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PICTURE CAPTION: NCD Governor Powes Parkop

NATIONAL Capital District Governor Hon. Powes Parkop has strongly condemned the gang rape of a young woman at Erima on Monday night.

He described it as “utterly unacceptable.”

Police report says the incident occurred near the SDA Church, close to Erima Funeral Home, where the woman known only as Jane was attacked by a group of youths who fled the scene.

She is now receiving urgent medical care at Susu Mama 3-Mile Hospital. Police say investigations are continuing.

Governor Parkop said the crime highlighted the urgent need to make the city safer for women and children.

He called on police to use every available resource to identify and arrest those responsible.

Governor Parkop also renewed his push for stronger crime prevention measures, including the citywide installation of CCTV cameras in crime hotspots around the city and the enforcement of the Vagrancy Act.

He said these tools would help deter criminal activity and strengthen police investigations.

Governor Parkop urged residents to assist police with any information that could lead to the arrest of the attackers.

He stressed that community cooperation is vital.

“This violence has no place in our capital,” Mr Parkop said.

“Together, we must act to protect our people.”

PICTURE CAPTION: Secretary for Department of National Planning & Monitoring Mr Koney Samuel.

BY RAYLEEN WANJIMAN
PAPUA New Guinea has launched its first-ever Sustainable Development Goals Data Portal, a tool designed to track the country’s progress on global development targets.

The launch was announced in Port Moresby during the dissemination of the nation’s 2025 Voluntary National Review Report, a milestone that comes as PNG celebrates its 50th Golden Jubilee of Independence.

Secretary for National Planning and Monitoring, Mr. Koney Samuel, said the report shows that only 16 percent of SDG targets are on track, while major gaps remain in areas such as gender equality, reducing inequalities, and environmental protection.

To address these challenges, the SDG Data Portal will centralize information, strengthen accountability, and provide evidence-based tools for planning and investment across government and development partners.

Mr. Samuel described the report as a collective story of the nation, urging government, private sector, academia, civil society, youth, churches, and communities to work together to accelerate progress before 2030.

He also noted the report has been recognized internationally as a best practice in the Asia-Pacific region, thanks to strong partnerships with the United Nations ESCAP and the UN Country Team.

He said, “When we mark our 100th Independence Anniversary, let future generations look back and say this was the moment we chose to reset, act and deliver.”

By BRADLEY MARIORI

WAU Waria MP Marsh Narawec has announced to the people of his district that work on Wau town water supply will start after K39 million from the European Union is secured for the project.

MP Narewec said, the project will be delayed till end of 2026 as the money from the project is not from the government but from overseas donors, the European union and they have to go through processes.

He said the funding was secured under the European Union with support from Water PNG, as well as the National Government through the Department of National Planning and Monitoring and Wau Waria DDA.

Narewec said over the years when Wau Waria was still under Bulolo district, this project was given a nod but all attempts to get this project off the ground were unsuccessful.

Currently, citizens in Wau town still lack access to clean water supply with many depending on water tanks and other systems of providing water for their needs.

Narawec told the people of Wau town that, once the project kicks off, they have to take ownership of the project and assist in ways possible to ensure smooth completion of the project.

By VICKY BAUNKE, Goroka.

EASTERN Highlands Province has elevated to a new level in Agriculture with the opening of the New Juncau Technology factory and Multi-Media studio in Goroka yesterday.

The Mushroom Project, was a brain child of former Governor Peti Lafanama established through a sister relationship with the Fujian Province in China in 2000 with the aim to transform the lives of Eastern Highlands through agriculture, unlocking technical, financial, and institutional cooperation, through the introduction of Juncao and upland rice technologies.

This vision came to fruition yesterday after almost 25 years with the completion of the Juncau Technology Mushroom factory, which is located at Komiufa, outside Goroka town.

The Former Governor and Mushroom Farmer Mr Lafanama acknowledged past Governor’s Madam Julie Soso including Peter Numu and the current Governor Simon Sia for their leadership and support behind the Mushroom project in Eastern Highlands Province.

He also thanked the Chinese government and for the people’s persistence in the project and capitalising on the Fujian Province and China Relationship with Eastern Highlands Province and PNG.

He said the heart of mushroom production in PNG is in the Eastern Highlands Province and it will take every Eastern Highlander to be engaged in the Mushroom farming to meet the market demands of mushroom.

