NBC East Sepik

05/12/2023

50 years anniversary celebration at NBC Wewak 1 Dec 2023

28/11/2023

Tue 28 Nov 2023

6.5 Earthquake Hits Wewak

A 6.5 magnitude earthquake has hit the shorelines of Wewak East Sepik Province this morning at 7:45.
According to Google Earth, the epicenter is near Niniho Group of Islands in Manus Province, approximately 40 km North East from Wewak .
7 News Australia reported that no Tsunami Alert or Warning was issued by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology.
No casualties have so far been reported.

End//

26/11/2023

Materials for a 45 meter digicel tower being airlifted to Yuwun Village, Kairiru Island ,Wewak District. This tower will be erected and in service within next 2 to 3 weeks depending on the weather conditions. The service will cover the villages of Kragur, Shagur, Rumlal on Kairiru Island as well as Vokeo Island in Schouten Groups of Island. Fully supported by Wewak District Development Authority.

21/11/2023

TUE 21st NOV 2023
ESPG, NAC signs MOA for Boram Airport Development

The PNG National Airports Corporation has today signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the East Sepik Provincial Government to pave way for the construction of new state of the art Boram Airport Terminal and the runway extension projects under the ADB funded Civil Aviation Development Investment Project 2 or CADIP II.
National Airports Corporation CEO and Acting Managing Director Joseph Kintau says the MOA will now define roles and responsibilities between the stakeholders in ensuring a successful commencement and completion of the airport redevelopment projects before 2025 ends.

From left: Wellington Warren (Program Director CADIP Projects) Joseph Kintau (CEO NAC) and Samson Torovi (Provincial Administrator East Sepik).

15/11/2023

WED 15th November 2023
MP calls to put aside Political Difference
HAGORIA/WWK

The recently elected member for Wewak Open Electorate Stanley Muts Samban is now calling on his supporters and the people of Wewak District to put aside all political differences and to work together and take ownership of developments that are to take place in his term in parliament.
Mr. Samban who was elected recently in the Wewak Open by – Election after the demise of Late MP Kevin Isifu says the people of Wewak District have missed out a lot in terms of services in the last 8 months as he calls on everyone including his DDA Board members to set all differences aside and to work together.
During his swearing in ceremony as the chairman of Wewak DDA Board, Mr. Samban says he has only three years to deliver his plans in developing Wewak District before the next election.
He says law and order is his first agenda to address within the first months in office before other developmental agendas comes in play.
The new MP also calls on experienced politicians especially the presidents in six LLG’s of Wewak District to provide sound and honest advice to the DDA board to ensure that people benefits from their decisions.

End//

14/11/2023

13/11/2023

Monday 13 November 2023

PNG Power Wewak - Toksave

It is unfortunate and PPL Wewak regret to advise All its Customers and the General Public that there will not be any Power tonight to whole of Wewak accept for Hospital only.

This is due to NO FUEL. But Fuel will surely be supplied tomorrow and power will be fully restored. PPL Wewak apologize for the inconvenience caused as it is beyond our control.

Management PNG Power
Wewak

09/11/2023

Thursday 09:11:23
Law and Order in Wewak to be addressed
HAGORIA/WWK
The newly elected member for Wewak Open Stanley Samban has met with Wewak Urban Ward Councilors today in Wewak in an unprecedented move to address law and order issues affecting and hindering development in the once peaceful town of Wewak.
Mr. Samban told ward councilors from the 16 urban wards of Wewak that he has only three years to perform after his election in the Wewak by election last month.
Samban says his first priority as promised to the people of Wewak District is to address the ongoing law and order issues in Wewak.
He said he will start with Wewak Urban and move out to other parts of the district to ensure that everyone in Wewak District adopts with the changes that will be taking place.
According to Mr. Samban, all Wewak Urban wards must surrender all illegal weapons, drugs homebrew and other illegal possession.
He said the exercise will commence at his ward area and will go out to the entire Wewak Urban.
Samban urged ward councilors to uphold their status as leaders in their respective wards as his DDA will be working closely with ward councilors to drive physical, economical and spiritual developmental agendas.
Meanwhile, the newly elected Wewak MP says Wewak has many potentials as investors are willing to invest and participate to develop and grow the local economy.
However, land mobilization is an issue that needs to be addressed to make land available for outside investors including big businesses to be able to set up their operations in Wewak.
Mr. Samban and his Wewak District Development Authority Board members will be sworn on Friday 10 November.
He will later be sworn in as a member of the East Sepik Provincial Assembly.
Wewak DDA's first DDA meeting under the chairmanship of Samban is expected sometimes tomorrow.

