Western Highlands

Late MP Pim passed on in September 2023 while waiting for the court decision.

Candidates who contested the 2022 election hope a decision can be finally handed down because of the numerous delays since February 2023.

“This is not normal for an election petition especially after a proper trial has been fully done. Now that the sitting MP has passed on, we need to know the outcome of the petition,” said Nikints Tiptip, a candidate in the 2022 Dei Open election.

He said the people of Dei have not had a proper voice in parliament for almost a year.

Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent John Sagom received the donation of six new desktop computers worth K26, 000 from the Director for Crimes Chief Inspector Joel Simatab at the Police headquarters in Port Moresby on Wednesday 18^th January.

CIP Simatab said the initiative of providing logistical support to CIDs in all provinces will be rolled out with this being the first to improve law and order in support of the Commissioner’s intent for 2023.

Telape said the frustrated people of Hagen Central blocked off the highway and are demanding the reinstatement of Willie Ropa as the Returning Officer for Hagen Open.

Mr Telape told this newsroom that he will get more verification on the situation.

The training was facilitated by Australia Awards alumnus local resident, Brian Yak.

Yak completed a short course in agribusiness from the University of New England, graduating with a Certificate IV in 2018.

He used the knowledge and skills gained from his study in Australia to facilitate the training and encourages fish farmers to open businesses.

“Since the project ended last year, there has been continued interest from youths in the community to join the Mt. Ogga Cooperative Society and raise fish to improve their livelihoods,” he stated.

The competition is projected to be the biggest off-season league in the province.

It has attracted teams from Dei, Mul Baiyer, Tambul Nebilyer and Hagen Central.

Twenty-six players were selected from last year’s competition to train under the Mt Hagen Eagles franchise; 10 of whom debuted in the 2021 Digicel Cup season. This year the competition has increased teams from 32 to more than 60.

Secretary for Implementation and Rural Development, Ahi Vaki praised the district during the presentation of the District’s 2020 acquittal report to the department.

On Thursday 28^th of October, the District Authority presented acquittals of its District Support Grants and District Service Improvement Project for the year 2020.

K2 million was rolled over from 2019 and K4 million for 2020.

But that has not dampened their spirits.

The provincial administration team is working with the little provided by the Government to empower the people to take charge of their own welfare.

The Governor for Western Highlands Province, Paias Wingti, and the Western Highlands Provincial Administration team recently presented the 2017 Services Improvement Program and the Provincial Support Grants acquittals to the Department of Rural Development and Implementation.

Flights in and out of the airport were cancelled with frustrated passengers from the other Highlands Provinces left stranded.

Air Niugini Public Relations confirmed the suspension of its afternoon flight, and said an official statement will be released once approved by the CEO.

A passenger who travelled from neighbouring Southern Highlands Province, Brian Waffi said it was frustrating because he did not plan to spend a night in Mt Hagen.

He said all the candidates and their supporters are sitting on the tarmac and protesting.

Providing a labour ward, in-patient, out-patient services, consultation rooms, family planning services and antenatal clinic, the Trolga Health Centre will provide health services to approximately 15,000 people in the entire community as well as eight surrounding wards.   

The opening ceremony, held in Trolga on February 27, celebrated the handing over of ownership of the health centre to the Western Highlands Provincial Health Department.

The district was once in a deplorable stage over the years and now it is experiencing a major infrastructures being implemented in terms of education, health, roads and bridges. 

One of the major success of the DDA is the rehabilitation and building of new double classrooms and dormitories for both elementary, primary and secondary schools as well as up-grading and sealing of all feeder and new roads within the district.