Meantime, Eastern Highlands Governor Simon Sia thanked the Fujian Province, the Chinese government and the PNG government for its partnership in the project that would generate more into the economy not only through mushroom production, but also in livestock through the Juncau Technology partnership.

Governor Sia said the project is set to generate more income into the economy of Eastern Highlands and put money into the pockets of farmers at the village level and improve the living standards of many rural farmers in the province.

The mushroom factory and facility was officially handed over to the Eastern Highlands Governor Simon Sia by Juncau Technology Inventor Professor Lin Zhanxi and representatives from the Fujian Province and Chinese Embassy yesterday.

A delegation from the Chinese Embassy including Charged Affairs of Chinese Embassy Councellor Pang Hanzhao, Deputy Director General Foreign Affairs Office of Fujian government Mr Chen Guoquan and Juncau Technology Inventor Professor Lin Zhanxi were present to witness the ground breaking of the Fujian (China) aided Multi-Media Education centre studio and the completion of the Juncau Technology factory.

PICTURE CAPTION: Participants of the 13th Globe-athon Walk hosted by PIH last over the weekend. INSERT: Dr Sapuri

BY RAYLEEN WANJIMAN

PAPUA New Guinea’s leading gynaecologist, Chief Professor Dr. Mathias Sapuri of Pacific International Hospital (PIH), has issued a powerful call for young girls to get vaccinated against cervical cancer, saying the country could save thousands of women’s lives through prevention.

Every year, more than 12,000 women in PNG are diagnosed with cancers such as cervical, breast, and ovarian. Cervical cancer alone accounts for around 3,500 new cases annually, most detected too late at stage three or four.

Speaking during the 13th Global Tone Walk hosted by PIH, Dr. Sapuri revealed he has submitted a proposal to the Government for a national vaccination program, stressing that the HPV vaccine Gardasil — already available at PIH since 2009 — is the most effective shield against cervical cancer.

Dr. Sapuri emphasized that “Gardasil is the safest and most effective vaccine we have in the country and if PNG rolls out a vaccination program for girls starting at age nine, we will see a significant drop in cervical cancer rates.”
So far, nearly 20,000 girls in PNG have received the vaccine, which is delivered in two or three doses.

Two doses provide 98% protection, while three doses offer 99.9% protection against cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers.

Dr. Sapuri urged girls aged 9–27 to get vaccinated and advised women over 27 to undergo regular check-ups every two years, noting that early prevention and screening are key to reducing the country’s rising cancer burden.

THE Lie-in-State ceremony for Provincial Member for Morobe, the Late Hon. Luther Wenge, will be held this Thursday October 2nd, 2025 in the Grand Hall of Parliament House from 10am to 12noon for Members of Parliament (MPs) and dignitaries to pay their final respects.

According to the program released by Parliamentary Services, after the Members of Parliament and Dignitaries pay their last respect, the casket of Late Luther Wenge will depart the parliament precinct to Sione Kami Memorial Church for the Funeral Service.

The casket will then depart Sione Kami Memorial Church to Family Residence at Kenedy Estate, and later in the evening depart to the Funeral Home.

On Friday at 9:45 am, Late Governor’s Casket will depart Port Moresby to Morobe where he will be met by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Lands/Immigration and Lae MP John Rosso, other Members of Parliament, Provincial Administration Officials at the Tomodachi International Terminal.

The casket of Late Governor Luther Wenge will then be escorted to the Morobe Provincial Office and Tutumang House.

The Late Governor Wenge was first elected to the sixth National Parliament in 1997 General Election, he was re-elected to the 7^th National General Election in 2002, again re-elected in 2007 in the 8^th National Parliament and again elected for the 11 national Parliament in 2022 as the Provincial Member of Morobe, a position he held to the time of his passing.

May the Soul of Morobe Provincial Member, Late Luther Wenge, Rest in Eternal Peace.

A wanted and notorious criminal who have been involved in a string of arm hold ups and have been evading police custody, was fatally shot down in a police operation in Kokopo.

Police identified his as Judas Waninara, a known fugitive in the province and was reportedly a subject in an ongoing investigation concerning an illegal firearm.

According to police sources, Waninara was located at Vunamami, an encounter ensued, resulting in him being shot. He was transported to Vunapope where he was pronounced dead.

The operation also led to the apprehension of an alleged accomplice. This individual is currently detained and will face initial charges for harboring a fugitive, followed by other related charges.

Meantime, this situation has ignited conversations on public safety and the role of the media in apprehending fugitives.

