Popondetta

He is in his early teens and is currently an apprentice to the nation’s favourite – Jack Spade.

In his mission to grow the talent, Jack Spade randomly selected 10 boys around the same age who showed interest and taught them a simple magic trick.

It was Jemo Magical who followed the rules as laid out and showed eagerness to learn more.

Jemo Magical has already performed with Jack Spade in some gigs around their hometown of Popondetta, Northern Province.

But at the moment, he performs as a mute magician.

The contributions was given by national employees of Higaturu Oil Palm Limited (HOPL).

The 6,900 workers contributed K20 each with some giving more towards the funeral arrangements.

The employees include those at HOPL, POPGA, OPIC and growers from Mamba down to Embi Estate.

One food truck will be given to each of the 13 victims.

Spokesman for the employees Ezekiel Baraha stressed that they were not there to represent any organization, but as fellow Papua New Guineans expressing their condolences in typical Melanesian way.

 Hospital CEO Dr Gunzee Gawin told Loop PNG this morning that the victims have now been allowed to eat and drink.

Of the total 29 passengers, 13 were confirmed dead while the other 16 were hospitalised. Four of them were discharged yesterday while the remaining 12 were still inpatients at the hospital but are recovering.

Dr Gawin thanked the hospital surgeon, Dr Petrus Opum who has done very well to manage the victims this far.

 He said surgery is now being planned in the next several days to mend broken bones in particular.

Popondetta General Hospital Chief Executive Officer Dr Gunzee Gawin told Loop PNG today that the three children were on the PMV truck that was involved in a nasty accident on Monday afternoon with an Oil palm fruit truck.

Dr Gawin told Loop PNG that the death toll still remains at 13 from Monday from the 29 passenger in the PMV truck.

However, four patient has been discharged this morning while 12 are still in hospital with three of them in a very critical condition.

Perioperative generally refers to the three phases of surgery: preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative

He has expressed disgust at growing piles of rubbish in the township.

"The Capital and the airport are the face of Oro. This is the first impression visitors have.

“However, right now both are not impressive.

“The airport is filthy and grass grows high within the airport.

“This responsibility lies with National Airports Corporation who are failing by not meeting their responsibilities.

The 220km journey will commence at Gabagaba Village in Central Province today (October 4).

The Kapa Kapa War Trail starts at Gabagaba across the extremely rugged Owen Stanley Range, to the vicinity of Jaure on the north side of the Peninsula in Northern Province.

The track was used by American soldiers during WWII in 1942 under the command of General Douglas MacArthur. This was during a battle to defeat the Japanese on the northern beaches.

The mountainous trail is steep and runs parallel to the more well-known and more accessible 96-kilometre long Kokoda Track.  

Arore stated in Parliament today that Popondetta is affected every year, since cyclone Guba in 2007, with rain affecting the dam and water pump.

He called on the Minister for Public Enterprises and State Investment William Duma to explain if Water PNG has plans to establish permanent reservoirs in town.

Arore also asked if there are plans in place to relocate the water plant as the current location is always affected by flooding. 

In response, Duma said he has not been briefed by Water PNG about the problem existing in Oro.

The only bridge linking the airport and Oro Bay wharf in Northern province Girua Bridge has been washed away again yesterday (Wednesday Feb 3) during the heavy downpour.

Loop PNG was told by reliable source in Popondetta that the main dam was also broken leaving the town in total darkness with no electricity supply.

The source said PNG Water had also advised that there will be no water for the next one week.

The rain is still continuing with thunderstorm and lightning flashing across the sky.