East New Britain Province

Unbudgeted spending and politically driven commitments drove the province off its development pathway, says Kokopo Open Independent candidate Edward Lamur.

He has maintained this argument on his campaign trail to educate voters.

Lamur and his team began correcting the issue by developing his home grown policies in line with the East New Britain Provincial Government’s strategic result areas, aligned to the ENB development pathways and Vision 2050.

Kepas Tika, from Ravat Ward in the Raluana LLG of Kokopo District, called on his people of Ravat and Ngatur Wards to vote wisely so their children do not suffer in the future.

Tika said mothers continue to die from cancer due to lack of proper medical equipment and most do not have the financial capacity to go to the Angau Hospital in Lae for treatment.

He says it would be better if such lifesaving medical equipment are available in their hospitals.

He further said medical facilities continue to run out of life saving drugs.

The call also goes to provincial and district administrations to take up the responsibility of protecting the people in affected SABL areas.

Customary landowner Anna Sipona from Malmal Village in Pomio District, East New Britain Province says every time they seek help and advice from the district administration and provincial government they get turned down.

Sipona said these government agencies and the local leaders are supposed to advise them on the right thing to do and help them get their concerns through to the Government.

Promises by the Prime Minister to cancel the SABLs, stop illegal logging and to return the land to its rightful owners, as recommended by the commission have not been fulfilled.

Ignatius Matapia from Malakur Village in the Unung-Sigite SABL area says his people are still struggling to keep the logging company off their land.

“My people are defending their land against the logging company every day, mounting protests and building blockades.

For Nicanor-Jose Berobero and Kayla Schmid at the ATS barracks outside Port Moresby, early learning at home has enabled them to spell, write and pronounce words very well in preparation for their formal schooling next year.

Their teacher, Diane Kawaneva, said early childhood learning is very important as it prepares them very well to go into formal education.

“Children as young as these absorb information fast and that is why early childhood learning is important,” reiterates Kawaneva.

Chairman Sir Frederick Reiher made the announcement on Friday in Tokua airport during the unveiling of 'Rabaul' F100 aircraft.

The National Airport Corporation and the East New Britain Provincial Government signed and agreement on Thursday for the provision of technical advice which will be followed by a tender for the necessary airstrip upgrading.

The redevelopment of the Jacquinot Bay Airport is a breakthrough for the people of Pomio District.

The office believes Survivor is massive in terms of the exposure for the province as well as the country and has expressed its support.

“We are excited about bringing Survivor here and we will do everything to ensure that nothing stands in the way of allowing Survivor to run their programs,” CEO Gard M Renson told Loop PNG.

ENBTA has reached common grounds in its strive to lock arrangements for Survivor to be in Kokopo, which will be the preferred base.

ToBaining, who is also the Governor for East New Britain Province, says: “Since 2013 up till today, we’ve completed 40-50 kilometres of rural electrification”.

He describes those who now have access to rural electrification as being in the ‘front page’ as they are accessing power right at their doorsteps. 

“A few months ago there were commissioning of some of these rural electrification and again we will continue this year and 2017 and beyond to complete all the rural electrification in Kokopo district,” says the Govermor.

This will greatly help in softening current transport woes of the people and rural farmers in this area.

The long base, open back truck was officially handed over to the chairman of the South Coast Transport Services, Fidelis Poiken, by Pomio MP Elias Kapavore, amidst joyous cheering from the locals who turned up to witness the occasion.

Kapavore told the people that he was appreciative of the wonderful welcome given and the singing from the Merai Elementary School and Nongia Primary School, including the choirs sang in the local Mali-Baining dialect.