It's official, Zac Lomax is PNG Chiefs number 005, following Sunday afternoon's announcement and signing at the Santos National Football stadium in Port Moresby city.Chiefs General Manager, Michael Chammas welcome Lomax and said the Chiefs are quite excited to secure his signature, and the wealth of experience he brings with him about the game.Lomax was eagerly excited and equally impressed with the franchise's set up, especially with the facilities, system and the culture the Chiefs are building here.He said been part of a team that is so love by the nation and seeing how the system has been set up by just been involved in the growth and development of the country was one major part in his decision to sign with Chiefs.

The New Ireland Provincial Health Authority officially handed over the body of the third female victim that was found on Djaul Island yesterday afternoon, to the East New Britain Provincial Health Authority before midday today, after the body was kept at the Kavieng General Hospital Mortuary last night.The deceased victim was flown to Nonga General Hospital in East New Britain Province for the families and relatives to identify.The body has been identified as Ms. Carol Malisa Peni, who is a staff member of the East New Britain Provincial Health Authority.Ms. Peni along with her husband and three young children were part of the three other ENB Provincial Health Authority staff members and their respective families, who were part of the tragic boat incident that occurred on the afternoon of Saturday 18th July 2026, when returning to Kokopo from Pangpang Paradise Island from a leisure trip.This brings the tally to three (3) bodies (all female) recovered, while 24 others are still missing. The other two bodies that were found earlier were identified as Melat Victor (Mother), and Clemensia Victor (Daughter). All three bodies are currently at Nonga hospital.After the fifth day since the two boats capsized only 3 bodies were recovered whilst 24 are still missing as authorities and search parties continue to look for the remaining bodies.East New Britain Provincial Administrator and Chairman of ENB Disaster Committee – Mr. Levi Mano told PNG Haus Bung this morning in an interview that the search teams have encountered some serious, bad weather problems, especially the sea search team, restricting them to go out.He highlighted that since the search started on Sunday, they had to rely heavily on aerial search as the sea was too difficult and dangerous for the small boats to be use in the search.He also thanked the people of Djaul Island and the concerned Authorities in New Ireland, and the people of New Ireland Province for their support and assistance with the search, and the respect they had given and shown to the bodies of the three victims found on their island.Mano is hopeful that the bodies of the remaining 24 victims will be found in the next few days, however, considering the current weather situation, it is making it difficult for the search and recovery team to go out.As he extends his sympathy and condolences to the families and relatives of the 27 victims, Mr. Mano is also urging the people in the province, especially the people in the Islands to be vigilant and apply all safety measures when they are out on the sea.He said the Provincial Administration is working closely with the National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) to ensure that small boat owners and operators especially the boats that are registered, to have their trackers fully working and that all safety precautionary measures are observed and followed when they wish to go out on sea. Specifically, the people of Duke of York Islands, who rely only on sea transport to access other services in Kokopo.Meanwhile the New Ireland Provincial Health Authority have extended their deepest and heart-felt condolences to the East New Britain Provincial Health Authority team, and the families and friends affected by this tragic incident, and they remain committed to provide further support through every step of this journey together.

