development

Paga Hill development to target Chinese tourists

Minister Maru when announcing the entry of Radisson Blu to the PNG hotel industry, stated, “This is a very exciting announcement at a very strategic time and a very exciting time in our nation’s history. This investment could not have come at a better time because the inaugural direct flight between Guangzhou and Port Moresby will arrive tomorrow (Wed Dec 20, 2023). 

Uguro assures education system

He said there have been several setbacks within the Ministry which have led to the deterioration of the education system over the years. Several factors have contributed to this decline, impacting the quality of education and the overall learning environment in the country.

Uguro said in terms of the system upgrade, he believes in partnering with international stakeholders in bringing in change, and hopefully improving the country’s human resources.

The changes will encompass the education system from kindergarten to the tertiary level, says Uguro.

Population, Development Discussed

The delegates noted that decisions made by countries in this region shape the future of its 4.7 billion individuals as well as future generations across the globe.

This important message was reiterated during the Seventh Asian and Pacific Population Conference, which reviewed the implementation of the Asian and Pacific Ministerial Declaration on Population and Development (2013) and the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (1994).

PIF Key Outcomes Unveiled

Leaders enthusiastically endorsed the 2050 strategy's implementation plan, outlining specific goals and regional actions across key thematic areas. Notable achievements include the Pacific Partnerships for prosperity, aimed at mobilizing resources for transformative national and regional development.

Commitment to implement the Paris Agreement and acting on the IPCC’s report marked the leaders' resolve. Support for the Pacific Resilience Facility, a member-owned community resilience financing facility, was also reaffirmed.

ENB officials urged to work together

Amidst the current social issues instigated mainly by some youths in a number of wards in the province, and when reflecting on the clergy’s message at the opening of the 2023 LLG Leaders Conference in Kokopo this week, Acting ENB Provincial Administrator, Levi Mano, said communities need to be empowered.

“Empowerment can only be achieved through teamwork. If we cannot work together and share our resources, then we cannot achieve anything. Working together means recognising the capabilities of others,” he said.

Work to begin on Pomio missing link

The road project extends from Karong all the way to Marunga ward and is contracted to locally owned company Kokopo Plant Hire.

The contract is worth K10 million and was awarded recently by the ENB Provincial Procurement Committee (PPC) in Kokopo.

Acting Sinivit LLG Manager, Pennie Maroro Jnr said the project will include the upgrading of an existing road from Karong to Marunga, that was constructed by a logging company years ago.

Rabaul LLGs get K25,000 for development

The Rabaul District Administration is prioritizing four LLGs and their wards by providing financial support to facilitate the implementation of their projects and initiatives.

This funding is part of a K1.4 million allocation from the 2023 District Budget, which was approved by the District Development Authority Board earlier this year.

K7.8 billion distributed as Function Grants

This was made known at the opening of the final leg of the Regional Consultation Workshop in Port Moresby, on Tuesday.

The National Economic and Fiscal Commission, chief executive officer, Patrick Painap said that the disbursement of the K7.8b grants was from years 2009 to 2023, to the provincial and local level governments to support the education, health, and transport sectors, to name a few. 

“When we give the function grant we tell the province and LLGs you must make sure you fund those sectors sufficiently before you look at other aspects,” he said.

Marape refutes claims

“We have invested more in the Public Investment Programme (PIP) than any other government to date. Allocating 40 per cent of the National Budget to PIP surpasses the efforts of our predecessors,” stated PM Marape.

The Prime Minister highlighted the transformation of the Highlands Highway as a prime example of their comprehensive approach to development, contrasting it with the "cut and paste" methods of the previous administration.

“The Highlands Highway, spanning from Kagamuga Airport to Nadzab Airport, has undergone a world-class rehabilitation," he emphasised.

ABG President attends infrastructure conference

ABG President, Ishmael Toroama is participating in the Pacific Sustainable Infrastructure Conference held in Brisbane, Australia, from September 25-27, 2023. 

Through his participation, President Toroama announced the signing of an Infrastructure Agreement, which provides the framework to deliver critical infrastructures for Bougainville worth an estimated value of USD$4.8 billion (PGK17.5 billion), omprising government buildings, schools, hospitals, airport, sea ports, bridges, roads, power, telecommunications, and other essential infrastructure.