End//

NBC News

08/11/2023

Happy 50 years anniversary to NBC

04/11/2023

Thursday 2 Oct 2023
Wewak Road Contact Signed
Hagoria/Wwk
A K6.9 million contract was signed today between the East Sepik Provincial Administration a contracting company to carry out upgrade and sealing works at a deteriorated section of the Wewak Town Road.
Green Hill Investment Limited after successfully bidding for the Mobil Junction to Post Office section of the road was awarded the contract by the East Sepik Provincial Procurement Committee.
Committee Chairman and Provincial Administrator Samson Torovi when signing the contract on behalf of the East Sepik Provincial Government says he is pleased to announce to the people of East Sepik that the contract has now been signed and works should commence immediately.
Torovi says Green Hill Investment Limited has met all necessary requirements to acquire the contract under the National Procurement Act.
Torovi says he is confident given the long standing history of the company with East Sepik Provincial Government that Green Hill Investment Limited will deliver the project on time.
Meanwhile, EMK Construction Limited also signed a K5.3 million contract for the upgrade of Hawain Ring Road in Wewak District.
During the siging of the contract, EMK Managing Director Emmanuel Kange thanked the East Sepik Provincial Government for the confidence in his company.
He said he is ready to work closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the project is delivered successfully and on time.
End//

21/10/2023

21/10/2023

20/10/2023

Top health news of the week 🚨

WHO strongly condemns the attack on Al Ahli Arab Hospital in the north of the Gaza Strip. Read the full statement here 👉🏽 https://www.who.int/news/item/17-10-2023-who-statement-on-attack-on-al-ahli-arab-hospital-and-reported-large-scale-casualties

WHO outlines considerations for regulation of artificial intelligence for health. Learn more here 👉🏽 https://www.who.int/news/item/19-10-2023-who-outlines-considerations-for-regulation-of-artificial-intelligence-for-health

13 critical interventions that support countries to address antimicrobial resistance in human health. Read more here 👉🏽 https://www.who.int/news/item/19-10-2023-13-critical-interventions-that-support-countries-to-address-antimicrobial-resistance-in-human-health

WHO strongly condemns the attack on Al Ahli Arab Hospital in the north of the Gaza Strip. The hospital was operational, with patients, health and care givers, and internally displaced people sheltering there. Early reports indicate hundreds of fatalities and injuries.The hospital was one of 20 in th...

20/10/2023

PRESS STATEMENT

We are WIBF Ready: Minister Maru..
Over 500 delegates are expected to converge into Port Moresby next week to attend and participate in the World Indigenous Business Forum (WIBF) that will be hosted from October 24-26, 2023. From the 500 delegates, 150 will be international delegates who will be coming from 14 countries.

Minister for International Trade and Investment, Hon. Richard Maru said: “This is really a wonderful opportunity for us to market our country. I want to call on all our citizens, especially those in NCD to welcome all our delegates and give them a very good impression of our city. We must all work together to ensure that they go back with very good memories of their time in Papua New Guinea.”

“I also look forward to seeing our local businesses showcasing their products, building international networks, creating partnerships, and looking for markets among all the countries that will attend the forum. I call on all our indigenous SMEs and large companies who have registered to prepare well and take full advantage of this one-off opportunity to market your products and services and our country to the delegates from around the world who will be coming to attend this forum. You must also canvas new business opportunities and forge partnerships to grow your businesses with new indigenous partners from around the world,” said Minister Maru.