The Laila Foundation is anticipating completing the Free Eye Screening Program for Gerehu Secondary School by next week, with the aim to test all current 3,000 student population.Director of Laila Foundation – Mr. Aly Sultan made this known in a Media Conference today at Gerehu Secondary School, Port Moresby city.He said so far, they have already done screening for Grades 9 and 10, which is half of the 3,000 population, and are expected to complete the process next week with the screening and testing of Grades 11 and 12.Since the inauguration of this program in October 2025, Laila Foundation with the help of their partners, have done vision screening for 4,368 students across nine (9) secondary schools in NCD. Free custom-made prescription glasses were given to students with undiagnosed vision problems and refractive errors, to help support and boost their learning in the classroom.“Every child deserves the opportunity to see clearly and learn with confidence. A child who cannot see the blackboard cannot fully participate in the classroom. Sometimes the difference between a struggling student and a successful student is simply a pair of glasses, and that’s why we’re here today,” said Mr. Sultan.While thanking the Foundation for choosing Gerehu Secondary as one of the schools for the vision screening program, school Principal – Mr. Saju Francis said that for the past 23 years of his teaching carrier in Papua New Guinea, he has witnessed many students forced to withdraw from schooling because of poor eyesight or faced with vision impaired problems.He said that many students come from less fortunate homes and simply cannot afford specialist treatments when faced with eyesight complications."The Laila Foundation initiative is not only a health care initiative but also a blessing for our students, and a better investment for their future. I deeply appreciate the Laila foundation for extending these services to all our students, particularly those students who may not otherwise have easy access to eye care services,” said Mr. Francis.The principal reiterated that most students come from broken families, poor families and marginalized families, but they are very talented and have the potential to be top performing students. And with such initiatives, the foundation is contributing immensely to the future of Papua New Guinea.CEO & Director of Pacific International Hospital – Mr. Sandeep Shaligrim said that the initial target is to support all the schools in NCD, to screen and provide free glasses to those that need it. Once that is achieved, they will roll-out this initiative to other centres, eventually becoming a nationwide program.He said PIH is a major partner to Laila Foundation for over 30 years, in terms of providing logistics and the technical support and expertise where it’s needed.Mr. Shaligrim commends Laila Foundation for its continued efforts in eye care health, while their services have changed, is changing and will change the lives of many young Papua New Guineans, especially those with visual impairments.He said this is an opportunity they are providing for free technical and medically screening process, but not only that, if they notice any other eye defect, then they will do referral for the patient to see an ophthalmologist, where they will receive further treatment and assistant.The Foundation’s vision is to take the sight by this program to many more schools across Papua New Guinea, so that every child has the opportunity to see clearly and achieve their dreams.

It has been three days now since the 27 people went missing after their boat (dinghies) capsized between Pangpang Island and Pidgin Island on the waters of East New Britain, on Saturday 18th July 2026, between 4 and 5pm in the afternoon.The two dinghies where transporting four families back to Kokopo, after having their family picnic or gathering on Pangpang Island. On their return they encountered horrendous sea weather conditions where disaster struct.Following this unfortunate accident, as search and rescue efforts were launched; however, it comes up empty, without any sign or luck in finding and rescuing any survivors from the 27 missing. From reports gathered from the authorities, most are children.East New Britain Provincial Police Commander – Chief Superintendent Amanda Kates, told PNG Haus Bung in an interview today that Police together with the Provincial Disaster and Emergency Services, along with other authorities with the assistance the of locals, are doing everything they possibly can with the search and rescue efforts to find these missing 27.PPC Kates said, at this point they are heavily relying on aerial search rather than searching on the sea, as the boats that were sent out on were met with atrocious conditions, making it difficult for them to navigate their way on sea.So far, the only survivors are the two dinghy operators. The PPC said that it was a miracle for the two dinghy operators to be found alive after keeping themselves afloat for 5hours or more. When the accident happened the two operators tried to swim towards Pidgeon Island, but the currents were too strong and carried them close to Bai Island, where the Islanders of Bai were able to rescue them and call out for help.Kates further stated that, “the two operators are not in any police custody; they are not under arrest. What they are doing at the moment is that they are assisting us with the inquiry. They are the only two people that have last seen the occupants of the two dinghies alive. We are trying to keep an open mind, by asking everybody on what actually happened, by gathering statements from the people of Bai Island or any boat or shipping vessels travelling within the radius of the incident, at the time the incident occurred, so we can find out what really happened.”   The East New Britain Police boss, regretfully put down the search mission to be a Recovery mission now, rather and a Rescue mission. She is hoping and praying that they are able to find survivors, and it would be a miracle to find them if they could.Despite the helicopter of Manolos Aviation doing its very best with the aerial search, they have not seen one single debri, wreckage or any sort of evidence, or signs of the missing families. The helicopter was able to find the other dinghy, with the engine still intact but overturned and floating a few miles off the coast of New Ireland Province.Unfortunately, this was the only thing found apart from any sign of human since the incident on Saturday 18th July 2026. Apart from that, nothing has been found, recovered or not even any sighting of any sort to give hope to the search and rescue team and the families of the missing 27 people.Chief Superintendent Kates has now issued a further warning to the people in the islands not to take to the seas at this time and learn from what just happened to avoid any further and unnecessary incidents.“People have been going out with overloaded boats without proper safety equipment and gears. So, for the next month, the police have talked to the island leaders, and we are going to run a month’s awareness on sea safety and what are the important things you need to carry and such,” Kates said.However, she has strongly advised the people, especially the islanders, not to be travelling the seas at the current time, as the weather conditions are so horrendous and dangerous to be travelling on sea.PPC Kates has also extended her heartfelt sympathy to the immediate families and relatives of the missing 27. She said they are doing their absolute best to find them, and like many others are thinking at the moment, she hopes for a miracle that they can find them alive and well.Meanwhile, just this afternoon, authorities have reported that a body of a woman has been discovered on the shores of Djaul Island in the New Ireland province. Authorities strongly believe she is one of the missing 27.A helicopter will head to the area to transport the body back to Kokopo, East New Britain.

