefkariu made the ruling last Wednesday, 17^th of November at the Waigani National Court.

Mirisim was slapped with 22 charges for misconduct in office. Of these charges, he pleaded guilty to one charge, where he provided incorrect dates of birth for his spouse and children on his annual statements.

In a statement, the Minister said he will go to court till the final outcome is achieved, therefore he still remains the Minister for Defence and the member for Telefomin.

He said, “I am not guilty of any abuse or misconduct. I will go to court till the final outcome is out. For now, I will still be the Minister for Defence and Member for Telefomin.”

He appealed to his people of Telefomin to allow this investigation to take its course, as this is the normal process for all members of Parliament to go through when they fail to submit statements of annual returns.

Minister Mirisim made the courtesy visit to meet with the Chief Fire Officer, his deputy and officers to familiarize himself with one of the agencies that is under his leadership.

He said he was very impressed with the office especially for putting up a guard of honour for him.

Chief Fire Officer, Bill Roo and his staff were excited to host this small but historical visit by any minister of government responsible for their office to visit them. Fire Officers turned up in their best attire for the occasion.