NBC MANUS - Maus Bilong Chauka

04/07/2024

, ETS, Clarifies Misinformation on Generator Procurement

In response to recent misinformation circulating on social media regarding the allocation of 700 thousand kina for the procurement of a new generator by the Manus Provincial Government, The Deputy Manus Provincial Administrator, Economic and Technical Services, Mr. Penua George Polon, has stepped forward to address and correct these claims.

Mr. Polon clarified that the generator in question has not yet been purchased and the allocated funds are a preemptive measure to ensure adequacy based on the specifications provided by PNG Power Limited.

These funds are earmarked for the purchase and procurement of the specified type of generator, along with its associated costs.

It was further explained by Mr. Polon that once the generator is procured, it will be utilized temporarily by PNG Power until their newly installed generators are commissioned for operational use, subsequently, the government-purchased generator will be returned to the Manus Provincial Government.

The total allocated funds for this project amounts to 1.1 million kina, covering not only the acquisition of the generator but also provisions for the repair and maintenance of PNG Power's electrical facilities, including power lines within its commercial power grid and the purchase of generator parts.

Mr. Polon emphasized the necessity of this government intervention to address the electricity needs of various sectors including Educational Institutions, Health Facilities, Private and Business entities, and also the Government.

He assured the Manus populace that proper processes will be followed in this project and emphasized that any insinuation of impropriety by officers is erroneous and will not be tolerated.

The Manus Provincial Government and its Administration remains dedicated to meeting the energy needs of its constituents while upholding principles of integrity and appropriate governance in its endeavors.

04/07/2024

Efforts in Upholding Law and Order

There is now a resounding call for all Village Court Officials to step up their commitment towards their duties.

The plea for a more stringent approach in upholding law and order was made by Chief Inspector Fred Kaiwa, the Provincial Police Commander for West New Britain.

Chief Inspector Kaiwa made this statements when emphasizing the pivotal role that Village Court Officials play in ensuring Law and Order prevails, adding, the resolving of issues while they are minor and manageable is better than allowing them to escalate

He stressed that, an effective village court system will significantly contribute towards reducing the many legal issues that are affecting communities.

The Manus Provincial Police Commander, Senior Inspector Maurneen Undaba supported this sentiments further calling on all village court officials to work closely with the Manus Provincial Police Command to ensure perpetrators are held accountable to their actions

There are a numerous village court cases that have been unsuccessfully resolved due to the lack of commitment to mediate, follow up or refer cases by Village Court Officials

04/07/2024

for Top Achievements despite Low Manpower

The Manus Provincial Police Command has been commended for their outstanding performance and remarkable achievements so far.

The acknowledgment were made by NGI Regional Deputy Commander, Gordan Makumb.

Makumb says, despite the command having a low manpower, the Manus Provincial Police Command has made significant progress in maintaining peace and ensuring justice prevails.

Per this years statistics, a total of 919 complaints were registered, 230 fresh arrests were made, 70 follow up arrests, 165 cases were settled out of court, 464 pending cases, 84 Convictions and 14 committals.

Apart from these statistics, the Manus Provincial Police Command has since the beginning of this year conducted 46 foot patrols and 36 awareness activities across the province

Meantime, Makumb has also expressed gratitude to the people of Manus for their continuous support in upholding the rule of law in reporting perpetrators to the police

He says, their cooperation and collaboration with the Manus Provincial Police has been instrumental in ensuring that these perpetrators are brought to justice and that the legal process is upheld without compromise

In saying this, he has also urged Manus Citizens to remain vigilant and actively follow up on pending cases to ensure justice is served

The NGI Regional Deputy Commander, Gordan Makumb made this statements during a recent awareness rally by the Joint NGI Region Provincial Police Commanders in Lorengau

02/07/2024

initiative to address power outages with New 550 KVA Generator

In a proactive move to tackle the ongoing commercial power outages in Manus Province, the Manus Provincial Government has announced its intervention to support PNG Power Ltd Lorengau, in acquiring a new 550 KVA power generator

This development was disclosed by the Manus Provincial Governor, Hon Charlie Benjamin, during his presentation of the Revised 2024 Manus Provincial Government Budget today during the Manus Provincial Lapan Assembly

