Jordan VELA

Government accountability came under scrutiny in Parliament yesterday after Opposition Leader and Chuave MP James Nomane questioned the delay in the release of the 2025 Financial Budget Outcome (FBO), a key report that outlines how public funds have been spent and allows Parliament to scrutinise the Government's financial performance.Raising the matter during the second day of the Third Sitting of Parliament on Wednesday, July 15, Mr. Nomane said the report should have been presented by March 31 in accordance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2006 but had still not been tabled four months later.The Financial Budget Outcome is an annual report that compares the Government's approved budget with its actual revenue, expenditure and fiscal performance, providing Parliament and the public with an opportunity to assess how public funds have been managed.Questioning Treasury Minister Ian Ling-Stuckey, Mr. Nomane asked why the report had not been presented to Parliament."Where is the 2025 Financial Budget Outcome that clearly outlines to the people of Papua New Guinea how the Executive Government has spent the people's money? When is it going to be published?"Mr. Nomane said Parliament was already approaching August and called on the Treasurer to explain when Members of Parliament would have the opportunity to debate the report."We want the Treasurer to explain to the House when we could expect him to bring the report to the floor for debate, discussion and deliberation."Responding to the question, Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey acknowledged the concern raised by the Opposition but did not explain the reason for the delay."I thank the Opposition Leader for his prudent question."Mr. Ling-Stuckey told Parliament the Financial Budget Outcome is expected to be tabled during the next sitting of Parliament, scheduled for August or September."The FBO will be tabled at the next Parliament session in August or September this year."The Financial Budget Outcome is one of the Government's key fiscal accountability reports and plays an important role in ensuring transparency over the management of public finances by allowing Parliament to examine whether government spending aligns with the approved national budget.

The Department of Finance is pushing to modernize the way public money is managed by training government agencies to transition from paper cheques to Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) as part of broader public financial management reforms under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).Speaking during the awarding presentation of certificates for the Department of Finance's Public Finance Management Act Training attended by officers from the Office of Censorship, Finance Secretary Samuel Penias said the Government is working towards phasing out cheque payments by 2027 while strengthening compliance with the PFMA across the public service.He said the reforms are aimed at improving accountability, transparency and efficiency in the management of public funds."All the private sector has gone cheque less, except for us," Mr. Penias said.The Department has already begun rolling out Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) systems in the provinces, with the latest rollout taking place across the Momase Region.Mr. Penias said he wants all government agencies to ensure payments and repayments are processed electronically by 2027."I'd like to see all agencies of government ensure repayments are done online or through the EFT process by 2027," he said.Mr. Penias said the long term goal is for government agencies to completely move away from cheque payments, adding that once the transition is complete, government cheque printing is expected to cease."Bank of Papua New Guinea will not allow any more cheque printing in government."He acknowledged the transition would take time as government agencies continue upgrading their systems and adapting to digital payment processes."We need to start slowly and get EFT done."Alongside the digital payment rollout, the Department has introduced a new seven volume Financial Management Manual, designed to help public servants correctly apply the Public Finance Management Act and strengthen financial governance across government agencies.Mr. Penias said departmental reviews have identified instances where government agencies have incorrectly applied financial laws and procedures."We're running reviews in the department, and we've found that many agencies are misusing and misapplying the law."He said one contributing factor has been the absence of financial management training over the past five years."Training stopped for five years. That's why we want to start that again."Mr. Penias said the Department will continue delivering training programs to strengthen the knowledge and capability of officers responsible for managing public funds."We'll continue to train people and continue to build that knowledge so everyone responsible for applying the Public Finance Management Act continues to improve."The reforms are intended to modernize public financial management by digitizing government payment systems while strengthening compliance with the Public Finance Management Act, improving accountability and building financial management capacity across the public service.

