District to give tithe to churches

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, February 1, 2015 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

THE district of Yangoru-Suassia in East Sepik province, has committed one-tenth of its DSIP funds to churches in the district.

Member for the district Richard Maru said that the commitment was one that the district had made with God, and was something they would give while he is the member.

“We are paying K1m to the churches after the signing of the covenant between the church and district government we are now paying our tithe for this year,” Mr Maru said.

“While I am the member we will continue this every year, because we have already signed a contract with God.”

“We are the first district in PNG to do that which will come from our DSIP, and we know that God will bless us and we will still do better.”

HE said that they are going to meet with all pastors from the district to discuss the ways in which the funds will be channeled to each church selected.

“What we intend to have is for each church to have 10 projects, with the main focus on building churches,” Maru said.

“Providing materials like roofing iron, wall materials, so that we want every village in Yangoru-Suassia to have a church regardless of what the denomination is.”

“For the next three years we want to concentrate on building churches and not actually funding spiritual programs.”

He said it was because the church is where the spirit of God resides in, so the support to them in building churches was to ensure the spirits dwells in each village in the district.

The member roughly estimated K10,000 per project, and all churches will be given the same amount of funding every year.

He, however, he pointed out that the main denominations would be given funds due to the sizes of congregation members and reach in the district.

“The issue we will have is who is a church and who is a one man ministry to call themselves churches.”

“The trend taking place now is that people are just starting up and calling themselves pastors and have small groups behind them, so they will not be entitled as we will be dealing with the bigger established churches.”

“Those churches with the membership of a 1000 plus will qualify for funding, that is going to be the debate that we will have,” he pointed out.

“We are waiting to next week to make proper decisions through the JDPPC before we finally launch the scheme.”

Betelnut Market to be built at Koki

Caption - Governor Parkop and Minister Thatchenko inspect the proposed area for the betelnut market.





By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, February 1, 2015 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)





A new betelnut market will be built at Koki for sellers and resellers of the much consumed nut, in the Moresby South electorate.

This was confirmed by NCD Governor Powes Parkop and Moresby South MP Justin Tkatchenko at the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Koki footbridge.

The market would be managed with strict guidelines, including terms where buyers can only purchase and take away and not chew or resell in and around the premises.

Both MP's agreed that the move would help ease the ongoing issues faced by NCD's betelnut ban.

"Our efforts to curb the sale and consumption of betelnut in public places for the good of health, hygiene and the city's image, have faced a lot of challenges- so we have taken this step to ensure that while we can allow for our people to buy and sell, it will be in a controlled area," Governor Parkop said.

Minister Tkatchenko added that the market would provide a proper premise for those who were dependant on the sale of the nut, as well as buyers.

"This is a great concept but it is up to those who sell and buy to ensure that rules set out are adhered to, and health, hygiene and image are first and foremost,” Tkatchenko said.

“We are not animals to keep issuing the same things about what is good and what is bad, people should to be educated enough to know this."

The project is a joint NCDC and Moresby South project at a total cost around K2mil at the area of the old Koki Community Hall, behind the new Koki Market.

Enga asks for more powers

Caption:   Enga Governor Peter Ipatas

By MATTHEW VARI

Wednesday, January 28, 2015 (Midweek Chronicle, PNG)

WITH the talk of Autonomy brewing from the islands region, from now autonomous Bougainville, to the requests for financial autonomy in both the East New Britain and New Ireland provinces- Enga province is now the first highlands province to formally request the move.

Enga Governor Peter Ipatas informed the media yesterday that provincial assembly has passed a resolution to now ask the national government to decentralize more powers to the province.

“We as a province now think that we have matured as a province we have the capacity to take on more responsibilities from the national government to basically to improve the delivery of services to our people,” Governor Ipatas

“As we all know Waignani is too far and we are isolated from all the provinces in this country.”

“You do not have to look far you just take Central province for an example- they are just next door, but even to Central province Waigani is too far, so Enga is physically too far.”

He said that with the strong leadership and systems in place that can provide the right ingredients for development.

