Popondetta

Popondetta Launches Development Plans

The event was graced by several distinguished guests, including the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, James Marape, and various government officials and community leaders.

The event began with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the traditional landowners of Popondetta, paying tribute to their foresight and generosity in permitting the township's development.

Drought hits Ijivitari

The long dry season that continues to this day has dried up steams, and rivers and destroyed food gardens.

The President of Tufi LLG Luke Nunisa shared his people's struggle with the drought, saying they need access to clean water and food.

“The start of the drought season has hit the district hard since May of this year, and it has been three months. My people’s livelihood remains hanging in a balance,” he said.

Nunisa said the drought has contributed to the spread of airborne diseases and increased lifestyle diseases.

Drought hits Ijivitari

The long dry season that continues to this day, has dried up steams, rivers and destroyed food gardens.

The President of Tufi LLG Luke Nunisa shared his people's struggle with the drought, saying they need access to clean water and food.

“ The start of the drought season has hit the district hard since May of this year, and it has been three months. My people’s livelihood remains hanging in a balance,” he said.

Nunisa said the drought  has contributed to the spread of airborne diseases and increase lifestyle diseases.

Popondetta to launch arts and music festival

He made this announcement through a media conference held on Monday 7th August that the festival for the first time will feather Papua New Guinea artist like Wame Blood, Stagajah and other PNG musicians on the show.

Unlike the Tapa and Tatoo festival, this event is established as an avenue to showcase local talent through the art of music.

MP Masere said this festival will be the first of its kind initially held at Popondetta every 16th of September to showcase the art of music through local talent and embrace the existence of Papua New Guinea's music industry.

Over 70 young men, women surrender weapons

People at risk of becoming involved in crimes including armed robbery, drug trafficking, burglary and petty theft were among the 72 who handed in 25 weapons including homemade guns as well as knives, significant quantities of drugs and home brewing gear in a series of surrender ceremonies within Popondetta recently. The weapons, drugs and equipment were collected by police for disposal and destruction.

Amuli seeks leave on Sohe petition results

Amuli won the Sohe seat from Delilah Gore in the 2017 general elections.

Gore filed the petition disputing his win and was successful after a trial was conducted in Popondetta, Northern Province.

Justice Iova Geita ordered a recount to take place from May 21 with results to be presented to the Popondetta National Court.

Amuli is now seeking leave of the Supreme Court to review the decision of 23 March.

The application will be moved on 7 May.

Meantime, Gore’s lawyers intend to file an application to dismiss the leave application.

Girua airport LOs demand compo

The landowners are demanding the National Government to pay K15 million in outstanding land compensation or they will shut the airport permanently.

Spokesperson Barthimias Kaipa said for so long, their land compensation requests have been falling on deaf ears since 2006, when they lodged their claim.

He said their claims had been processed by government agencies and were paid to illegitimate landowners.

They have presented their petition to Girua Airport manager Eki Wally on behalf of Minister for Civil Aviation Alfred Manasseh last Friday.

​No magistrate in Popondetta: PPC

PPC Lincoln Gerari made the call following the local magistrate’s absence from work for several weeks.

Police do not know where the magistrate is, but they know that the cell block at the Popondetta Police Station is currently overcrowded with prisoners awaiting court hearing.

“There are currently 80 prisoners in the cell.”

The PPC says they have tried reducing the bail for minor cases to make up space at the cell; however the number continues to increase each day.

VIDEO: No Magistrate in Popondetta

PPC Gerari made the call following the local Magistrates absence from work for several weeks. 

 

Charmaine Poriambep with more 

Major Popondetta drug ring uncovered

Over 200 marijuana plants were seized, including a home-made firearm and six .50 calibre bullets, when OIC Sgt Jimmy Bonanda and his team raided a hideout at Koropata village.

The successful bust in the Higaturu LLG, along the Kokoda Highway, was the result of information received during the weekend after the detention of a teenager.

He was found in possession of an unusually large amount of marijuana. Upon interrogating the young man, Bonanda and his team uncovered a supply network that ran through Girua all the way up the Kokoda highway to the supplier in Koropata.