For many Papua New Guineans injured in road accidents, receiving compensation can often be delayed by incomplete paperwork, lengthy verification processes, or even fraudulent medical reports.A new partnership between the National Capital District Provincial Health Authority (NCDPHA) and Motor Vehicles Insurance Limited (MVIL) aims to change that by creating a more transparent and efficient system for processing motor vehicle accident claims.The two organizations have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the verification of medical reports used in Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance claims.The agreement is expected to improve claims processing for genuine victims while tightening measures against fraudulent claims.Under the agreement, NCDPHA will provide MVIL with verified medical reports, injury assessments, and clinical information relating to motor vehicle accident victims treated at health facilities across Port Moresby.MVIL will use the verified information to assess and process claims under its statutory Compulsory Third Party insurance scheme, ensuring that only legitimate claims supported by credible medical documentation are approved.The MoU also establishes standardised procedures requiring complete medical documentation, confirmation of patient identity, assessment of injury severity, and verification of treatment details before claims are processed.To facilitate this, both organizations will establish secure information-sharing channels to enable the timely exchange of medical reports while protecting the accuracy and integrity of patient records.MVIL Chief Executive Officer Bafino Koi said the partnership is the first of its kind and will eventually be expanded to provincial hospitals throughout the country."NCD is the first one that we are doing, and we will roll out to other major hospitals in the country," Mr Koi said."Our team is already talking to the respective CEOs of provincial health authorities so we can establish similar MoUs and assist claimants in other parts of Papua New Guinea."Beyond improving claim verification, MVIL has committed to supporting NCDPHA through capacity building, equipment, and training.Mr. Koi said the company will provide computers and printers needed to process claims, while also helping medical staff improve report writing to meet insurance requirements.The support will also extend to training doctors in accident reporting, injury assessments, and proper treatment documentation.MVIL is also considering assistance for NCD-managed clinics, including facilities at Tokarara, Morata, and Six Mile, recognizing that these centers are often the first point of treatment for road accident victims.Mr. Koi said one of the main reasons behind the agreement was the increasing number of fraudulent medical reports being submitted with insurance claims."There are fake medical reports circulating where people try to capitalize on accidents by fabricating documentation," he said."With this MoU, we will know which hospital or clinic prepared the report and whether the doctor is officially employed by NCDPHA. That allows us to properly validate every medical report that comes through."NCDPHA Chief Executive Officer Dr Robin Oge said the agreement strengthens accountability while making the claims process more transparent for everyone involved."The MoU ensures that we take on some responsibility while, at the same time, improving transparency in the claims process," Dr. Oge said."It creates trust between the parties because we know the reports are coming through an agreed process, prepared by doctors recognized by both organizations. That allows claims to be accepted and verified much more efficiently."For road accident victims, the partnership represents more than an administrative agreement.It is an effort to ensure that those who are genuinely injured receive timely compensation while protecting the integrity of Papua New Guinea's Compulsory Third-Party insurance system.As MVIL prepares to expand the model beyond Port Moresby, the collaboration could become a national benchmark for improving trust, accountability, and service delivery in motor vehicle accident claims.

What began with income from cocoa farming has grown into a community movement while slowly transforming young lives in South Bougainville.The newly established youth-led organization, CARE Bougainville, has donated more than 500 books to Ameno Primary School in Baba Constituency, Bana District, through a partnership supported by the Australian Government. The books, sourced from Brisbane, will benefit more than 700 students by providing much-needed reading materials and learning resources.Speaking to PNG Haus Bung, CARE Bougainville Founder and Chairman Starford Gami said he refused to wait for opportunities and instead created his own, not only to support himself but also to help young people and communities across Bougainville."As a young man, it is hard to find a job these days. I decided to create my own opportunity, not just for myself but to help the youths, my community, South Bougainville and Bougainville as a whole."In 2025, Gami established CARE Bougainville after successfully securing funding through the Australian Government's Pilai Long Stap Wantaim Fund. The organisation was one of only 23 groups across Papua New Guinea selected to receive support.Before turning its attention to education, CARE Bougainville used the funding to host the Saburuka Unity Sports Festival from June 29 to July 3, bringing together young men and women through soccer and volleyball while promoting unity, peace and positive community engagement.Building on that momentum, the organisation expanded into education on July 13 by delivering more than 500 books to Ameno Primary School.Gami said books have the power to shape a child's future."Books are more than just pages filled with words. They are the foundation of learning, imagination and opportunity. They help children improve their reading, writing, vocabulary, critical thinking and confidence. Every book gives a student the chance to discover new ideas, dream bigger and build the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in school and in life."He said CARE Bougainville believes every child deserves access to quality reading materials and that investing in education today will help build a stronger and more prosperous Bougainville.Despite its growing impact, CARE Bougainville is run by a small volunteer team consisting of Gami, his brother and another young man from the community. Although all three are educated, they remain unemployed and have relied on income from cocoa farming to fund transport, communication and community activities before receiving Australian Government support.Looking ahead, Gami said the organisation plans to involve more young people in income-generating projects, including poultry, piggery and farming, to create sustainable opportunities within local communities.He also revealed that the Unity Sports Festival will be expanded in August to include participants from all three constituencies in Bana District.Gami thanked the Australian Government, Books4Kids PNG, Cherish Foundation and Annmarie Kira for supporting the book donation initiative."Together, we are not just donating books. We are opening doors to knowledge, creating opportunities and inspiring the next generation of leaders. Our mission is to build Bougainville's future, one book at a time."

