Wapenamanda

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.

Wapenamanda Flights Resume

PNG Air Flight CG 8490, took off from Port Moresby, passed over Kerema town and up cutting across Eastern Highlands and Chimbu, passing over the Western Highlands to arrive at a warm and sunny welcome in Wapenamanda.

After two years, flights have now resumed service into the newly upgraded 1600m long runway, which was a part of the Civil Aviation Development Investment Program (CADIP) co-financed by the Government and the Asian Development Bank.

Wapenamanda Flights Resume

PNG Air Flight CG 8490, took off from Port Moresby, passed over Kerema town and up cutting across Eastern Highlands and Chimbu, passing over the Western Highlands to arrive at a warm and sunny welcome in Wapenamanda.

After two years, flights have now resumed service into the newly upgraded 1600m long runway, which was a part of the Civil Aviation Development Investment Program (CADIP) co-financed by the Government and the Asian Development Bank.

Villagers dig up highway in protest

The fatal accident that occurred on November 10th at Yaibos road Highway 14, along the Okuk Highway, had claimed the lives of eight young men.

The villagers, mainly from the Yakuman tribe, reacted this morning after members of the disciplinary forces removed the semitrailer without proper consultation with them and families of the victims.

PNG Air starts services into Wapenamanda

“I am very happy to confirm that PNG Air as part of the new schedule starting Monday 14 August has begun services to Wapenamanda,” said Paul Abbot, PNG Air’s Chief Commercial Officer.

“Initially we will be operating Monday, Wednesday and Friday from Port Moresby to Wapenamanda but we are confident that as time goes on and local support builds we will be able to introduce additional flights into the schedule,” Mr Abbot said.

Link PNG to resume flights to Wapenamanda

Link PNG’s General Manager, Bruce Alabaster said the services to Wapenamanda have been temporarily suspended since June this year, due to obstruction of trees at the runway approach paths.

Alabaster said: “The trees have been cut,  and we can confirm the runway approach paths are clear. Our first flight for the resumption of operations to Wapenamanda is scheduled for next Tuesday.”

​Court restraining orders remain for Wapenamanda Open

The National court on Wednesday evening allowed the extension of these orders, after it issued them on July 22.

Justice Derek Hartshorn allowed the orders to remain after hearing lawyers representing Sitting MP, Rimbink Pato, and the Electoral Commission.

Pato filed the proceeding where he successfully took out the orders, after the court was satisfied on evidence that the two ballot boxes from the Awas and Tuplokores areas were supposed to be set aside from counting as per directions from Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato.

​Man arrested in POM for multiple voting

Erik Pps appeared at the Waigani Committal Court today following his arrest on June 30 at the Five-Mile Ridge polling booths in NCD.

Police apprehended the man from Tsak Valley after scrutineers caught him around 2pm on Friday.

He admitted to voting three times when caught.

He was arrested and charged under section 100 of the Criminal Code, for voting more than he was entitled to.

New police station for Wapenamanda

The police station and vehicle were from the District Services Improvement Program (DSIP) funds.

Commissioner Baki, Foreign Affairs Minister and local MP, Rimbink Pato, Assistant Commissioner of Police for logistic Tony Duwang and the Provincial Police Commander George Kakas, were in Wapenamanda to officially receive the new infrastructure and vehicle.

Two new police stations are still under construction in the Lower Lai and Tsak valley. Both buildings are expected to be completed before the end of June.

Enga Governor calls for transfer of powers

Enga Governor, Sir Peter Ipatas made the call last Friday at the Wapenamanda Local Level Government.

He told the 36 councillors gathered that he was in a position to accept and implement powers currently exercised by the National Government because he had the experience to do so, having occupied the position undefeated for 20 years.

Sir Peter’s government alone has been charged by the National Government with distribution of the tuition fee free education funds since it was introduced and the Enga Government has carried out the task without any hitch.