The National Capital District Commission (NCDC) has announced a K800,000 major sponsorship to support the 53rd 2026 Hiri Moale Festival in Port Moresby city. NCD Governor Powes Parkop on Friday made the announcement and cheque presentation to the Chairman of Motu-Koita Assembly and Deputy Governor of NCD, Mr. Russell Wavik, witnessed by the Motu-Koita Assembly Executive team, the reigning 2025 Hiri Hanenamo Queen, Member for Moresby North-West Lohia Boio Samuel, Motu-Koita LLG leaders and other invited guests. Governor Parkop said that the people of Motu-Koitabu and the residents of Port Moresby city should come out and celebrate this great achievement in maintaining the festival for the past 52year, with this year marking the 53rd year. He said it is an important gesture and commitment by the National Capital District Commission as shown over the years in supporting this prestigious festival to celebrate the culture and heritage of the indigenous Motuans and Koitabuans.Parkop stressed that not only is it a cultural event, but it is also a commitment to the people of Motu-Koitabu to affirm that this city originally was theirs and must equally and continue to be their city."They must be part and partial of the city, part of the equation, part of the development, part of the progress, part of the past, part of the present and absolutely part of the future. And it's a commitment that NCDC has made and continues to make, and I am very pleased that we are making this commitment again to support this great event," said Governor Parkop. Chairman of Motu-Koita Assembly and Deputy Governor of NCD - Russell Wavik thanked Governor Parkop and the National Capital District Commission for their support and unwavering commitment to the Hiri Moale Festival.Wavik said that for over half a century, this prestigious and premium festival has stood as the bedrock of the people's identity, marking 53 years of hosting this premier and prestigious cultural event that honors the continuous leadership of past and present. "This continuous and unwavering support is a powerful demonstration of the Governor's leadership and commitment towards preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Motu-Koita people. It is a meaningful recognition of our people as the traditional-indigenous people of this great city Port Moresby," said Waivk.The Chairman of Motu-Koita Assembly furthermore highlighted that they will be giving full prominence to the people of Gulf Province to be part and partial of this year's festival and celebrations to give a full picture on the rich history shared between Motu-Koitabuans and Keremas as founders of the Hiri Trade.The 53rd Hiri Moale Festival this year will be held in Port Moresby city from the 8th to 13th September, at Ela Beach as the central location of all the celebrations. Ending with the spectacular 2026 Hiri Hanenamo Quest and the crowning of the 2026 Hiri Moale Queen.