The Commanding Officer of Bomana Correctional Institution, Chief Superintendent Yelly Oiufa, is encouraging businesses, government agencies and the wider Port Moresby community to support rehabilitation programs that help inmates prepare for life after prison.Following last month’s donation of musical instruments to the Bomana Men’s Christian Ministry, Chief Superintendent Oiufa, in an interview with PNG Haus Bung, said rehabilitation programs play an important role in helping inmates develop positive change and prepare for reintegration into society.He said inmates regularly take part in community restoration activities, including clean-up campaigns, law and order awareness programs and Christian outreach as part of their rehabilitation.“They come here after committing crimes, they serve their sentence, and then they have to go back to the community. Part of the restoration program is to help the community by doing clean-ups or whatever they can do to support the community, showing that they are rehabilitated, they have changed, and they are ready to go back.”Chief Superintendent Oiufa said Bomana Correctional Institution continues to work with the National Capital District Commission on community restoration programs, with plans for a citywide clean-up involving police, firefighters, correctional officers and inmates.He said inmates are also involved in community awareness programs, including law and order awareness in schools and crime hotspot areas, as well as Christian outreach activities.“Besides this, we go out to do law and order awareness programs in schools and public areas, mostly in those red zone areas where people don’t want to go because they are affected by crime. We go there to do community awareness and preach the good news.”The Bomana Correctional Institution Commander also clarified that the newly donated musical instruments will only be used for Christian ministry activities and spiritual outreach programs.“The instruments will specifically be used for church activities. If they go out for awareness programs, it will be for spiritual ministry outreach. We don’t allow them to be used for entertainment purposes such as school functions or social events.”The musical instrument donation to the Bomana Men’s Christian Ministry adds to previous support from organizations including Kina Bank, which donated lawn mowers and brush cutters to assist inmates with maintaining prison grounds and supporting community clean-up activities.Chief Superintendent Oiufa said partnerships with private sector organizations and community groups are important in strengthening rehabilitation efforts, as government resources alone cannot meet every need.“We need community help. Sometimes the government cannot stretch that far to assist. When organizations come into support, it shows that you care for those living behind the bars.”He encouraged more businesses, churches and organizations to support programs that help inmates develop skills, rebuild confidence and prepare for life after incarceration.“Come in and support them. Show them that you care. These are people who will eventually return back into the community.”