“We will now be asking the national government to decentralize more powers to the province.”

“Enga has 462,000 people as of the last census living in Enga- as a people we are a big ethnic group, we have our own culture and values, our own history, and we have our own geography.”

“We are the only ones that know how to deal with our own people and come up with strategies to improve the delivery of service to our people.”

He added that he has always been an advocate for decentralization for a system where the national government only audits to make sure funds have not been abused, to provide advise to all provinces.

“We also find that after me being a governor for 18 year we have found that no one cares how far we have gone except ourselves,” he added.

“Therefore it is illogical for someone else to determine our future; we need to be given the power, the responsibilities to charter the responsibility for our future and our kids.”

He said with the provincial assembly resolution- they will write to the PM to ask him, adding that the desire was already discussed with the PM in the past.

“It is not outside of what the national government wants to do, which is to see mature provinces take up more responsibilities and for us in Enga we think that we should be the first ones to be given that opportunity.”

“In this way the buck stops with us and we take care of law and order, we take responsibility for road works, health, education, agriculture, you name it.”

He reiterated that the world autonomy presumed too much to also frightens people- something he said would not be used by his government when making the request.

“We will not use the word autonomy but just the decentralization of powers and functions in the provinces,” he said.

“I would like to see all the provinces compete, that is what that is going to make this country grow.”

“East New Britain and New Ireland have been talking and we highlanders have been quiet, from a highlands perspective we are also ready to do that.”

“When a mother is sick and the children feed from her they will also get sick, but if the children are also independent and when she is sick all the children will be strong enough to look after themselves- at the moment we need to work on that concept,” he added.

Enga passes K313m budget for 2015

By MATTHEW VARI

Wednesday, January 28, 2015 (Midweek Chronicle, PNG)

THE Enga Provincial Government has passed a K313 million budget for the province in 2015.

Governor for Enga, Peter Ipatas, yesterday informed the media of the provinces budgetary priorities for the year, with a high focus still maintained in the education sector.

A total of K312,771,000- K10 million less than its budget in 2014 of K323,497,800, the budget consists of a K194.8 million from the National Government and K170,886,700 from internal revenue collected.

Governor Ipatas thanked the national government for its interventional policies in the, improvement grants, education, health, and law and order sectors in the province through free education, free health care, and the inclusion of village court magistrates and councilors, which he said would soon be considered to the government payroll.

“What we don’t see is the economic impacts such policies will have in reaching right down to the people in the villages,” Ipatas said.

“It is vital that these policies are maintained so that we keep many of our people from the provinces from heading to urban areas causing the urban drift situation currently experienced.”

Ipatas thanked the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill for his vision and pointed out that the province had nominated three major projects in the year.

“Like all provincial governments and districts we have nominated three major projects, which we have signed with the National Government to pursue,” Mr Ipatas said.

“The projects are the Enga Provincial Hospital as the number one project to be delivered in this term of parliament, we also want to deliver the Enga Technical College which NEC has approved to be converted to a polytechnic institute, and of course the ongoing Enga Teachers College.”

“Those are the tree impact projects that the provincial government has nominated to complete.”

He said a total of K80 million has been allocated to the hospital, with the national government allocating K20 million with K60 million from donors for the project to be implemented this year.

Total funding to fully complete the new hospital will be sourced from the Chinese EXIM Bank.

The governor added that with the national government taking over the education aspect of its funding- other projects like Institute of Business Studies and the a campus for the University of Papua New Guinea science foundation programs could be invested in and offered in the coming years.

Health and roads infrastructure have also had funding diverted in to improving district hospitals and the upgrading and reconstruction of roads in Wabag town.

“It is vital we as a province continue to invest heavily in education, but I am so thankful to the government and its policies, which have freed us up to achieve even more in our health system and facilities around the country which we will do in the year.”

He added that the specifics of projects and achievements of the provincial government would be presented at the upcoming leaders’ summit.