Governor Benjamin emphasized the detrimental impact of the persistent power outages on the province's progress further highlighting the prolonged outages have the potential to impede the development aspirations of Manus Province

The decision to assist PNG Power in procuring a new generator is seen as a mutually beneficial solution for both parties

The newly acquired generator will be stationed at the PNG Power Lombrum Power house, where it will function as an interim power source supporting the current PNG PNG Power Generators

This installation aims to alleviate the current power shortage in the province until the planned large generators, pledged by the Lombrum Naval Base Developers, are procured and installed for the benefit of Manus Province

02/07/2024

Convenes to Discuss 2024 Revised Budget

The revised 2024 Manus Provincial Budget is a staggering 265 million 585 thousand and 74 kina

This is an increase of well over 60 million kina from the initial budget of K190 million that was passed in late 2023

This budget was presented by the Manus Provincial Governor and Chairman to the Lapan Provincial Assembly, Hon Charlie Benjamin during the Manus Provincial Government's Lapan Provincial Assembly which commenced today at 2 pm

As per the Revised 2024 Manus Provincial Budget, the Infrastructural Sector has received the highest portion with K83 592 253.69, Education with the next highest of K43 768 128.26, the Economic Sector received K33 048 099.11, the Social Sector with K23 328 069.96, Health receives K7 776 023.32 and Law and Order received the smallest portion of the budget with K3 888 011.66

Much of the allocations of the Revised 2024 Manus Provincial Budget is aimed at building a robust Economy and driving progress across the province.

This is seen by the allocation of the large slice of the budget to both the Economic and Infrastructures Sector

The Manus Provincial Lapan Assembly will reconvene tomorrow at 10 am to debate the 2024 Revised Budget and also see its passing should it be agreed upon by the Members of the Assembly

01/07/2024

2nd Quarter Meet Commences in Lorengau*

The New Guinea Islands Regional Commanders Workshop is currently underway in Manus Province.

It is the second quarter meeting for the year 2024.

The workshop brings together all seven Provincial Police Commanders from the region along with their respective police administrators, the Assistant Police Commissioner, NGI Region, Perou Ndranou together with his Deputy.

Kicking off with a Commanders Parade today, the workshop is scheduled to run until Wednesday, aiming to facilitate the sharing of Law and Order issues across the region and discussing best practices to address these challenges.

Following the conclusion of the workshop on Wednesday, the Police Commanders will extend their engagement beyond the conference room by having visits to High and Secondary Schools in Manus to foster relationships with the younger generation.

Then on Friday the Regional Police Commanders will be visiting communities across the Seadler Bay area, including the Pitilu Community, to better understand and address local concerns.

All visiting Police Commanders and their Administrators will bid farewell to Manus Province on Saturday for their respective provinces

01/07/2024

The people of Loniu Village celebrated the grand opening to their new Medical Center over the weekend.

The event was graced by esteemed guests, including The Manus PEC Parliamentary Chairman for Environment and Climate Change and President for Los Negros, Hon Francis Pokas Kolopen, The Manus Provincial Administrator Mame Kasalau MBE, The Manus PHA CEO Francis Possi, and The ECOM Superintendent, Mr. Andrew Kupesan.

Amongst this guest was Dr. Leo Gunaselan, the initiator and core funder of the medical center.

Dr. Gunaselan, being overwhelmed on the achievement thus far, further called for continued support to ensure the Medical Centre thrives and reaches greater heights.

The Manus Provincial Administrator Mr. Mame Kasalau expressed profound appreciation for this initiative, affirming the Provincial Administration’s support for the project.

The clinic is fully furnished with furnitures, medical equipment, and medical supplies and is named Bethesda Medical Centers

It is the first of 5 Medical Centers that Dr Leo Gunaselan aims to work with local communities across Manus Province to build

28/06/2024

Data Collection in Manus Province Progressing Smoothly

The Data Collection Exercise for the National General Census in Manus Province is showing promising progress, with Provincial Census Coordinator, Mrs. Terry Yohang, confirming that the operation has been running smoothly since its commencement last week.

In an interview with NBC Manus, Mrs. Yohang provided an update on the status of the census in the province. She revealed that as of today, only two local level governments (LLGs), namely Rapatona and Balopa LLG, have completed their data collection exercise and returned to Lorengau.