The Office of Censorship has held a media information session today to clarify the respective roles and functions of the Office and the National Censorship Board, while improving understanding of the country's censorship framework.Held at the Gateway Hotel on Thursday, 9 July 2026, the session brought together 18 participants of journalists, editors and media operators from various media organizations to discuss the responsibilities of both institutions under the Classification of Publication (Censorship) Act 1989 and National Censorship Policy No. 2.The session was organized to address misconceptions surrounding the different mandates of the National Censorship Board and the Office of Censorship, particularly as digital communication platforms, social media and online content continue to expand.Opening the session, National Censorship Board Chairperson Karen Haive explained that the Board serves as the highest policy and strategic decision-making body, while the Office of Censorship functions as the administrative arm responsible for implementing decisions and carrying out regulatory responsibilities."The Censorship Board is the highest policy and strategic decision-making body of the Office of Censorship in Papua New Guinea. The Board directs the Office, as the administrative arm, to implement."Ms Haive said the work of censorship authorities is aimed at protecting communities from content that may contribute to harm, social disorder or disrespect while maintaining the values and dignity of Papua New Guinea."Anything we do is for the best interest of our people, to uphold the integrity, the dignity of our country as a nation, and the integrity and dignity of our people."Chief Censor Jim Abani provided an overview of the Office of Censorship's mandate, roles and functions, explaining the importance of media understanding the distinction between the Office and the National Censorship Board.Mr Abani said misunderstandings about the two institutions remain common, including among media professionals."I have noticed that many people, including journalists, misunderstand the difference between the National Censorship Board and the Office of Censorship. Therefore, this session provides an important opportunity to clarify the respective roles of the Office of Censorship and the National Censorship Board, address misconceptions, and strengthen collaboration with the media and the wider community."He said the Office has also received complaints from members of the public regarding disturbing content being published and shared, particularly material that may affect children."We have been receiving complaints from the general public that this kind of publicity is very disturbing, especially for our children."Mr. Abani reminded journalists that media professionals also play a role in considering the impact and responsibility involved in publishing information."You are a journalist, but you are a censor also. You are a censor to help us."He encouraged stronger cooperation between media organizations and the Office of Censorship to promote accurate, balanced and responsible dissemination of information.While representing the media industry, Media Council of PNG President Neville Choi, who is also a member of the National Censorship Board, acknowledged that the term "censorship" can have different meanings within the media profession."When the media hears censorship, we hear something else. We hear a threat rather than a responsibility or obligation to country."Mr. Choi said the media and censorship authorities share common values despite having different roles and responsibilities."Where we converge is on a platform of values, values like integrity, dignity and identity. Those are things that both the Censorship Board and the media are trying to protect."He said the rapid growth of digital technology and social media has created new challenges for information management, with more people now able to publish content through online platforms.Mr. Choi said professional media organizations continue to rely on editorial processes and ethical standards to assess information before publication.The Office of Censorship said the session is expected to improve media understanding of censorship governance, strengthen stakeholder engagement and support ongoing awareness on digital safety and responsible media use.

A total of 77 inmates from Bomana Penitentiary in Port Moresby have received certificates after successfully completing a 13 week Literacy and Alpha Bible School program aimed at supporting rehabilitation and personal development.The participants came from the Bomana Female Wing, Minimum Security Unit and High Security Unit.Of the 77 participants, 22 inmates received certificates in the Literacy program, while 56 inmates completed the Alpha Bible Program, with one male inmate participating in both programs.Commanding Officer of Bomana Prison Camp, Chief Superintendent Yelly Oiufa, acknowledged the support of 4th Man Ministries in partnership with One Tribe Ministries for delivering the Alpha Program and other rehabilitation activities at the institution.Chief Superintendent Oiufa said the partnership has continued through a Memorandum of Agreement established around 2020, allowing regular rehabilitation programs to be provided for inmates."I am here today to attend the graduation of participants from the Alpha Bible School program, along with other programs. Since around 2020, we have had a Memorandum of Agreement with them. Under this agreement, they regularly come here to provide rehabilitation programs, including Bible school and other rehabilitation activities."He said he has observed positive impacts from the programs, noting that they provide inmates with opportunities for personal growth and positive change.The Alpha Program was delivered by One Tribe Ministries, an Australian-based organization, in partnership with 4th Man Ministries, a Papua New Guinea-based ministry, through an initiative supported by the Bomana Correctional Service Chaplaincy Office.The program forms part of ongoing rehabilitation efforts at Bomana aimed at equipping inmates with knowledge, values and skills that can support their reintegration into the community.

Young people from across the Saburuka community came together through sport as the Saburuka Youth Unity Soccer and Volleyball Tournament concluded successfully after five days of competition from June 29 to July 3.Supported by the Australian Government's Pilai Long Stap Wantaim program through Team Up, the tournament brought together eight men's soccer teams and seven women's volleyball teams to promote peace, unity, teamwork and social cohesion.The tournament was organised by CARE Bougainville through youth leader Starford Gami, whose organisation received funding under the Pilai Long Stap Wantaim program to deliver the community initiative.Throughout the five-day event, players demonstrated teamwork, discipline, and respect while building stronger relationships among young people from different communities.The tournament also provided a safe and inclusive environment for youth to participate in positive activities, encouraging healthy lifestyles, leadership, and community engagement.Community leaders, parents and supporters welcomed the initiative, saying it strengthened relationships between communities and created opportunities for young people to interact in a peaceful setting.They also acknowledged the support of the Australian Government, the Pilai Long Stap Wantaim program and Team Up for investing in youth development and community-building activities.Organisers said the success of the tournament demonstrates how sport can be used to strengthen unity, promote peaceful engagement, and empower young people to become positive contributors within their communities.CARE Bougainville thanked the Australian Government, Pilai Long Stap Wantaim and Team Up for supporting the initiative and reaffirmed its commitment to delivering more youth-focused programs across Bougainville.