Yangoru-Suassia tertiary students set to receive subsidies

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, January 25, 2015 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

WITH the 2015 academic year just around the corner- students and parents from the Yangoru-Suassia District in the East Sepik Province will now have a lighter burden following the announcement of a tertiary school fee subsidy scheme.

The announcement was made by the Member and Minister for Trade, Commerce and Industry Richard Maru.

“The joint district planning and priorities committee has resolved in principle that we will now issue a new Tertiary School Fee Subsidy Scheme,” Mr Maru said.

“For those students who come from there, the cocoa pod borer has completely wiped out our cocoa crops so parents in my district are really struggling to meet school fees, so as of the 28th we are meeting now to announce to determine the subsidy per student.”

“We will then make the announcement on the institutions that qualify and what we will be paying per student to assist them with school fees.”

He highlighted that the district was not paying for the entire fees but only a portion would be determined to be paid to institutions listed and only for people living in the district.

“This scheme is only for villagers in my district, not for those who are working in town and other provinces- this is specifically for those who reside in Yangoru Suasia electorate who are ordinary villagers who have no means of support except depending on Cocoa,” Maru explained.

“They will be getting a application form from their village counselor who will witness to say that they have been in the village, which will be part of our system of audit to see those who qualify are able to benefit from the scheme.”

“Finally I want to say to the parents when we start receiving funding from the government for the 2015 budget allocation, that is when we will be able to pay the subsidies directly to the schools like UPNG will have a bulk cheque and not to the parents.”

He said that subsidy payments will be made around March or April when the district receives the first portion of is DSIP funds for the year 2015.

The member added that an initial allocation of K1 million has been considered, however, the funding could be increased once final figures were calculated and agreed upon.

Our resources should not be raped: Maru

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, January 25, 2015 (Sunday Chronicle)

THE Minister for Trade, Commerce and Industry Richard Maru has revealed plans by him through the department to push for a cease in the issuance of licenses to foreign fishing companies fishing in PNG waters.

He added that once the Pacific Marine Industrial Zone was completed- there should be a requirement put in place to have processing plants in the country to process sought after fish like tuna.

“Once we get the construction done in Madang I will be pushing through NEC (National Executive Council) for no more licenses for fishing should be given for any company that does not have a processing plant in Papua New Guinea,” Maru said.

“We should move away from supplying our fish to countries like Thailand, who do not have one tuna in their waters but continue to bring our unprocessed fish to Thailand and continue to be the Tuna Capital of the World.”

“Papua New Guinea in Madang should be the tuna capital of the world and that is what this project is about, and we make no apologies for saying that.”

He even commented on countries like the United States, which he said the PNG should be moving away from the Tuna Treaty so that the country sees more value for its resources.

“If they are going to invest in fisheries industry well they must come and build in Madang Marine Park, we give them the land and not the license to come and fish our waters,” the Minister said.

“We should give notice to the US, Japan, and everybody that if you do not have a processing plant in PNG you simply cannot come and fish in our waters.”

“Our country is investing a lot of money to build the marine park, and we expect countries who want to fish in PNG waters that this is your last opportunity to come and take up the opportunity to build canneries and processing plants in Papua New Guinea.”

He said that if they are not willing to invest directly into the downstream process in the country then they should never be allowed to fish in PNG waters.

“Our resources should not be raped and we create work and employment for other countries, and I want that message to be conveyed,” he concluded.

Tenders out for water and power providers for PMIZ

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, January 25, 2015 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

MINISTER for Trade, Commerce and Industry Richard Maru informed the media last week of invitation of tenders by the Madang Provincial Government for power and water supply companies to develop independent systems to service the Pacific Marine Industrial Zone (PMIZ).

He said the ability of state electricity provider PNG Power was unreliable for such a vital economic project that needed constant power and water demands.

“Everyday now in Madang we have blackouts- PNG power is not able to meet the current demand for power in Madang- this is totally unacceptable for our country and when you are inviting investors to come and invest, especially when they are going to have 24 hour operations we have to guarantee that there will be power and water supply without interruptions,” Minister Maru said.