The N.E.S.T (Never-Ever-Stop-Trying) Program, continues to rise beyond boundaries with its goodwill community-based engagements and programs within the communities in Moresby North-West, in the Nation’s Capital, Port Moresby.Under the leadership of renown former PNG Athlete, PNG Olympian and Trainer, Nelson Stone, the N.E.S.T program have touched the lives of many young aspiring kids, youth and disadvantaged communities in Tokarara, Waigani, June Valley, Hohola and Morata.This Saturday 18th July will mark another milestone achievement for N.E.S.T as Port Moresby AFL community will witness the birth of Tokarara NEST United AFL Women’s team making its Debut match in round 7 of the Jaki Pom AFL 2026 Premiership Competition, as they take on a more experienced Gereka Bombers women’s team, in the main game of the women’s division.When interviewed by PNG Haus Bung, Mr. Stone said that this is a massive achievement for the N.E.S.T Program and a proud occasion to have a women’s team in the premier AFL competition in Port Moresby.“To establish the Tokarara Nest AFL women’s team is such a big occasion for us. Knowing how far we have come despite not securing any sponsors or major sponsors, we are thankful to AFL PNG for accepting us and giving the opportunity to our young girls and women to be part of the competition,” said Stone.He also highlighted PNG’s success in AFL both on the regional and international levels of the game is something that can be a positive contribution to the young girls and women to be part of the exposure and opportunity. More importantly, keep them busy with something productive to do rather than becoming a burden to their families and the communities they live in.He further thanked Pom AFL for providing the platform to see equal participation of women and girls in sports.According to Stone, they have not secured any sponsors for the team, however, N.E.S.T will take care of other logistical arrangements and other costs for the team.Stone has also extended his appreciation to Douglas Lai of AFL PNG and his family for coming to the aid of the team by providing their uniforms. Likewise, the support of Ila Aku – SP Hunters Captain, Tokarara Nest Rugby League Club and the community of Tokarara for their support.

The country’s premier tertiary Institute, the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) will be introducing four new Streams into all of its courses or programs as well as four other new courses under the recently launched Centre of excellence in ICT, in 2027.This was announced by the UPNG Vice Chancellor, Professor Ian Findlay on Wednesday during the PNG Resource Week 2026 session on “Building Skilled Workforce and Increasing PNG’s participation in procurement and supply chain.”The introduction of the four new streams in 2027 is seen as a major change and a long-term approach the university is taking, especially when the university had already launched its Centre of Excellence in ICT (Information & Communication Technology) that will deliver certificate-based qualifications focused on IT.According to Professor Findlay, the four new streams are Technology, Artificial Intelligence (Ai), Critical Thinking Research, and Soft Skills.“Those four streams will be embedded across every single course, in every single program. Because we need to make sure that all our graduates have basic skills in IT, basic skills in Ai, basic skills in critical thinking research,” said Prof. Findlay.He stressed that in today's modern world everyone is surrounded by many fake news and misinformation, but how is this matter evaluated? It is through such skills that help one to narrow down those problems, get to the truth, and come up with resolutions.“So, we have to make sure that all our graduates have those basic skills to succeed. And at the moment, they simply don’t. We want all our students and graduates to be successful. Because, the best students make the best graduates, and the best graduates make the best employees. And the best employees make the best companies. And it all starts at the beginning with the best education provided. So, we have a range of approaches to upskill the entire population of Papua New Guinea,” said the Professor.UPNG is also looking to create a wide range of online programs for its 18 university centers to deliver to the Provinces. With an estimated fifteen percent of students in the cities, there is no point in delivering these programs. The other eighty-five percent that are not engaged should be receiving these programs as well.He also highlighted that nearly ninety percent of the population do not have access to modern education and the UPNG is addressing that through its Universal Learning Centers by delivering online education such as, online degrees and online skills programs. He said that these are all basic leadership skills that can upscale all levels of PNG.Professor Findlay further added that there is a huge lack of technology skills in PNG. And as part of the university’s obligation to uplift and upskill their graduates, the full Information Technology (IT) program will be open for new intakes in 2027. The four courses are Artificial Intelligence, Networking, Programming, and Cyber security.“We have to uplift the capability, the capacity, the knowledge and the wisdom of IT, technology and Ai across the board. So, we make sure that we have PNG content and PNG solutions for PNG problems,” said Professor Findlay.