Commissioner David Manning has warned senior police officers that the upcoming National General Election will be one of the most demanding security operations the country has faced, requiring strong leadership, careful planning, and strict commitment to neutrality.Speaking at the 2027 RPNGC National General Election planning meeting, Commissioner Manning said election security was not a new responsibility for the Constabulary, with many senior officers involved in the room having previous experience managing election operations.However, he said the operating environment had changed significantly since the 2022 National General Election, with the country facing a growing population, an increased number of electorates, and greater logistical and security demands.Manning said the role of police during elections was clear to provide a safe and secure environment that allows citizens to exercise their democratic rights."Our policy is to provide an environment that is safe and secure to conduct elections. It is our responsibility to allow an opportunity or enable people to exercise their rights to cast their votes," he said.The Commissioner stressed that police must remain independent and neutral, saying the RPNGC’s role was not to influence election results or determine how elections should be conducted."It is not for us to determine outcomes. It is not for us to determine how elections should be conducted. Ours is a neutral and enabling partnership with electoral commission ," he said.Commissioner Manning said lessons from the 2022 National General Election must be openly examined, including concerns and allegations of impropriety raised against different agencies involved in the electoral process.He said those discussions were necessary to identify weaknesses and strengthen preparations for the next election."The truths and conversations from our previous debrief are things we need to discuss fully again," Manning said.The Commissioner also highlighted the importance of a strong working relationship between the RPNGC and the Electoral Commission, particularly following the appointment of a new Electoral Commissioner.He said early communication between police planners and electoral officials would be critical to ensuring both institutions understand each other's responsibilities, capabilities and limitations."Open communication lines between yourselves and your Electoral Commission counterparts ensure that there is clarity in what we plan to do, but most importantly ensuring that we understand each other, our capabilities and our constraints," he said.Manning said failures in coordination during the 2022 election created operational difficulties, particularly in parts of the Highlands, where decisions by electoral officials and police counterparts were not always aligned with broader security plans.He warned that similar situations must be avoided through stronger planning from the beginning."Greater alignment in what the Electoral Commission wants to do and how we plan to support that needs to be determined from day one," he said.The Commissioner acknowledged that preparing for the election would place significant pressure on RPNGC resources, including personnel, logistics and funding.He said the Constabulary was working closely with government agencies, including Finance and Treasury, to address resource challenges ahead of the election period."Nine months away is far from a comfortable position. I am well aware of the timelines and what you need on the ground," Manning said.He warned commanders that election operations would test not only their ability to manage large deployments but also their judgment and leadership."I remind you, one bad decision by one of you in this room can have catastrophic results," he said.Manning urged provincial commanders, directors and senior officers to rely on their experience and expertise, saying the election period was not the time for inexperienced leadership.He also cautioned officers that police would face intense public scrutiny during the election period, including allegations of bias, corruption or interference.The Commissioner said accountability would be a key focus, with senior officers expected to uphold leadership standards and demonstrate that the Constabulary remains committed to a credible and democratic electoral process."As far as expectations are concerned, next year will be slightly different. Accountability will be critical," he said.Commissioner Manning said the success of the 2027 National General Election would depend on cooperation between institutions, proper resourcing, and the professionalism of those entrusted with protecting the country's democratic process.

