Lae

Although several teams have yet to formally submit their entries and pay the required fees, Secretary of Athletics PNG (APNG), Philip Rehder confirmed that there has been strong interest from around the country.

“Teams are expected to fly in from Port Moresby, Popondetta, Manus, New Ireland, East Sepik and from both East and West New Britain.

“Large teams are expected from Simbu and Madang plus a good number from Western Highlands and from Enga Province following the staging of a Provincial Championship in Wabag last weekend,” said Rehder.

The truck was reported to have reached Fou-Mile when it was held up and emptied of all its belongings by criminals along the road.

Police were alerted via mobile phone of the incident but upon arriving at the scene, the suspects had already gone into hiding with the good and belongings.

Lae Provincial Police Commander Anthony Wagambie Jnr says that it was an isolated incident of which criminals had planned to hold up any PMV and run away with the goods.

The band performed on Thursday night for the first time in Lae at the Ascots Nightclub and will perform for the second time in Port Moresby at the Lamana Gold Club tomorrow.

The band’s lead vocals Joaquin "Quino" McWhinney said it was great and they loved the fans that showed a lot of support and sang along to the songs.

Quino said the visit to Lae was very eye opening as they come from Southern California where all you see is concrete so coming to see how people deal with the type of environment they live in was very interesting.

All units were out in full operational mode including a few CS officers to assist in instances of Buimo escapee sightings or apprehension.

Lae Metropolitan police commander Anthony Wagambie  Jnr informed PNG Loop that generally the city was quiet with no majors incidences to report.

Normal operations were conducted with the presence of foot beat patrols into areas of concern with incidences attended to promptly by police.

Wagambie commended the support of the community in helping police maintain a good Easter period in Lae.

The Institute had undertaken a review of the relationship between city growth and urban development plans of Port Moresby and Lae.

The report entitled, “Improving Urban Development in Papua New Guinea” (Discussion Paper No.145) presents a set of recommendations for reforms to the structure of urban cities and towns, urban planning and land administration legislations such as the Land Act 1996, Physical Planning Act 1989, Surveying Act 1969, Valuation Act 1967 and Surveying Coordination Act 1967.

The incident took place between 10.30pm and 11pm last Saturday (March 19^th) at Busurum along the back road of Lae city (Malahang).

The two deceased earlier in the afternoon were under the influence of drugs and alcohol and were terrorising the market women and their children.

They went about Taweng market destroying market tables and stealing money and personal property from vendors and customers there.

Lae is PNG’s commercial capital, home of its largest port, and the gateway connecting PNG’s island regions and the highlands, where the majority of Papua New Guineans live.

Lae is integral to Australia’s $19 billion investment in PNG. The Consulate-General will strengthen Australia’s presence in PNG’s commercial capital and bolster the growing trade and investment relationship between the two countries.

This is because of the escapees that were gunned down by police and CS officers and are still recovering in the hospital.

Angau Memorial Hospital CEO Dr Christopher Kenyhercz issued the ban following talks with police hierarchy and the Correctional Service Commander of Buimo Jail.

The Lae public is advised that only genuine patients with clinic books and immediate family of very ill patients will be allowed in during normal visiting hours.

Lae Metropolitan Superintendent, Anthony Wagambie Jnr confirmed with Loop PNG that there has been no breakout as rumours had alleged.

The rumours  had circulated throughout Lae City alleging there had been a second break out at Buimo Jail  which had Lae residents flipping out again.

However,  Metsup Wagambie Jnr confirmed otherwise. 

He said he did not know how the rumors started but Lae residents shouldn’t believe such speculations, but  only when the police or the CS confirm it.

The rate will apply to all calls made only on Friday from Madang Province between Digicel account holders.

Digicel PNG CEO, Maurice McCarthy, said it was incredibly important for Madang locals traveling along the affected area to be able to keep communication with local authorities and with family and friends.

“We hope that by reducing the cost of calls in the area we can provide some relief to the region affected,” he said.