National collaboration efforts are needed to build Papua New Guinea’s (PNG’s) skilled workforce and increase participation in procurement and job supply chain in the resource sector.This was stressed by Lonnie Baki, Secretary – Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) when closing his presentation in the first session of today’s PNG Resource Week 2026 event at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby city.He said: “Papua New Guinea has a unique opportunity to ensure that our greatest legacy is not only the resources that we extract, but the skills we develop, the businesses we grow, and the opportunities we create for Papua New Guinean citizens. This is the challenge and the opportunity we have before us.”The topic of discussion was on “Building a skilled workforce and increasing PNG participation in procurement and supply chain.”Secretary Baki was joined in the presentations and discussions by Professor Ora Renagi – Vice Chancellor of PNG University of Technology (PNG UoT) and Professor Ian Findlay – Vice Chancellor of University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG).He said the National Higher and Technical Education Plan 2026 – 2035 is focused on three main priorities; Access, Quality, and Relevance. Which intend to produce better qualities and qualifications in student to head into the work force. Secretary Baki revealed that, an average of 28, 600 students complete secondary education each year, and with the increased number of student places, the demands continue to grow. In response to meet the growing demand of Access, DHERST has introduced Higher or Tertiary Education Loan Programme, Student Assistance Scheme, Capital Investment Programme, the National Online Application System and the National Online Selection System, providing the students options.However, it will take strong institutions, continued investment and close partnerships with industries to ensure Access, to meet the growing demands.The second priority is Quality, which determines the credibility of the Higher Education System.“Expanding access is important, but access alone is not enough. Every graduate should possess the skills, competence, and qualifications required by employers in Papua New Guinea and Internationally. The National Higher and Technical Education Plan recognizes that while some programmes are supported by well-established curriculum and strong governance mechanisms, others require significant improvements to fully comply with national standards and requirements,” said Baki.The higher education institutions in the country are the knowledge hubs through knowledge creation, dissemination, and application. Managing with limited resources, they still strive towards meeting national and international standards, which is no easy task.Therefore, quality is a shared responsibility that needs collective support from the government, industry, development partners and communities, to continue producing graduates with skills, competencies and qualifications that is required by employers.Education cannot stand still while industries continue to evolve. That is why the government continues to emphasize on strengthening collaboration between industry and the education sector. As Papua New Guinea’s mining, petroleum and energy sectors continue to grow, so does the need for a workforce with the skills, knowledge and capabilities to meet the needs and requirements of those industries. This is where the third priority Relevance, comes in.Secretary Baki also revealed the five National Training Packages that have been developed and approved for Agriculture, Construction, Fisheries, TVET Trainer Education, and Hospitality and Commercial Cookery. While a further five packages are under development for Engineering, Customs and Freight Forwarding, Transport and Logistics, Tourism and Security.He said, these competence-based training are helping to ensure graduates are trained to recognized industry standards and are better prepared for employment.Papua New Guinea’s development through the education sector can be measured by Improving Access, Strengthening Quality and ensuring education remains relevant to the needs of industry.It is a shared responsibility; it requires collaborative effort and also commitment from the government, education institution, development partners and the industry, working together to prepare the next generation of Papua New Guineans.

Retired Judge, Don Sawong is now the Acting Commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), following an official Hand-Over-Take-Over Ceremony today at the Sheraton Hotel in Port Moresby. Outgoing Acting Commissioner, Thomas Eluh officially handed over the roles and responsibilities of the commissioner to Sawong, with dignity and sincerity and pledged his utmost support to work closely with him, to ensure organizational stability.In his remarks as the outgoing acting Commissioner, Mr. Eluh congratulated Sawong on his appointment as the acting commissioner, while he pledges his full loyalty and undivided support to him.“Let me remind each and every one of us that, we can have the best laws, we can have the best systems, we can have the best policies, but it is the human beings that are mandated to drive those systems, that will only make the difference. Either we fail or we succeed,” said Eluh.While he was happy to serve his time as the acting Commissioner, it is by law that the ICAC Commissioner’s position is only reserved for people who are qualified as Judge and are familiar with the Judicial System. It is not the case for Mr. Eluh, as he has over 43 years of experience in the Police Force but never a judge, as per the constitutional requirement of the Commissioner position.