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary’s (RPNGC) Border Command is prioritizing mobility, manpower and logistics planning as preparations intensify for upcoming national security operations linked to the electoral period.Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police for Border Command, Steven Francis, said the main challenges facing the command are mobility, manpower and funding on elections period.At Border Command level, which covers Western Province and parts of the Pacific and Indonesia border areas, Francis said all Provincial Police Commanders have already developed their election security plans.However, he said terrain and access remain the biggest operational obstacle.“Our major challenge will be mobility. In our Border Command area, most of our locations are along the Fly River and Sepik River systems. So in terms of mobility, that is my number one challenge,” he said.He said planners must first determine which polling areas are accessible and what form of transport will be required.“I have to ensure I have the right logistical support. I have to find out in all those districts, LLGs and wards, which polling areas are accessible. What means of transport will it be? Will it be by boat, air or land? That is the most important thing,” Francis said.He said operational planning is heavily dependent on mobility mapping before deployments can be finalised.“My planning will revolve around mobility. So, identifying those locations is my first challenge,” he said.Francis said manpower allocation is the next major concern, particularly in ensuring adequate personnel are deployed to remote polling locations.“Once I identify how many wards and polling stations there are, my other major challenge is ensuring I have the personnel, the manpower, that I have to deploy according to those polling places,” he said.He said additional personnel will be required from other police sectors and provinces to support operations.“Our provinces will be supported by additional manpower from police sectors or from other provinces in terms of our response. So those are my two main challenges, personnel and mode of travel,” he said.Francis said funding availability and timing will also be critical to ensure deployments are carried out effectively.He also reflected on lessons learned from the 2022 National General Election, where more than 10,000 security personnel were deployed nationwide.“Based on the 2022 general election, I was part of the planning coordination section. We had roughly 10,000 plus security personnel deployed,” he said.He said a similar number is expected for future operations, involving personnel from the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, the Papua New Guinea Defence Force and Correctional Services under the Joint Security Task Force framework.Francis said effective coordination, timely funding and reliable transport logistics will be key to ensuring successful operations in difficult and remote terrain across the Border Command area.However, he said one of the biggest operational challenges remains access to remote polling locations.“our major challenge will be mobility. In our Border Command area, most of our locations are along the Fly River and Sepik River systems. Mobility is my number one challenge,” he said.He said planners must determine which polling areas are accessible and what transport systems will be required.“I have to ensure I have the right logistical support. I have to find out in all those districts, LLGs and wards, which polling areas are accessible, and whether transport will be by boat, air or land,” he said.Francis said operational planning depends heavily on identifying terrain and transport access before deployment decisions can be finalised.“Once I identify how many wards and polling locations there are, my next challenge is ensuring I have the personnel to deploy to those areas,” he said.He said manpower allocation remains another major challenge, particularly in coordinating support from other police units and security agencies.“Another major challenge is ensuring we have personnel and funding in place to deploy officers on time. Our provinces will be supported by additional manpower from police sectors and other provinces,” he said.Francis said lessons learned from the 2022 National General Election are helping guide current planning efforts.“Based on the 2022 election, I was part of the planning coordination section. We had roughly 10,000 plus security personnel deployed,” he said.He said similar numbers are expected again for upcoming operations, involving joint deployment of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, Papua New Guinea Defence Force, and Correctional Services under the Joint Security Task Force framework.Francis said effective coordination, timely funding, and reliable transport logistics will be critical to ensuring successful deployment across difficult terrain and remote communities.

As schools begin Term Three today, Hood Point Junior High School in Hula, Central Province is preparing for lessons while also awaiting further guidance on how to manage ongoing El Niño dry condition, which has already caused brown vegetation and dusty soil across the area.Speaking to PNG Haus Bung, Principal Simon Suji said the school has not yet finalised a full response plan but will work with staff and senior management to develop measures to manage the dry conditions while teaching continues.“With the second term ending, we didn’t feel much effect of El Niño. But now as we return for Term Three, we have to sit down with academic staff and senior executives of the institution and plan how we can manage the effects of El Niño while school operations continue,” he said.During Term Two, students were advised to carry water bottles due to dry conditions; a measure the principal said will continue while longer-term solutions are being developed.The school currently relies on a Southern Cross water supply system powered by solar energy, which the principal said is not sufficient for daily needs and has called for additional support.“We have only one source of power and we would like to connect Southern Cross to PNG Power so that we have water running through the staff area on a daily basis,” he said.The school has also implemented contingency measures, including three bore-water tanks to support teacher accommodation and water supply. However, with months of no rain, water levels have continued to drop.“With the last lot of rains, we experienced about two to three months back, we still had some water left and now we are down to two tanks,” he said.Principal Suji said the school’s coastal location is worsening the situation, with sandy soil becoming increasingly dry and dusty during the prolonged dry season.“With the El Niño effects, unlike other schools, this is a coastal school, and our soil is made up of sand. So now with the dry conditions the entire country is facing, we tend to have more dust around, even getting into the classrooms,” he said.He added that the dust conditions may also pose health concerns for students and staff as the dry season continues, with the school now closely monitoring the situation while developing further response plans.

