West New Britain Province

In a show of commitment to his constituents, West New Britpain Governor Sasindran Muthuvel personally inspected the Ais Bridge, a lifeline for the residents of Kandrian Station and neighbouring villages.

The bridge, vital for transportation and commerce, revealed alarming signs of decay during the Easter weekend survey.

As the situation evolves, six of these centres have closed, leaving Bakada, Sovula Primary School, Sovula Junction and Kabaiya operational.

The current population in these remaining care centres is 5133, a reduction from the initial 25,950.

Deputy Forward Operations Base Commander and East Nakanai LLG manager, Roland Poounurea, outlined a forward plan.

If conditions permit by next week Tuesday, negotiations will commence with Care Center residents to encourage their return to villages, subsidizing rations.

The ten villages and groups are Lama, St. Micheal Balangore, Vituhu, and Penata in the Bali Vitu LLG, Komavavo Buluwara, Kabili, Matoto, and Pangalu in the Talasea LLG, and Laleki Youths Fishing group in Kimbe Urban LLG. These groups received not only the 23-footer boats but also powerful 40Hp engines.

The officials at Lakiemata Prison expressed their gratitude for the special gesture during this festive season, which acknowledged the residents of the prison, including the inmates and officers in charge.

The gifts were greatly appreciated and the spirit of giving was felt by everyone. Detainee Paul Bob spoke on behalf of the inmates and expressed his gratitude for the act of kindness. He said that most of them do not receive visitors, and the gesture meant a lot to them.

Although the market has yet to open its operations, the training is essential before the stalls become operational.

Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr. Therese Lei, emphasized the significance of the training, addressing not only women but also encouraging participation from men. The participants, responsible for running the market stalls, will be trained in proper food handling practices to prevent the spread of infections, particularly focusing on issues like diarrheal diseases.

These youngsters carried the Papua New Guinea flag around the sports oval. In tow, were teams taking in the Rugby 7s tournament. It was a momentous and memorable occasion, put together by village elders.

Villages of Galeaoale, Porapora, Gavaiva, Valoka and converged at Vovosi to have a joint celebration.

Some of the highlights including a game of tug-of-war for men and women.

There was also the usual traditional dance performances. Adding flavor to that, elderly women also put on a show by singing their traditional songs to depict self-governance and independence.

The health facility had come to fruition thanks to a co-funding effort from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the PNG Government, the provincial government, and the Health Department through a church partnership.

The project, which started in 2018 after the PNG Government, ADB, and DFAT agreed to finance the Health Sector, was successfully implemented by the West New Britain Provincial Health Authority.

The opening ceremony was attended by Health Minister Dr. Lino Tom, Governor Sasindran Muthuvel and Australian Minister Counsellor Diane Barclay.

Today the Bialla Suaras Rugby Union club executive was presented with a cheque donation of  K40,000  by the National Gaming Control Board which will go towards facilitating for the upcoming  7s tournament.

The cheque presentation ceremony took place at the NGCB Board room in downtown Port Moresby, officiated by CEO Imelda Agon and Biala Suaras RFUC Chairman Andrew Solomon.

West New Britian Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector John Allan Iara confirmed that four of the suspects are from East Kove-Kaliai LLG in West New Britain and one is from Wasara in East Sepik.

PPC Iara explained that when the passenger vessel was about 4 nautical miles from Bialla wharf, the suspects threw the bags of marijuana onto an outboard motor that was travelling near the ship.

He said two of the suspects jumped into the boat and sped off. But not without the ship’s captain noticing them and alerting police.

There are vandalism cases involving Valoka Health Centre property and the school.

While the incidents have been reported to the Police, there have not been any follow up or arrests done. Village elders and ward members have also turned a blind eye.

The Health Centre and staff are fortunate that the fencing funded by the Provincial Government was completed prior to these incidents but they remain fearful of their safety.