“We also have serious issues with PNG Water to provide water to Madang- as a result we have taken a decision to go out on tender and we have now received all the bids and are now evaluating and preparing an NEC submission to take our recommendations to government so that they can formally decide and award a contract to one company to build a power plant in and water plant.”

He said that with the power arrangement the power supplier is set to sell at wholesale the electricity to PNG Power who will then supply to the project area.

“These are very critical utilities that we must guarantee that as a government we will provide,” he said.

“The government is now moving away from providing everything and we are looking to the private sector to partner the government to provide power and water.”

“This will be a very exciting opportunity for the private sector to come forward and partner the government to provide water and power.”

“We will ensure that once the park is ready we should already have these utilities provided.”

PMIZ impacted communities to benefit from spin-offs

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, January 25, 2015 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

IMPACTED communities living in and around the Pacific Marine Industrial Zone are set to benefit from spinoffs from the major industrial marine project, set to commence construction in by April this year.

Trade, Commerce and Industry Minister Richard Maru informed the media at a press conference during the week that instructions have been made to the department’s secretary to finalize the list of spin-off businesses to offer to the three impact communities of Madang, the Kananam, Rempi, and Baitata people.

“Next week I will be traveling with the (Madang) governor to meet with the member for Madang (district), because we want to ensure that the people of Madang get maximum benefits from this project- letting them know what our views are as a government with the meeting to happen on Thursday or Friday next week,” Minister Maru said.

“Once that is organized, we want to arrange the spinoff benefits an: how they will participate.”

“Once this is complete there will be fresh new elections that will be conducted by the Electoral Commission to appoint the new boards.”

Maru said that it is the department’s desire to make mandatory that only those village people should buy shares in the company should be allowed to vote.

“We want everybody in the village to be shareholders in the holding companies that will be serving the interest of the people and not only one or two people,” the minister explained.

“So if the security contract will be given to an impacted community- they all own the company which will have independent directors on the board that will also include representatives from the Madang Provincial government and the department to help provide oversight to the companies so that the boards do not abuse their position.”

“In the past I find that these types of companies like in the LNG companies are only driven by one or two people who come to Moresby and spend all the money.”

“We will not allow that in Madang and this time we want to try a new model to make sure as a department we get it right in Madang.”

Marine industrial zone work making good progress

Caption:  Trade, Commerce and Industry Minister Richard Maru.

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, January 25, 2015 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

THE Pacific Marine Industrial Zone (PMIZ) is making good progress with work to commence soon as of April this year.

The announcement was made by the Minister for Trade, Commerce and Industry, Richard Maru on Thursday.

“As we announced to the country last year the PMIZ loan has been reinstated by the Chinese EXIM Bank,” Minister Maru said.

“The contractor has been in Lae since December working on the preliminary studies doing drilling, and doing all the final feasibility work before they finalize the detailed design of the Pacific Marine park which will coming back to government at the end of March or probably early April for the Prime minister to travel to Madang and re-launch the project to start the construction phase of the marine park.”

The Pacific Marine Industrial Zone (PMIZ) is one of the major Economic Impact Projects, approved by the national government, put in place to support the sustainable development of the fisheries sector.

It is aimed enhance the economic of scale by increasing the volume and value of down-streamed processed tuna products and to reduce the exports of whole frozen tuna exports.

“I want to say that the work is progressing very well and I want to thank the police department, especially the mobile squad unit that is in Madang making sure that the Chinese contractor is there working day and night and not being disturbed by anyone,” Maru said.

“I also want to thank the Madang Provincial Government and its people for the support shown so far.”

“I was in Madang in the previous week to see the actual work on the ground and I am very pleased with the progress to that.”

The minister signed off last week giving the contractor the approval of the concept design for them to go ahead with the detailed designs of the Madang Marine Park, saying that the designs will strictly be to world standards.

“In particular we are now insisting that the contractor must design not to Chinese standards but to international standards,” the minister pointed out.

“The Wharf, the Sewerage treatment plant, the fuel dump- everything designed must be to international standards.”