What began as a small business idea in Madang, Wagal Settlement to help rural coconut farmers earn an income has grown into one of the country's emerging skincare brands, with Kumul Organics now becoming the latest SME to secure retail space through CPL Group's WE PNG BUY PNG program.Founded by 2020 PNG SME Award winner Tina Manamb, Kumul Organics officially launched its range of coconut oil infused skincare products at City Pharmacy's Waigani Central branch on Friday, marking a major milestone in a seven- year journey that started with training village communities to produce virgin coconut oil.For Ms. Manamb, the achievement represents more than business success. It is the culmination of years spent working with rural coconut growers and building a value chain that connects village producers directly to urban consumers."Every bottle here tells a story," Ms. Manamb said."It is a story of hardworking coconut growers in rural communities where they have the resource and they have to make money. That is where Kumul Organics goes and buys the coconut oil."She said every purchase helps support rural livelihoods while creating opportunities for families involved in coconut production."Your purchase creates income, supports livelihoods, encourages sustainable agriculture and gives hope to people in rural coconut-growing communities. I encourage everyone to buy a coconut oil from Kumul Organics and be part of us as we grow together."Originally from Madang and East Sepik and married into a family from Gulf Province, Ms. Manamb said her business was inspired by the abundance of coconuts available in rural communities and the untapped potential of virgin coconut oil."We started from Madang. We used to buy coconut oil from communities," she told PNG Haus Bung."When I did research on coconut oil and virgin coconut oil, I saw that we could create body oils, shampoos and other cosmetic products. Madang has plenty of coconuts, so I started training communities on how to produce coconut oil."She said the business first sold products at Madang's Market before securing shelf space with Madang Butchery, its first retail partners.As demand grew, Ms. Manamb relocated to Port Moresby and temporarily paused operations to better understand the capital city's market."Last year I rested the business because I had to do market research and understand how to adapt to the Port Moresby lifestyle," she said.The business resumed operations in March this year, sourcing virgin coconut oil from her husband's village in Gulf Province."I sourced the oil from my husband's village. The coconut oil travels by boat for about two hours and then by PMV for six hours to Port Moresby. We do the infusions, packaging and labelling here."Ms. Manamb credits much of the company's recent growth to social media marketing, which helped attract the attention of CPL Group."I created content on my page and advertised our five infused oil products online. The advertisement reached many people and eventually CPL reached out to us."She said discussions with CPL progressed quickly."We had our first meeting, then a second meeting, and after that they told us to come in and sign. This is a big opportunity for us because we're working with farmers and ultimately, we want our products to sell. CPL helps complete that supply chain."Under the partnership, Kumul Organics products are now available through selected City Pharmacy outlets, giving customers easier access to the brand while expanding market opportunities for rural suppliers.CPL Group Chief Executive Officer Ajay Patel said supporting local producers remains a key focus of the company's WE PNG BUY PNG initiative."We don't import coconuts. They are grown abundantly right here in Papua New Guinea," Mr. Patel said."Our supply comes from local farmers and growers, and we take pride in fostering long-term partnerships with local SMEs that strengthen communities and create shared value."He said the partnership demonstrates how locally sourced products can successfully move from village production into mainstream retail markets.The Kumul Organics range includes virgin coconut oil infused with noni, ginger, carrot, turmeric and lemongrass, all sourced and manufactured in Papua New Guinea.For Ms. Manamb, the products represent something much bigger than skincare."Access to commercial markets is often the biggest challenge for local producers, so we are grateful to CPL for this partnership," she said."We believe it completes the value chain we have built, connecting rural farmers with commercial markets and enabling sustainable growth."Today, Kumul Organics products are stocked at City Pharmacy Waigani Central, City Pharmacy Waigani Showroom and City Pharmacy Vision City, creating new opportunities not only for the business itself, but also for the rural coconut growers whose work continues to form the foundation of the brand's success.