While these two LLGs have confirmed their completion status, Mrs. Yohang mentioned that there are other LLGs whose teams may have arrived in Lorengau but are yet to confirm their status with her, additionally, some LLGs are still in the process of traveling to Lorengau.

Mrs. Yohang emphasized that all interviews and data collection activities are expected to be completed by the 30th of June at which Manus Province will be completing it's data collection at the target date, furthermore, the Provincial Census Team will have until the 13th of July to enter and upload all the gathered data to the National Statistics Office Online Portal.

27/06/2024

Conference Promotes Low-Interest Loan Product in Lorengau

The Nationwide Microbank, commonly known as MiBank, hosted its Esiloan Conference at the Seadler Bay Hotel's Lapan Conference Room today

The primary objective of the conference was to raise awareness about MiBank’s latest unsecured loan product, Esiloan, to government entities, state-owned agencies and interested public servants.

It is widely known that almost all public servants are trapped under loan sharks and unregulated financial lenders who impose hefty fees on a fortnightly basis

One of the key highlights of the Esiloan product is its remarkably low-interest rate of 1.7%, whereby prospective applicants have the opportunity to borrow amounts ranging from a minimum of K1000 to a maximum of K70, 000, with a repayment period extending up to 52 fortnightly installments or 3 years

Attendees at the conference expressed a sense of relief and optimism following the introduction of the Esiloan product

Many individuals had previously faced challenges dealing with loan sharks and unregulated financial lenders who imposed exorbitant interest rates of up to 30% per fortnight

MiBank’s competitive interest rate and transparent lending practices have garnered significant praise from most of the attendees to the conference

MiBank, is a newly established financial institution here in Lorengau, and is partially owned by The National Government together with some renowned financial institutions such as the Kina Bank

In the Province, they are situated behind the Papindo Retail Store and adjacent to the Manus General Hospital Road, the road leading to Ward 6 and 7 of Lorengau

27/06/2024

Welcomes 10 New Police Officials

The Manus Provincial Police Command proudly welcomed 10 new Police Officials today.

These recruits have successfully completed a rigorous 9 months training program and were part of the recent graduates at the esteemed Bomana Police Training College.

Upon their arrival in the Province, the new recruits underwent the first day of their 2 weeks long induction process to familiarize themselves with their new roles and responsibilities.

The Manus Provincial Police Commander, Maureen Undaba Hangat says these recruits will be on a probationary period lasting 1 year and 3 months.

Commander Hangat has expressed gratitude to the Royal PNG Police Constabulary for the ten police officers and the Manus Provincial Governor, Hon Charlie Benjamin, for his support in providing the Manus Provincial Police Command with a Police Single Quarters Dormitory at which will now accommodate these officers

With the addition of these 10 Police Officials, the Manus Provincial Police Command now boasts a stronger staff strength of 55 Policemen, reinforcing its commitment to upholding law and order and better serving the Province.

Meantime, while the Police Officials are eager to start their duties, it was also noted that they are yet to be included in the government payroll system and therefore will need all the assistance available in terms of their welfare in the interim

26/06/2024

Rehabilitation and Maintenance Project: LO Issues Hindering Progress

Covec PNG Limited, the company contracted to do maintenance and rehabilitation on the Manus East West Highway as part of the Connect PNG Program, is currently facing setbacks to it's road works.

According to Mr. Polly Wadah, Public Relations Officer at Covec PNG Limited, the company is encountering difficulties in obtaining gravels from resource owners along the highway.

This issue is significantly impacting the progress of road graveling, compacting and sealing, which is an essential aspect to the maintenance project.

Initially, the agreement with the National Works Department stipulated the use of gravels from the Polomou gravel pit for the road upgrading, however, due to clan issues, Covec PNG Limited is now exploring alternative sources for excavating gravels to proceed with the road upgrading.

Mr. Wadah emphasized the importance of resource owners' cooperation in the highway road rehabilitation project for the development of Manus Province and therefore urged resource owners to recognize the significance of their contribution to the project.

Despite these challenges, Covec PNG Limited continues to advance other phases of the project, focusing on proper drainage development and rehabilitating calverts along the road's length.

The Manus Provincial Government has urged the company to prioritize sealing the first 15 kilometers of the road to ensure timely progress in the East West Highway Project maintenance efforts.