This three-day event will start with a grand opening ceremony hosted by NCDC and the Amazing Port Moresby Team at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, from 5pm to 9pm. The forum will be officially opened on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, by Prime Minister, Hon. James Marape, and will end with an official closing ceremony which will be hosted by NCDC and the Amazing Port Moresby Team at Ela Beach on Thursday, October 26, 2023, from 6pm to 9pm.

Ends…//

Approved for Release

Hon. Richard Maru, BTech, MBA, OBE, MP
Minister for International Trade & Investment

20/10/2023

Team

20/10/2023

Thank you for your support towards our page.

20/10/2023

Friday 20th Oct 2023
Pacific Partnership Exercise Ends on High Note
HAGORIA/WWK
The 10 days Pacific Partnership 2023 Program spearheaded by the United States Navy in partnership with Australia, Japan, Canada, Chili, Republic of Korea, New Zealand and the United Kingdom has ended on a high note today in Wewak East Sepik Province.
The PP2023 Exercise is part of humanitarian assistance from the United States Navy and it's partners to the Indo-Pacific Region with aim to strengthen bilateral ties within the region.
During their 10 days’ engagement in Wewak, the PP23 Mission carried out various activities including disaster preparedness exercises, medical and other humanitarian missions as well as community engagement programs.
Mission Commander Captain Claudine Caluori during the closing ceremony at Wewak Hill this morning thanked the government and the people of Papua New Guinea for hosting her team which allowed them to train and share knowledge with Papua New Guineans.
Captain Caluori says following last year’s visit to West New Britain Province, this year’s exercise in the largest humanitarian assistance and disaster preparedness program conducted by her team in the Indo- Pacific Region.
According to Captain Calouri, their medical team has diagnosed and treated hundreds of patients with various health issues including dental amongst others.
The PP2023 Exercise will now continue on their mission to other parts of Indo Pacific Region.
Meanwhile, the Chargé d’Affaires for Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu Katherine Monahan is in Wewak to participate in Pacific Partnership 2023, the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific region.
CDA Monahan says Pacific Partnership’s mission exemplifies Unite State’s partnership with Papua New Guinea as fellow Pacific countries, the medical care, community education, and disaster relief preparedness enabled by the Pacific Partnership’s work complements the closer cooperation that exists between the countries as a part of the U.S.-Papua New Guinea Defense Cooperation Agreement.
CDA Monahan joined U.S. Navy Captain and Mission Commander Claudine Caluori to oversee closing ceremonies for Pacific Partnership 2023. During her visit, she also met with Governor of East Sepik Province Allan Bird to discuss opportunities for cooperation, and participated in health outreach events, a musical performance at the Mongniol Primary School, and a visit to the tomb of Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare.
At the invitation of Papua New Guinea, Pacific Partnership’s mission is to conduct tailored humanitarian and civic preparedness activities in areas such as engineering, disaster response, public health, and Papua New Guinea outreach events. This year’s mission, featuring approximately 90 personnel, was a combined effort by Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and the United States.
While in Papua New Guinea, Pacific Partnership 2023 provided tailored medical care focusing on subject-matter exchanges and community education, conducted repairs at a local schoolhouse, and facilitated knowledge exchanges with exercises covering disaster response and humanitarian assistance.
End//

17/10/2023

Tue 17 October 2023
Samban Declared MP
Hagoria/Wwk

The Social Democratic Party Candidate Stanley Muts Samban who contested the Wewak Open By- Election have been declared duly elect Member for Wewak Open Electorate in East Sepik Province after exclusion number 13 this afternoon.

Mr Samban polled a total of 14,950 votes crossing the absolute majority of 14,258 + 1.
His second runner up is Independent Candidate Moses Warie Maninare who polled a total of 13,565.

Samban was declared this afternoon at 4 pm after exclusion number 13 which saw People's First Party Candidate Dr Deanne Woruba bowing out of the race.
Election Manager James Piapia when declaring the duly elected Member thanked everyone who contributed in ensuring a successful by election for Wewak Open Electorate.
The seat was left vacant after the death of MP Late Kevin Isifu.
East Sepik now has one seat vacant in parliament which is the Maprik Open Seat after the recent passing on of MP Gabriel Kapris.