“The position is only for a person with that type of qualification as required by the law. We’re an institution with integrity and we have to make sure we comply with the laws. Without doing that, then we cannot be seen as an institution with integrity,” explained Eluh.He further emphasized that, his appointment as the acting commissioner over a year ago despite not having the required qualification, was to restore leadership and confidence back into an Organization that was been criticized and question by many at different levels.  “My appointment as the acting ICAC commissioner, comes at a time when ICAC was facing leadership challenges that almost brought the entire organization to its knees. I was selected with two retired Judges (Sawong and Batari) to quickly restore stability to the organization and I believe we have done that,” said Eluh.Before handing the leadership of ICAC over the Mr. Sawong, he appealed to the senior management team and the staff of ICAC that, despite the leadership changes, it’s business as usual for the organization, to continue to learn and improve in their mandated responsibilities.“I want to emphasize that fighting corruption is everyone’s business. I would like to call out to all Papua New Guineans, men, women and children to put your hand up and assist ICAC in the fight against corruption. Without your support, we may not win the fight against corruption,” concluded Eluh.Mr. Eluh and former Judge Batari, both will continue to serve under Sawong in their capacity as acting deputy commissioners within ICAC as part of ensuring leadership stability.In accepting the position of Acting Commissioner, Mr. Sawong thanked Mr. Eluh for his leadership in holding a constitutional office regardless of qualifications.“That alone is not just an achievement, but a significant achievement by anyone. A person who has no law degree, no accounting degree or no other degrees, yet God has blessed him and made it possible for him to occupy a constitutional office at the very time when a lot of political leaders were not interested in pushing for the establishment of ICAC,” said Sawong.He said, with the leadership change, not everything will be smooth sailing, as there will be challenges as they go through as a young organization. And despite the leadership challenges, ICAC’s mandated responsibilities remain.“Today’s hand over take over ceremony, marks an important moment in that transition. It is not simply a change of leadership; it is simply a real affirmation of continuity of the work that we do at ICAC.”“To serve as acting commissioner from July 2025 to July 2026, Mr. Eluh has provided leadership, stability, direction and commitment during a critical period. We are still in a transitional phase and have not stabilized leadership as yet. At the moment, myself, Mr. Eluh and Mr. Batari are on acting positions until we get through the transitional period,” said Sawong.Mr. Sawong furthermore said that, when the three of them (Sawong, Eluh & Batari) received leadership in July 2025 their immediate priority was to restore leadership stability and provide the direction necessary to raise the standard of ICAC. And also, to identify key areas that needed improvement.“One of the key areas as ensuring our organizational structure, priorities, programs, functions are in accordance of the provisions of the organic law. The organic law clearly sets out our functions and priorities,” said Sawong.The first task for the new acting commissioner is to ensure organizational structure is sorted out, ensure corporate governance in ICAC, while also focused on the three main pillars, which are, Enforcement, Prevention and Education & Awareness.

The Prestigious 2026 Hiri Hanenamo Quest is officially open for aspiring young female contestants from Hiri and Motu-Koita of the Central Province, who are interested to take part in this year’s event.The official announcement and call out for interested applicants were made today by the Motu-Koita Assembly Chairman and Deputy Governor – NCD, Russell Wavik in Port Moresby city.He is calling on local leaders across Hiri and Motu-Koita to identify and empower aspiring young women in representing their villages as cultural ambassadors at the highly anticipated 2026 Hiri Moale Festival.Mr. Wavik said that based on the performances of the past title holders who have proudly represented the Motu-Koita people at elite local and international events, this has raised the need for strict eligibility criteria to safeguard the cultural integrity of this iconic festival.The criteria announced are, applicants must be between 18 and 25 years of age with a valid form of identification. The candidates are required to demonstrate a genuine cultural connection by representing one specific traditional village along the Hiri Coast and backed by a formal nomination from a local community leader.Furthermore, the aspiring candidates must fulfil specific educational and linguistic standards to effectively meet and perform in the advocacy and leadership space. Therefore, the interested candidates must hold at least a Grade 12 High School Certificate with strong communication skills, including fluency in English alongside either Motu or Koitabu languages. Applicants must be also physically fit and required to disclose any underlying health conditions, as the demands of the traditional festival activities can be quite rigorous.Mr. Wavik is calling on all the young women from Hiri East to West and Motu-Koita East to West, who think they have what it takes to be the next Hanenamo Queen and passionate in preserving their ancestors to come forward and secure a space, to showcase what they have.The launching and call-out for the 2026 Hiri Hanenamo Quest was hosted by the 2025 Hiri Hanenamo Queen, Miss Luisa Margaret Udia, in the presence of Motu-Koita Ward Members, Women’s representatives Motu-Koita Assembly Deputy Chairman and other senior executives of Motu-Koita Assembly.Interested applicants must formally apply through the Motu-Koita Assembly by completing a registration form, while all applications will close on August 13th, 2026.

The Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission (PNGEC) is stepping up its preparations for the Electoral Roll update with just over nine (9) left before the 2027 National General Election (NGE) commences. On Thursday this week a team from the Electoral Commission National Capital District (NCD) office conducted a one-day training for over 20 Data Processing Officers (DPO). While on Friday, the team conducted the training of 20 Agents, 4 Team Leaders and 4 Awareness Officers.The training and briefing were part of preparing these DPO's, Agents and Awareness Officers for the Photo and Biometric Enrolment Exercise, scheduled to commence this weekend in the National Capital District (NCD). According to the Electoral Commission, National Capital District's Election Manager, Mr. Roney Hawengao, the training conducted was to get the team familiar with the application of the Photo Roll, and the process and procedures of Awareness and Enrolment Exercises. The training also includes the application and procedures of the Biometric Roll system. Mr. Hawengao previously made it clear during the Vabukori village Enrolment Exercise that the Biometric system will not be used in the upcoming 2027 NGE. It will be part of the Photo Roll Enrolment process and will be likely used in 2032 NGE. The Photo Roll only will be used in the 2027 NGE.The Photo Roll and Biometric Enrolment Exercise commenced today, Saturday 11th July in the following Motu-Koita East villages; Pari Taoata, Pari Taurama, Kirakira and Korobosea.All Eligible Voters from the age of 18 and older from Motu-Koita East, are urged to show up at their respective location and get themselves enrolled through the Photo and Biometric Roll Enrolment system, so that they can participate in exercising their democratic right to vote come 2027 National General Election. The Enrolment Exercise in the Motu-Koita East villages is scheduled to be conducted over a period of four days. 

The Newly built Ihu Market, in the Rural Ihu Local Level Government of Kikori District was officially opened by the Prime Minister, Honorable. James Marape on Friday 03rd July, in front of close to a thousand people from the surrounding villages in Ihu.Valued at the cost of K0.7 million, this state-of-the-art market building infrastructure and facilities was built by HSBL, a local building and construction contractor from Gulf Province.The new market infrastructure contains a three-winged market shelter, with close to 5o cemented benches and seats, a small office building for the market authority, a toilet and shower block, 2x water tanks, incinerator to burn rubbish with cement pavements from the market gate, connected to the market building and the other facilities in the market compound.“The Ihu Market together with the development of Baimuru Market will stimulate local economy, improve livelihoods, support farmers and fishermen, and provide safer and more organized trading facilities for the locals and it’s communities,” Marape told the people, who gathered to witness the occasion.He congratulated the Kikori District Development Authority under the leadership of their Chairman, Parliamentary Leader and Minister for DPLLGA, Hon. Soroi Eoe for making such a project a reality for the people to boost their financial activity and capacity to grow their local economy.Marape also told the People of Ihu that this market indicates the work that is happening in Ihu and a timely intervention where the local population can sell their local products in a conducive environment and can later mobilize properly to sell their local products to Papua LNG when it kicks of operations in the district.  When touring the inside of the market after officially opening the market, the Prime Minister was equally delighted and impressed by the quality of the market infrastructure and facilities.“As far as work is concerned, I would like to thank the local contractors for making sure the people receive the value for their money, where they have a proper market to sell their local produce and earn income,” said Marape.Prime Minister further added that, under the Connect PNG program, the government is giving first preferences to local contractors. And what HSBL has demonstrator by employing over 60 workers to build this market infrastructure, demonstrated that we can created more employment opportunities for Papua New Guineans when we engage more local contractors.Minister Eoe, thanked the Prime Minister for making time available to come and officiate at this significant occasion for the commissioning of integrated development investments and opening of the Ihu Market for the people of Ihu and Kikori District as a whole.He strongly urged the local people of Ihu and the surrounding communities to show maturity and responsibility by taking ownership of this new market infrastructure and look after it. He told them that bringing projects down to the district is not easy. And what they have witnessed indicates that the government is focused on building the country from district upwards, and it is up to the people to take ownership.Meanwhile, other delegates both National and Provincial Level, who also accompanied the Prime Minister to witness the commissioning and opening ceremony event were, Kerema MP and Minister for Finance, Honorable Thomas Opa, Gulf Provincial Administrator, Acting Gulf Governor and Gulf provincial administration officers.