In the wake of the news, a strong opinion has emerged on social media and community forums, with calls for media outlets in East New Britain, West New Britain, and New Ireland Province to routinely publish the photographs and details of wanted criminals and prison escapees.

“This will help the general public and security authorities identify, report, or capture them,” explained a caller. “They will have nowhere to hide and will make us stop looking over our shoulders at all times.”

Police investigations into the shooting and the broader criminal activities are ongoing.

By BRADLEY MARIORI

WAU Health center in Wau Waria, Morobe will cost more than K30 million to build and the district development authority is working to seek funding for that facility.

MP Marsh Narewec said at the moment, the health facility is undergoing documentation stage and for this process alone, it has cost the Wau Waria DDA K3 million.

He explained that Wau health center will need between K33 and or K35 million to build it to meet standards as required by the government.

Narewec said this is a health center to support the entire district and they want to follow all National Government sanctioned processes and procedures to fully equip it when it is completed.

The MP said building a health facility to meet the government’s standards is a must as it is different from building other infrastructures.

Narewec explained that he do not want the facility, after its completion to be unused because of not following proper processes.

He said this week, the DDA will meet with the provincial health authority and the design and documentation team for a consultation meeting.

A fully completed health facility should have medical equipments and drugs, registered nursing officers, their accommodations and other logistical support.

It is likely that the construction of the health center will begin towards the end of next year.

BY RICKY ISRAEL

The 3rd National Climate Change Summit will be held this Wednesday and Thursday, October 1st and 2nd, at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby.

The event is organised by the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA), under the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Climate Change.

Environment and Climate Change Minister, Hon. Simo Kilepa, officially announced the summit today. He thanked all the sponsors and partners for their support in making the event possible.

The summit will bring together government departments, international donors, businesses, and community groups. They will talk about how Papua New Guinea (PNG) is fighting climate change and what more needs to be done.

This year’s theme is: “Empowering Inclusivity and Accelerating Climate Action for a Resilient and Sustainable PNG.”

Important topics at the summit include: Climate finance (money for climate projects), Food security, Involving women, young people, and people with disabilities in climate action.

Acting CCDA Managing Director, Debora Sungi, said the summit will also review progress made since last year’s meeting.

Some of the major sponsors are Kumul Minerals Holdings, the National Energy Authority, the Asian Development Bank, Steamships and the European Union.

Before the summit begins, a pre-summit event will take place tomorrow, September 30th, at the Sir John Guise Indoor Complex. Primary school students will present climate-smart project ideas as part of a special competition.

The summit will also address talks on PNG’s National Adaptation Plan and work to reduce deforestation using REDD+ strategies.

These discussions are important as PNG prepares to share its climate goals at the annual conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). (COP30) global climate talks in Brazil this November.

Minister Kilepa said the summit is a key moment for the country to look at its progress and make plans for a greener, safer future.

THE District Court in Waigani has found sufficient evidence to commit National Gaming Board Chief (NGCB), Chief Executive Officer Imelda Agon to stand trial at the National Court.

Embattled NGCB boss Imelga Agon is now facing two charges of Attempting to Pervert the course of Justice under Section 136 of the Criminal Code Act and Abuse of Office under Section 92(1) of the Criminal Code Act.

Presiding Magistrate Paul Puri Nii handed the decision today, (Monday, 29th of September 2025), adding that the defendant (Agon) is committed to stand trial for both charges at the National Court, as the Committal Court found enough evidence to commit her to trial.

Magistrate Nii also extended her bail and would appear at the National Court for further hearings.

“My formal orders, evidence is sufficient to commit the Defendant for the offence of Attempting to Pervert the course of Justice under Section 136 of the Criminal Code Act.

“Evidence is sufficient to commit the Defendant for the offence of Abuse of Office under Section 92(1) of the Criminal Code Act.

“Evidence is sufficient to commit the Defendant for both charge and bail is extended,” magistrate Nii stated in his ruling.

Magistrate Nii further explained that Agon was charged under section 136 Attempting to Pervert Justice which states that a person who attempts, in any way not specially defined in this Code, to obstruct, prevent, pervert or defeat the course of justice is guilty of a misdemeanour. Which carries a penalty of imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years.

He added that Section 92 Abuse Of Office, (1) A person employed in the Public Service who, in abuse of the authority of his office does, or directs to be done, any arbitrary act prejudicial to the rights of another is guilty of a misdemeanour. Which subjected to subsection (2), and also carries a penalty of imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years.”