End//

17/10/2023

After Exclusion 10, exclusion 11 in progress

16/10/2023

Mon 16 Oct 2023
Counting Suspended
Hagoria/Wwk
The counting for Wewak Open By Election have been suspended after 9th exclusion.
Still leading the race is Social Democratic Party candidate Stanley Samban after polling 8476.
Closely followed by Independent Candidate Moses Warie Maninare with 8180.
PFP's Dr Deane Waruba is on 3rd spot with 8168.
URP's George Isifu is on 4th placing with 7087 and on the 5th spot is Pangu's Jim Simatab with 6208.
A total of 9 candidates were eliminated today with only six remaining in the race.
The absolute majority now stands at 20706.
Counting was suspended at 6pm this afternoon.

End//

16/10/2023

After Exclusion number 8 for the Wewak Open By Election
Exclusion 9 in progress

10/10/2023

Press Release
East Sepik Provincial Administration
Administrator: Mr Samson Torovi

Good day Citizens of Wewak Town
Re: Wewak Town Market as Counting Venue for Wewak By-Election.
The Provincial Election Steering Committee met yesterday and after considering all options decided that the WEWAK TOWN MARKET be the counting venue.
Kaindi and other School Institutions cannot be used because of School Exams
Be costly and time consuming to re-build. Re-fit Lighting & Power and table chairs etc. for other counting venues such as YC Hall, Golf/Yacht Club/Govt Store etc.
Reasons for Town Market as Counting Centre/Venue
(1) Good Fencing
(2) Market/Counting Bench ready for sorting and counting.
(3) Enough Space to do the counting by each LLGs at the same time.
(4) Power to be drawn from NBC who has standby Gen Set & NBC Easy coverage of tallies/Counting etc
(5) Market Vendors be moved to Wewak Council Chamber area for the counting days
(6) Enclosed for Security Checks and full security cordon for the counting period
(7) Easy Access for public information if we all respect one and other around town during the counting period.
(8) Containers containing ballot boxes be moved from present location to being inside the market for ease of movement and security.
(9) Only Day time Counting
(10) Estimated counting days will be 3-5 days at most. Declaration of new member expected by Monday 16th October at most.
(11) Monday - Tuesday, Training and briefing counting Officials and Prep work for the counting centre at Town Market
(12) Counting expected to start on Wednesday 11th October 2023 Declaration of new member expected by Monday 16th October at most.
I urge you all to reason to logic, our alternate options and let us not argue or fight amongst ourselves for trivial reasons but we strive all work together to bring this by-election to a closure as soon as we can so that Wewak will have a new Member.
PA Samson Torovi & Chairman of PESC.

03/10/2023

Tue 03 October 2023

Wewak Polling Commence Today

The first day of polling for the Wewak Open By Election commencd today despite a slow start due to minor setbacks this morning, progress for the first day of voting ran smoothly for the rest of the day according to Election Manager James Piapia.
Piapia told NBC News that a total of 46 polling teams have been dispatched throughout the district this morning.
Polling is expected to conclude this Friday.
A total of fifteen candidates are vying for the Wewak Open Seat left vacant by late MP Kevin Isifu. Amongst the male dominated race is the only female independent candidate Felixia Munjin.

End//

26/07/2023

BY ELECTION DEFERRED

The issue of writs for the three By-election has been further delayed for another week which is next Thursday.

Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission announced this saying the issue of writs is postponed due to delay in clearing of funds and logistics issues.

The date set for tomorrow is now further delayed and now set for August 03rd.

Meantime, the Writ for Lagaip Open Electorate will be deferred for an indefinate period until security issues in Enga province is addressed.

Electoral Commission says this will eventuate if police gives clearance to conduct the By-elections.

