Oro Provincial Government

The budget underscores a strategic focus on restructuring the public service within the province to enhance service delivery and foster sustainable development.

Governor Garry Juffa presented the budget last Wednesday, February 14th, at the Prime Minister's office at the National Parliament in Waigani.

Northern Governor Gary Juffa who had been at the forefront of pushing the government for the shares of the dividend, was a happy man yesterday when he officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony in Popondetta.

Governor Juffa was persistent in securing K40 million through the shares from the Oil Palm dividend, part of which would be used for the project.

The recent purchase of a vehicle, valued at over K200, 000 by the Oro Provincial Government is aimed at facilitating duties and inspections related to deceased estates and matters falling under the purview of the Public Curator's functions.

The vehicle will play a pivotal role not only in the Public Curator's responsibilities but also in supporting Juvenile Justice, Parole, and Land Mediation when required.

During the official handover ceremony, Governor Juffa emphasized the importance of using the vehicle responsibly.

In the statement, the provincial government stated that a rumor is being spread that citizens can obtain quotations for store goods from a popular supermarket in Popondetta town, to be paid for by the Oro Provincial Government.

This is NOT true, the statement emphasized.

OPG said they do not endorse or promote such activities and informs the public to not become victims of this scam.

These rumors have caused havoc for both the public in Popondetta and the owners and employers of the supermarket.

Governor Juffa said this is needed, as the country currently does not have a regulatory framework by which it can regulate this particular emerging industry.

As a strong advocate for environmental protection and rights of resource owners, he urged the Government to go further and review any existing projects and suspend them until then, the Government established a robust regulatory framework in place to regulate the emerging sector.

NFA Managing Director, John Kasu said the MoA signing by NFA and the Oro Provincial Government is of the same agreement that was signed in 2020, but could not be located.

Hence the need to re-sign the MoA, which is an important instrument governing the work of the parties in the fisheries sector development in the province.

He said with the signing of the agreement it would help channel all of its activities and programs to work together with the province in terms of management and fisheries development.

Winterford Sokino, 24, (pictured) said there is a big need for employment as there are many youths with skills in the district.

Though at a very young age, Winterford, had recently been put in charge of a teachers housing project at Agenahambo Primary School, where he and four others constructed three houses recently.

Speaking to Loop PNG Winterford urged the Government to look into addressing the unemployment problems.

“Mipla ol youths mipla gat bikpla need stret lo wokim disla kyn wok” (We the youths have a great desire to work.”)

The funding were sourced from the Provincial Disaster Office.

Visiting the Haus Krais (place of mourning) today and presenting the food items and other stuff, Governor Garry Juffa, accompanied by the nine Local Level Government presidents for the first time went as a team and to talk to the people.

It was a rare occasion as the leaders have never came together in any event.

However, the death of the 13 people has brought the leaders together.

The OPG Project Manager Morris Kageni, announced the provincial government’s intention to assist last week at Kamondo village in ward 7 of Kokoda district, Sohe electorate.

The announcement was made to MRA geologists and witnessed by the people of Kamondo village.

Kageni said the funding which would come from the Provincial Services Improvement Programme (PSIP) would benefit the province in terms of acquiring baseline data.

He said this means that vital services such as health, education and law and order are significantly affected.

 “Oro Administration has had no funds since November 2015,” Juffa said.

“As of this morning (yesterday) warrants for the months of November and December 2015, February and March 2016 have been received with no actual cash in the bank.

“January 2016 did not get warrants or cash.

Juffa said public servants are getting paid, but with no functional grants public servants are unable to deliver government programs.