[Caption: Drainage works at Ward 4 NBC Tamat Road - by Pindriket PJ Kulwaum ]

25/06/2024

Urged to Exercise Caution Amid Power Load Shedding Exercise by PNG Power

With the ongoing power load shedding exercise by PNG Power affecting Lorengau and its outskirts, residents are again advised to take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of their homes and properties.

It is imperative for electricity users within these areas to exercise vigilance and follow safety protocols to prevent potential hazards.

One of the primary measures recommended is to ensure that all electrical appliances are switched off when not in use, additionally, turning off the main switch on the circuit breaker switchboard, even during blackouts, is crucial to avoid electrical mishaps and safeguard homes from any unforeseen incidents.

Moreover, residents are reminded to unplug all electrical appliances when leaving their homes unattended..

It is important to understand that fires caused by electrical faults may not be easily extinguished with water but require specialized equipment such as CO2 fire extinguishers.

Furthermore, it is strongly advised to engage qualified, experienced, and licensed electricians for any electrical works or maintenance required in homes.

Ensuring that electrical systems are installed and maintained correctly by professionals can mitigate the risk of electrical accidents and ensure the safety of residents and properties.

25/06/2024

Engulfed in Flames, Allegedly Due to Electrical Static Surge

A Dual Complex House identified as being in Section 49, Lot 7 of Ward 3 went up in flames earlier today, reportedly as a result of an electrical static surge.

The property, owned by the late Sapau Paniu, was engulfed in a blaze that quickly spread, leaving little behind but ashes

While an official statement from authorities regarding the exact cause of the fire is pending, witnesses on the scene recounted a sudden explosion preceding the inferno, indicating a potential electrical malfunction as the cause

NBC Manus, being present at the site, observed locals from Ward 3 rushed to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to a nearby building and escalating further

This incident reemerges the ongoing call on the urgent need for a dedicated Fire Emergency Service in Lorengau Town, the importance of vigilance when dealing with flammable and electrical appliances and the necessity for PNG Power to ensure stringent monitoring of its electrical supply across Manus.

20/06/2024

20/06/2024

CROCODILE CLAIMS 11 YEAR OLD AT LELE MAHDI BUPI CHUPEU LLG

The co**se of a little girl was found this morning (Thursday 20th June) at Delap in the Lele Mahdi Bupi Chupeu LLG in Manus Province. Travelers passing by on dinghy coming into Lorengau town reportedly sighted something afloat on the on the beach line before a latter boat actually went over to investigate only to discovered in dismay it was the floating co**se of a little girl.

Notifying law enforcers, Manus police were quick to response being on sight to witness the co**se being recovered onto dry land. Police were available to inspect the co**se dismissing any suspicious claims of abduction, domestic inferences or a covered accident it was concluded the little girl was a victim to a fatal crocodile attack which is common on those parts.

11 year old Phillipa David was last seen the previous day on the 19th of June with her parents in the morning going off to harvest sago in the marshy inland where several other witnesses also claimed seeing her by the Dalep rivulet where they were harvesting sago it was till sunset when she failed to arrive home that her parents went out looking for her, the community organized a search party which unfortunately later came to realize the tragedy.

Police confirmed by probable cause she was dragged off and drowned by seemingly a large saltwater crocodile which was evident in the elusive claw and teeth marks in her legs and chest with bruises and cuts showing obvious signs of struggle and drowning. Her co**se was possibly floated out of the river mouth by the crocodile which may explain some of the bruises from the coral reefs where it fortunately kept the tide from pulling her further out to deeper waters.
Young Phillipa is now at the Lorengau General Mortuary awaiting funeral arrangements to lay her to rest.

Dalep is one of several tributaries of the main Liap River, the marshy lowlands in the mainland Lele Mahdi Bupi Chupeu LLG is notorious for crocodile attacks with as much as one to two incident are reported every year in most cases victims rarely survive. Two years ago in 2022 a young man was dragged away by a crocodile in the dark of night while spear fishing which evoked a wild crocodile hunt to catch and kill the man eater.

Due to increasing human population and the expanding communities, locals are now foraging into crocodile breeding and hunting natural habitats posing a threat to both human and crocodile populations, the saltwater crocodile is the largest and vicious of the species and can grown to lengths of 6 – 8 meters living up to 50 years.