///

06/06/2023

Tue 6 June 2023
PNG Power Wewak on Load Shedding
Hagoria/Wwk

PNG Power Wewak will continue to carry out load shedding throughout this week on a 3 hour intervals commencing this afternoon, says Wewak Branch Manager Michael Namo.
Mr. Namo told NBC News that there are major technical issues that needs to be rectified before normalcy is restored.
He said PNG Power Wewak operates on six power generators, however, four of them are currently faced with mechanical and electrical issues, leaving them with only two supplying the entire consumers.
Electricity supply to Kreer Heights, Boram, Brandi and Sepik Highway will go offline at 6pm this afternoon whilst Caltex, Town and Yarapos areas gets the supply.
The schedule will continue on a 3 hour basis while engineers are working on restoring the four generators.
The demand for electricity supply in Wewak have continued to increase with more developments taking place in the Provincial Capital, putting more stress on existing facilities.
Meantime, NBC News was also informed that installation for the new generator recently purchased with the assistance from the East Sepik Provincial Government is expected to be completed by August 2023.
PNG Power has also apologized for inconveniences caused on general consumers and business houses.
End ........

03/06/2023

NBC 50 years of Broadcasting in Papua New Guinea

03/06/2023

Saturday 3rd June 2023
Boy Killed in Wewak
Hagoria/Wwk

A 10 year old boy was pronounced dead this morning at the Boram Hospital in Wewak from injuries sustained after allegedly being beaten by his step mother.
According to emergency officers who attended to the boy when brought to the hospital, they tried their best to resuscitate the boy but couldn't.
NBC news was told that the boy had a raptured spleen, blood clots and external bruises when examined.
Showing signs of physical abuse.
According to sources, the father of the deceased is a soldier attached with the PNGDF 2RPIR Battalion in Wewak currently deployed to Vanimo.

End.....

01/06/2023

Thursday 1st June 2023
CANDIDATE WANTS RECOUNT
HAGORIA/WWK

The runner-up candidate for Wewak Open Seat in the 2022 National General Election and former MP Jim Simatab is now filing a Supreme Court Reference challenging a national court decision staying his election petition filed against Electoral Commission for alleged errors and omissions during the election.
Mr. Simatab says his petition was never given a fair hearing at the National Court after Electoral Commission Lawyers successfully filed a motion declaring Wewak Open Seat vacant after the passing on of sitting MP Late Kevin Isifu in September 2022, just weeks after late Isifu's re-election.
The petitioner (Mr Simatab) said he is petitioning the courts seeking a recount for Wewak Open ballot papers with evidences suggesting gross errors and omissions especially during the counting and declaration.
A directional hearing into the matter is expected next week in Port Moresby.
Meantime, Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai has indicated to an election summit earlier this week that the tentative date for the issue of writs for Wewak, Laigap and North Bougainville Open Electorates is 15th June 2023 with the by-elections sets in on 27th June 2023.
End……………

31/05/2023

Thursday 1st June 2023
Contaminated Water Causing Diseases
Hagoria/Wwk
The Kaminimbit and Mamari Villagers in Middle Sepik LLG of Angoram District East Sepik Province are now calling for immediate interventions from authorities to look into potential outbreak of skin diseases and other waterborne sicknesses in their areas.
Community leaders told NBC News that villagers have been getting sick and developing ulcer like sores after consuming and bathing in contaminated water sources.
Cyril Tara from Kaminimbit said villagers are now starving as they could no longer catch fish and produce sago as all their water sources have now been contaminated.
When speaking to NBC News from his village, Tara claims that the recent seismic activities have given way for underground toxic minerals to surface, contaminating all water sources.
He said the contamination have also been catastrophic to fish, crocodiles and other aquatic animals in their natural habitats.
The villagers have also claimed that no medical supplies or any form of relief assistance have reached them despite efforts made to report their situation to the provincial authorities.
Former Radio Braodcater Bruce Samban when rasing his concern is now calling on the East Sepik Provincial Government and the Provincial Health Authority to urgently investigate and assist the affected villagers.
End.......

Photos courtesy of Cyril Tara

22/02/2023

Public Holiday in remembrance of Late GC Sir Michael T Somare

22/02/2023