West New Britain

Mt Ulawun erupts – seismicity remains high

A report from the Department of Mineral Policy and Geohazards Management states that originally the ash plume was blowing towards the west and northwest with ash fall affecting the Navo area. However, it has now shifted direction, impacting the Ulamona Mission area due to a change in wind direction. 

The maximum height of the ash plume remains a concern, posing potential risk to areas in the west to north-northwest direction.

Communities in these areas are experiencing moderate to high exposure to ash fall.

Residents on alert as volcano erupts

Acting CEO for Nakanai DDA, Jefferey Osa told Loop PNG that the situation at the moment is normal with people staying on alert and awaiting further instructions from the Rabaul Volcano Observatory.

Nakanai District Development Authority is on standby to assist the nearby villages of Ulamona if the volcano erupts again.

He said the DDA met with other stakeholders as well as the Provincial Disaster Team instructions have been given to set a forward base at the Nakanai District headquarters in Bialla.

Miss WNB Crowned

The crowning of Miss WNB was one of the highlights of the independence festivities, showcasing the beauty and talent of eight contestants who participated in the 2023 WNB quest.

The coveted title of Miss WNB 2023 was bestowed upon 22-year-old Liboria Narere, representing the Kimbe Bay Shipping Agency. The crowning moment was made even more special as Miss Natasha Metta, the 2019 second runner-up, did the honours.

Liboria is employed by KBSA, her sponsor, reinforcing the connection between the pageant and the local business community.

Education Minister Launches National Literacy Week

The ceremony featured Sia Dancers from Tarawa in Kove, who brought in the symbolic Literacy Torch. The torch, shaped like a dolphin, contained a light bulb switched on by Minister Uguro, marking the opening of National Literacy Week.

Governor Sasindran Muthuvel emphasized the important role of teachers and the importance of education in society. He highlighted the need to respect teachers and the consequences of neglecting them, as well as the impact on leaders and society as a whole.

Leading Tomorrow's Change

The program started on July 31st and ends tomorrow August 4th.

The weeklong program includes plenary sessions on youth rehabilitation, good governance, and business management. Participants will also go on experiential study tours and receive coaching on project management.

The program aims to empower young leaders and address community issues. The initiative, led by Diane Mirio and Siwa Matawe, received funding from the provincial government and commenced in April 2023, culminating in graduation in November.

Youth voluntarily surrender to police

Bialla Police Station Commander, Chief Sergeant Hilary Sirinjui, confirmed that the group will undergo profiling before being released into the care of the Bialla United Church, which played a pivotal role in facilitating their surrender. This mass surrender marks a significant milestone for Bialla, a first of its kind in the area.

Curfew extended in West New Britain

The curfew, which expired on Sunday, June 25, will now be extended for an additional six months. The committee, during an emergency meeting held at the Liamo Reef Resort in Kimbe, also decided to extend the liquor restrictions that were imposed alongside the curfew.

Governor Sasindran Muthuvel, who announced the resolutions after the meeting, revealed that a total of five resolutions were passed. 

Kimbe Hospital funding still being finalized

Treasurer Ian Ling Stuckey responded saying that it is not a straightforward issue but the government is getting there, stating ‘hopefully’ he will have some good news to report to Governor Muthuvel in the near future.

“Kimbe hospital will cost around K300 million. That’s a very large project so that requires a lot of assessment. To get straight to the point, the status of the Kimber hospital, treasury is now finalizing an NEC submission to take to cabinet to endorse this particular project.

Treasurer says there are five other similar large projects totaling K1.2 billion.

Kimbe market redevelopment houses top facilities

Taking center stage is the nearing completion of the Kimbe Market redevelopment project in West New Britain, which places great emphasis on environmental sustainability throughout its design. Here are the notable features incorporated into the market:

The market buildings will be equipped with an impressive array of 100 solar panels, harnessing the power of the sun to supply electricity and lighting, reducing the reliance on non-renewable energy sources.

DDA takes steps towards development

They presented a tractor to Mosa LLG, which will be used for grass cutting along the roadside from Nahavio all the way to the Hoskins Airport.

This move will not only contribute to the cleanliness of the environment but also ensure safety for motorists and pedestrians using the road.

Moreover, the DDA presented a cheque of K50,000 to the Silanga Catholic Church in Central Nakanai LLG to complete its church building and also presented a cheque of K100,000 to the Tamba Catholic Church.