APEC

No clarity on rural electrification project

Minister Muthuvel was responding to questions raised by Pomio MP Elias Kapavore.

He clarified that the World bank is yet to come up with a master plan on the roll out of the rural electrification program in the country.

Minister Muthuvel said the master plan will enable state owned agencies to implement the program successfully.

Muthuvel added that the Government is also working on a medium term to roll out the electrification program in all districts.

He said the Government is committed in implementing this program.

NCDC to manage bus service

The purpose-built 42-seater buses donated by the Chinese government for APEC will soon be on the capital city’s roads, following a commitment made by the APEC Authority last month.

“They’re as good as anything in Australia, or New Zealand or around the world, and we’ve already got drivers trained to drive those buses,” stated APEC Minister Justin Tkatchenko.

“We’ve got all the spare parts that came with the buses and we’ve got the mechanics that have also been trained to look after and maintain it as well.”

Mines chamber welcomes APEC leaders

The APEC program includes the APEC CEO Summit, which runs from 15-17 November. With the theme “Charting a Common Future”, the program for the summit features a number of keynote speakers from leading resources industry companies operating in Papua New Guinea, including Newcrest Mining, Oil Search, Total and ExxonMobil, who are all platinum sponsors of the Summit. 

Cheapest APEC meet in history, claims PM

The PM, in addressing APEC support staff at the International Convention Centre on November 12th, also said APEC gives PNG the opportunity to access trade and investment among the APEC economies.

PNG’s cost of hosting APEC has been debated far and wide, from parliament to concerned taxpayers.

Moresby North-West MP, Sir Mekere Morauta, recently called on Prime Minister O’Neill to come clean on the total cost of APEC spending.

Jackson’s airport restrictions during APEC

National Airports Corporation Managing Director, Richard Yopo, in a statement said it will be temporarily closed as part of the restricted zone for APEC.

The general public is advised to use the domestic airport carpark during this period.

The VIP transit facility, built next to Air Niugini cargo, will also be restricted.

APEC routes in the city will include the Tokarara June Valley road, Independence Drive, Somare Drive and Lawes Road. These roads may be locked down thirty minutes before the motorcade convoy and open straight after for public use.

Maseratis make public appearance for APEC rehearsal

The dress rehearsal was coordinated by the Joint Security Task Force and APEC Coordination Authority.

These dry runs are critical in getting the timing right when the APEC Leadership Meeting starts next week.

For today’s ‘Super Sunday’, 5 of the 40 notorious Maseratis made a public appearance at Port Moresby’s Rita Flynn Netball Centre, including Mahindra vehicles that were imported from India.

Japan, Aust boost fire service capacity

Building the capacity of the PNG Fire Service broadens the element of safety and security during the monumental event.

The six fire trucks have been donated through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects.

The vehicles have been reconditioned and are of compact size, which ensures easy parking and can easily move through Port Moresby’s roads and through narrow crowded streets to reach the scene of the fire; an essential element in fire-fighting.

APEC Minister clarifies misconceptions

Minister Tkatchenko said although there will be restrictions, the city will not be on lockdown.

He said residents can move about freely as long as they adhere to the regulations and refrain from causing disruptions.

Minister Tkatchenko confirmed that as of October 30th, the National Executive Council has approved Friday, November 16th, as a nationwide public holiday.

NAC: Airport will remain open

National Airports Corporation CEO and Managing Director Richard Yopo said statements being circulated is creating unnecessary worry for the public and aviation community.

The APEC CEO summit will take place between November 12th and 18th, with the leaders meet to be held between November 15th and 17th.

Commercial flights may be affected with delays between the 16th and 18th, but the National Airports Corporation, says terminals will not be closed to commercial flights.

ANG defers Shanghai flights

In a statement, the airline said: “Air Niugini is committed to ensuring the highest quality, on time service to all passengers and will continuously review its business to improve efficiencies.

“Our partners and the airline have invested heavily in setting up operations to achieve our goal of opening the Chinese market to Papua New Guinea. It is our desire to complete this venture at the earliest possible opportunity.