Southern Highlands

Key points:

• PNG's prime minister announced the release of a female hostage
• An Australian is still being held in remote bushland along with two other locals
• The kidnappers are demanding a ransom for their release

PNG's Prime Minister James Marape has announced the release of the woman, while calling for the criminals to set free the remaining hostages.

The post-election related violence displaced more than 20,000 people and they were in dire straits, mostly women and children.

NGCB Chief Executive Officer, Imelda Agon said the donation by the Board to the people of Nipa Kutubu shows the organization’s concern over the displacement-affected communities.

“We are deeply saddened by the unfortunate election-related violence and the NGCB, as an organization owned by the 8 million plus people of this country, is committed to provide emergency funds to restore peace, law, and order in the affected areas.

O’Neill polled 37,501 reaching the absolute majority to be declared.

When giving his victory speech, O’Neill thanked God for the win and the continuous deliberation during the elections in the province.

He also thanked the Returning Officer, Ronald Rambu and his team for a job well done in facilitating the polling and counting in the district. The sitting member also commended security personnel for their tireless effort during the elections.

His declaration was witnessed by former Ialibu Pangia MP, Roy Yaki, Philemon Embel and other leaders.

Guala, Kikita and Tigibi in Hela Province, and Munihu, Pambal, Megi and Yame in Southern Highlands Province, have been involved in these peace efforts.

Through financial assistance from United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (UN PBF), IOM's support to these communities includes training for gender-inclusive community facilitation teams and local authorities, technical assistance in developing and operationalising community action plans, and material assistance to execute selected community-led priority projects.

Nearly 500 women braved the rain to meet Ruth Undi, while she journeys on her evaluation trip of Mama Halpim Mama Foundation’s investment, from the K1million she invested 10 years ago. 

Women came as far as Poloko, Takuru and surrounding villagers in West Pangia.

More than 37 councilors from the Siwi Uteme, Tankiki, Ekai Makai, Rakili Rakili, tribes in the Imbonggu and Ialibu Pangia districts showed their support for the Mama Halpim Mama program.

The machine was brought from China at a cost of K6 million. It was delivered to the province today.

This is a milestone achievement for the people of Mendi District, Southern Highlands and Papua New Guinea. This CT scan machine is the fifth in the country.

Member for Mendi and DDA Chairman Michael Nali presented the CT scan machine to Dr Joseph Birisi, CEO of Southern Highlands Provincial Health Authority, at Momei Oval. Hundreds converged there to witness the occasion. 

Known by his stage name as Snyda, the Southern Highlander has made a name for himself within the PNG music industry as a promising talent with a lot to achieve with passion in music.

Snyda comes from a family of avid music listeners and his passion in music started ever since he was a kid.

The committed was done by former Minister for Petroleum and Energy, William Duma in 2009 during the UBSA signing in Kokopo, East New Britain Province.

Oil Search and ExxonMobil have also been asked to pay outstanding rental payments for Mt Kiki Repeater station as per a September 9, 2021 agreement.

The frustrated clan members of the four Oil head base in Gobe have blocked off the in-field road leading to the Oil Heads since December 13, 2021, because the Government is yet to address their demands.

Since it was established, Det Health Centre has not had an upgrade to its medical services until recently. The Health centre serves more than 20,000 people in Poroma and neighbouring villages in Nipa, Southern Highlands Province.

Poroma local, Fiebik Kilip Simon donated oxygen concentrators, beds, delivery bed, patient monitors, vital monitors, nebulizer and other vital medical equipment required for the outpatient.