Enga Province

Unity through Pilakambi Native Salt Festival

This historic event follows recent conflict that led to the loss of two lives. Their joint commitment to this celebration highlights a significant move towards community cohesion and lasting peace.

Traveling to the area, the Executive Director of the National Cultural Commission, Steven Kilanda, officially launched the Pilakambi Native Salt Festival on Tuesday, August 15th.

Enga Cultural Show coming up

Forty-four (44) singsing groups from across all six districts of Enga, 15 schools in the area and several groups from neighboring villages will take part as well.

Governor for Enga, Sir Peter Ipatas, stated that Enga is currently under a 3-month curfew which prevents people from moving around between 9pm and 6am.

Suspect Arrested in Helicopter Shooting

The suspect, identified as Peter Yakos, has also been linked to the brutal killings and destruction of Kompiam Station.

Yakos was taken into custody and charged with five counts of wilful murder and one count of arson.

According to Commissioner of Police David Manning, the probe into the series of crimes that took place during the election has been ongoing, and new evidence has come to light, revealing the potential involvement of senior provincial and national leaders in the area at that time.

PNG Air Suspends Wapenamanda Flights

The suspension, effective from 25th July 2023, will remain in place until the airline can ensure the safety and security of its operations in the area.

The decision comes after recent incidents of civil unrest in Wapenamanda, making it unsafe for PNG Air to continue its scheduled flights to the region. The indefinite suspension aims to protect the well-being of the passengers and staff.

The airline issued an apology to its valued customers and the travelling public for any inconvenience caused by this necessary measure.

Wabag market open for business

Funded by the Australian government under the PNG Incentive Fund program, construction began in 2020 and concluded after a year.

The modern infrastructure was formally opened last year but it did not become operational as constructors were given time to put in place a few building requirements.

The Wabag District Development Authority, headed by local MP and Minister for Health and HIV, Dr Lino Tom, has tasked the Wabag Women's Assiciation to manage the market.

Bishop welcomes support to end GBV, SARV

The workshop emphasized the centrality of human rights in addressing the ongoing impacts of election-related violence in the province, including sorcery accusation-related violence (SARV).

Human rights defenders, community leaders, and church leaders are attending this workshop. 

Home learning boost for Enga schools

To support this notion, Australia has teamed up with the Enga Provincial Education department to launch a project aimed at distributing 30,000 Home Learning packs to schools in Laiagam, Porgera, Kandep, and Kompiam districts.

Originally developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, these learning packs are designed to provide support to families in helping their children continue their education during natural disasters, conflicts, or crises.

NCC Supports Enga Cultural Show with funding

Despite political and tribal turbulence in the province, the Enga Cultural Show Chairlady, Magreth Potane, remains committed to the annual event, which is scheduled for August 11th to 13th, 2023.

The show aims to promote cultural diversity and heritage, with 35 international tourists already booked to attend.

The NCC has also donated laptops to the Enga Cultural Educational program to enhance cultural education in the province.

Police Monitor Porgera After Violent Incident

Security forces, consisting local police and PNG Defence Force personnel, rescued the woman with minor injuries and are treating the situation as an isolated case.

Enga Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Acting Superintendent George Kakas, has expressed his satisfaction with the emerging trend in Enga where tribes are increasingly turning to the law to deal with grievances rather than resorting to violence.

The police have been working to build trust and cooperation with local communities in order to promote peaceful conflict resolution.

Paiam hospital to reopen

The hospital had been shut down about eight months ago following the onslaught of tribal fights in the Porgera valley that had threatened the safety of hospital workers and the operations of the hospital. 

EPHA Acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr Elvis Japhlet and team visited Porgera on Thursday March 2, accompanied by Paiam hospital Medical Superintendent, Dr. Jerry Hoga and representatives from the United Nations (UN).