West New Britain Provincial Government

Finance Minister Reinbo Paita was present as an observer during the proceedings led by Governor Sasindran Muthuvel, who also serves as the Chairman of Finance.

Joseph Lelang, Kandrian Gloucester MP, Oil Palm Minister Nakanai MP Francis Maneke, and Talasea MP Freddy Kumai attended the meeting. 

The budget meeting was themed "Enabling Growth Opportunities and Safer Communities through Strategic Partnerships."

Governor Sasindran Muthuvel, accompanied by Provincial Administrator Leo Mapmani, personally visited Lakiemata, delivering the first truckload of rations valued at K20,000 for the inmates and Correctional Service staff.

Expressing gratitude, representatives from the Lakiemata prison extended their thanks to the Provincial Government for their generous support. They acknowledged the challenges faced by the prison and welcomed the essential donation that would alleviate the shortage of food.

The cheque was presented to the contractor, Pacific Development Contractors (PDC), by the Provincial Administrator Leo Mapmani.

PDC is currently engaged in the initial project phase and will utilize this additional funding to complete the second and final phase of the Bali Ring Road Upgrade Project. 

The aim is to significantly improve transportation infrastructure on Bali Island, catering to the local community's needs and fostering better access to markets for agricultural produce.

Governor Sasindran Muthuvel and Talasea MP Freddie Kumai recently presented a cheque of K200,000 to the school management. The funding comes from the Provincial Services Improvement Program (PSIP).

In addition to the provincial government's contribution, Mr. Kumai pledged K100,000 from the Talasea District Development Authority.

MP Kumai emphasized the DDA’s development plan to improve health services in the province. He mentioned plans for building the Talasea District Hospital and establishing cottages for trainees.

An additional K200, 000 will come from Trust Funds and the rest from the Provincial Services Improvement Program funding.

Local contractor, Rabaul Metal Industries (RMI), carried out the renovations, which have improved the station's appearance and functionality. The cell block is still undergoing repairs.

WNB Governor, Sasindran Muthuvel opened the renovated station last Friday and also presented a police vehicle to Salelubu Police, located in Central Nakanai. This area has experienced an increase in criminal activities, including hold-ups and robbing of PMVs.

Work is ongoing on the Ivule Bridge, while heavy rain have badly affected many areas in West New Britain, cutting off the New Britain Highway. 

A family of eight had their belongings washed away into the sea during torrential rains while waiting to travel home from Vitu Island after seeking medical attention in Kimbe. 

Road access over Ivule River has been restored and Talasea MP Freddie Kumai has urgently requested national government support to fix roads, bridges, provide food relief supplies, and release funding for maintenance programs. 

Officiating for the occasion was Acting Provincial Administrator, Leo Mapmani, who presented payments to the respective local contractors who will implement development projects in the province.

Ongoro Construction was awarded a K180, 000 contract to develop and complete the Mosa High School hall, Numuna Builders was awarded K100, 000 to complete the current resource centre at CS Lakiemata and Mandok Building and Contractors was awarded K180, 000 for the maintenance of two NBC staff houses.

Acting Provincial Administrator, Leo Mapmani presented the K200,000 cheque to the Cutters management team.

For the past five years, the Kimbe Cutters have received support from its naming rights sponsor, the West New Britain Provincial Government through Governor Sasindran Muthuvel including the former Talasea District Development Authority.

West New Britain Governor Sasindran Muthuvel when speaking at the event said such initiative will help curb the law and order in the province.
 
He said West New Britain is a tourist attraction with many tourists travelling into the province every day to explore the tourism destination especially the reefs at the Walindi resort.
 
“Therefore, we must embrace the culture in our province and allow tourists to explore our hidden treasures through our culture.” 
 

Governor Sasindran Muthuvel says the sporting facilities for the PNG Games will be a lasting legacy for the people of West New Britain.

The 7^th PNG Games is among a number of other sporting events taking place in November and the ultimate aim, which is to see the games facilities completed on time, is soon to be achieved.