The latest incident has now prompted locals to stay vigilant with Police issuing warnings to take extra precaution of children and livestock when out fishing or foraging and refrain from venturing alone to the wetlands especially in the night.

Story by – Peter Lingau
NBC Manus
Picture Source:
Armature Photograph

19/06/2024

PAPITALAI PUPIL PROTESTS

In a twist of events last week at Papitalai Secondary School in the Los Negros LLG, some students assaulted four (4) other students in frustration over loss of valuable “learning time”. The four students were suspects under investigations by the police for initially instigating an argument with outsiders over the weekend (Saturday the 8th June) which had led to a large brawl between boarding students and residents of the nearby Clough Papitalai Campsite.

On Saturday night between the hours of 6 and 7 pm protesting boarding students from the male dormitory stormed the Papitalai Contractors' camp gates in vengeful retaliation hauling rocks into the residential fence.
Speaking to NBC Manus some of the boarding students recalled hearing from multiple witnesses that a student was abducted by men supposedly under the influence in a “named” company vehicle within the school area, this caused the young men to mobilize an attack in a desperate plight to rescue him, several of the male students claimed that; (translated) “we didn’t know why he was taken, all we knew was that one of us was taken and was in danger”
Official details are still sketchy and under investigation by the police but from multiple sources it is established that the young man was suspected to be part of a previous group of students who had a confrontation with the men earlier that same evening outside of the school area. The men were employees from PNG Land Surveyors and were on rest and recreation parked near the beach when the students approached them. Their confrontation quickly escalated due to claims of a rock thrown at the company vehicle breaking off the siren on its roof, this prompted the men to pursue the boys which the boys easily evaded them on foot. The men then drove into the school to report the matter to the school administration however the admin was already closed by then, driving back out the men claimed to have recognize the abductee from earlier and began assaulting him and forced him into the vehicle where he was then taken away to be “severely interrogated” to identify the others meanwhile back at the school campus reports of the abduction triggered the situation that gradually escalated to that weekend’s unrest.
The onslaught of rocks and languages was easily de-escalated with the immediate help of PNGDF personel from the nearby barracks, Manus Police and site security whom intervened to dismiss the crowd however it is alleged that some local opportunists took advantage of security presence and assaulted some school staff and vandalized school properties while rounding up the young men. No serious injuries were reported in exception to a male teacher that was attacked in his house and the young boy whom was abducted earlier, the two were transported into Lorengau for medical attention.

Both factions have now come to compromise with the school and the ‘named’ sub contractors agreeing to meet costs of specific damages to properties. A proper investigation is still in progress by the police, the school principal expressed remorse saying the administration will deal accordingly with those found in the wrong while some concerned parents checking up on their children the next day expressed concerns that authorities, employers and those in charge overseeing the project site should also deal with the individuals involved for the excessive amount of injuries they’ve inflicted on the young man, the suspect a 17 year old ‘named’ grade 9 student sustained grievous injuries to his face and limbs including a machete wound over his right elbow, he is recovering from his wound and is back in school cooperating in investigations.
A parent who wishes not to be named remarked that police and authorities are there to deal with such matters and had not the men had kidnapped and tortured him (the boy) none of this would have occurred in the first place.
The school has now resumed classes heading into to finals and the term holidays while disciplinary forces are maintaining presence to ensure peace is restored in Papitalai, Los Negros LLG, Manus Province.

Story by: Peter Lingau
NBC Manus
Photo Source:
Papu Chacheii

18/06/2024

set to commence in Manus

While the National Government’s nationwide Census Program kicked off today after the Official Announcements made by the Nations Prime Minister Hon James Marape, Manus province is currently facing a slight delay.

This is due to the Provinces’ Enumerators and Data Collectors having to undergo their final Lag of training sessions on Data Collections.

NBC Manus News is aware that as of this evening the Lorengau Urban, Los Negros, Rapatona, Balopa, Nali Sopat Penabu, Lele Masih Bupi Chupeu, and Tetidu LLG have from all 12 LLGs successfully completed their 3rd tier training.

These LLGs have confirmed through their Respective LLG Managers and LLG Census Coordinators their preparedness to initiate their data collection operations as of Tomorrow, Wednesday the 19th of June.

A total of 284 Data Collectors and Enumerators were selected and have now been distributed throughout the 12 Local Level Governments (LLGs) across the province to ensure a comprehensive and accurate census exercise.

Leading this crucial operation is the Provincial Census Coordinator, Ms Terry Yohang.

With the National Census Program scheduled to conclude on the 30th of June, Manus Province remains committed to contributing valuable data that will aid in shaping future policies and initiatives for both the Province and also the Nation.

[Caption: Lorengau Urban LLG Census Enumerators and Data Collectors undergoing their third tier training on Data Collection at the Manus Training Center]

17/06/2024

MANUS OBSERVES KINGS BIRTHDAY

Lorengau Town was rainy with kids wading in the waves while public servants were on holidays to observe this year's Kings Birthday 17th June 2024. Although it's not his biological birthday it's been tradition that some commonwealth nations still observed on various dates in the months of May or June.
In Papua New Guinea observing King Charles III birthday we've set aside the second Monday of June to commemorate this day annually. The King's Birthday this time around holds a peculiar significance that the current King himself is no stranger to PNG or rather Manus Province.
Having a rather fond attachment to our country the King's father Prince Phillip Duke of Edinburgh the Queen's Consort was first in Manus in 1956, where the successor, his son then as Prince Charles would check in two decades later marked by an elaborate traditional coronation at NBC beach in 1984 marking him as lapan (leader) or King a 39 years prequel to his official coronation last year. Thirty-nine (39) years ago his majesty was ornamated with beads, baskets, shells dogtooth and spear-bottle (obsidian warrior spears) before dancing to the garamut drums on our shores. Which remarkably even in his pidgin-English speech in a latter visit in Port Moresby he announced his title as the 10th lapan of Manus stating a title he holds sentimentally.

King Charles III succeeded his mother Queen Elizabeth II as the 64th monarch of the British Empire over a reign of more than a century
His mother Queen Elizabeth II is also known as the longest serving monarch in the realm ruling for 70 years 214 days.
King Charles III is 75 years old now and heads the Brittish and commonwealth empire. LONG LIVE THE KING!!!

Story by: Peter Lingau
Pictures Source:
www.mediastorehouse.com
www.theweek.com/news/uk-news
www.cnn.com

17/06/2024

Manus Provincial Administration’s May Month Ends on high note.

May was “Money May” or the Month of money, ‘Money’ being one of the “16 Basic Wants and Needs” as annually observed by the Manus Provincial Administration’s calendar sets aside various programs intended to address money issues among the population especially its creation and management.

The Provincial division of Trade and Commerce specially took onus during ‘Money May’ to roll out its awareness programs to educate the people on personal viability and other trainings. Collaborating with several public and private institutions operating in the province the team despite wet weather conditions toured villages to promote products and also emphasize the importance on savings and other monetizing skills. Actively participating were several sales representatives and financial consultants from TSL, Tisa Savings and Loans Society and United Finance. Erol Sapak from TISA, which is estimated to have about six (6) thousand active members in Manus commented it’s only fair the least they could do is get involved in such programs seeing most of their members are public servants anyways and Mr. Jeremiah K*k from United Finance a Western Highland’s owned firm also remarked embracing such challenges in bringing essential financial services to remote areas.

Miss Samantha Kuyei who coordinated the programs said the general theme of Money May was centered on Manus Provincial Government’s economical vision of “putim moni long poket bilong ol pipol’ Kuyei stressed the campaign was to inform the people of the various programs and viable life skills training available at the division that their Councilors and Ward Development Officers can request for, for local capacity building. Miss Kuyei from Worei in Tetidu LLG acknowledges the specialization skills specific to the semi-subsistent commerce of rural Manus but encourages the people especially the women to learn new skills such as tailoring to diversify and have other revenue making alternatives.

Programs will continue for the rest of the years with the Division’s Advisor Mr. Pius Kuwe affirming the extension of more training and SIYB (Start/Improve Your Business) courses to Koroji and other selected wards in the Pobuma LLG in this month June, Kuwe advised targeting more training to Pobuma LLG to build capacity and equip the people to capitalize and actively participate in the Ndraukei township development and the already sanctioned Special Economic Zone or Free Trade Province.

Story and Photos by:
Peter Suhir Lingau, NBC Manus