“After they give us the detailed designs we are going to independently engage leading global experts in each of the engineering fields of water, fuel, power, wharves- to have a look at the designs and approve of them before we can allow the Chinese contractor to go ahead and build.”

He said that it is vital that quality is maintained- as the government is concerned about protecting the environment.

“It is important that whatever waste that comes out of the PMIZ zone is fit to go into the ocean before it gets there,” he said.

“In other words we mist get individual sewerage water plants in each of the canneries which will then be channeled to a treatment plant and treated until it is released into the environment.”

“One of the reasons why government was taken to court previously was because people were afraid of the environment being polluted.

He also revealed that a township will be built opposite the marine park, due to the distance from Madang town for investing companies located within the marine park to have their employees live in.

SP Games, the beginning of a sporting revolution

Caption: Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, January 25, 2015 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

MINISTER for Sports and National Events, Justin Tkatchenko announced that the 2015 South Pacific Games is the beginning of a sporting revolution in the country thanks to the support of the national government.

He hailed the commitment of government, through Prime Minister Peter O’Neill for its constant support in ensuring the construction of world class facilities for the game to be held, adding that the government would not stop after the games are over.

“The government is a team working together and supporting each other in many different avenues and sport is a huge one in 2015, but I just want to say that the Pacific Games is just the beginning for the sporting revolution of our country,” Minister Tkatchenko said.

“Because after the pacific games we are going to have some of the best infrastructure and training facilities for our Papua New Guinean athletes that they have never had before on home turf here in PNG.”

“With these new international facilities and infrastructure that we will have, we will be able to take all our athletes to the next level to really go to places that they have never been able to go in sport.”

He said with the new facilities on track, the winning of gold will not only be a thing of a few of the country’s elite athletes in major international events, but the country will excel more on the international stage.

“I look forward to not only the pacific games but to the years ahead, we will be winning gold medals on international level all throughout the world with our different sporting codes because of the facilities we have that will boost up our people’s abilities to be super champions for Papua New Guinea,” he said.

Athletes aware of the expectation

Caption: Team PNG Chef de Mission Richard Kassman.

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, January 25, 2015 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

CHEF de Mission (Head of mission) for Team PNG, Richard Kassman said, during the announcement of the gold medal incentive by the national government, that team PNG was fully aware of the expectation by the national government and the people in the country.

With the weight of the entire country on the 802 athletes and officials that will move in the games village come July 4- he said that the incentive was important to help the country’s best focus more on the top spot and not the two below.

“We will be taking into the village 800 athletes and officials having the largest team at the pacific games, and we know the expectation from our people and rightfully so for a home games,” Mr Kassman said.

“We are fully aware of the expectation that we should win the games, and this incentive will really help us focus on our pursuit of helping us win the games.”

“Our goal is Gold at Home Games; so on behalf of our athletes of team PNG, we pass on our gratitude to Prime Minister O’Neill, and the government of PNG.”

He made mention of the rarity in an athletes sporting career to perform at home in a pacific games.

“The last time was in 1991 that was 20 years ago, so it’s a real privilege for team PNG and its athletes to be able compete at home in front of our families, our parents, in front of our clans, and our country,” Kassman said.

“This is very important for individual athletes and will be a milestone in their careers and is about our performance on the field, it is about our performance on the day that continues to be the dream and aspiration of all our athletes to perform at their best.”

“Papua New Guinean athletes and like athletes across the world sacrifice quiet a lot- many put their education on hold, many put their jobs and professional careers on hold in order to follow success, a dream to represent their country to achieve medals and recognition at the highest level.”

K20,000 for every gold medal: Tkatchenko

Caption:    Minister Tkatchenko (center) making the announcement.

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, January 5, 2015 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

THAT was the announcement made by the National Government through the Minister for Sports and National Events, Justin Tkatchenko, during the week in Port Moresby.

Hailed as unprecedented in the country by the brass of the PNG Olympic Committee and the Sport Foundation- the new incentive will see a total of K5.7 million set aside to ensure the host nation finishes on the top the medal tally in six months time when the South Pacific Games kicks off in Port Moresby.

Minister Tkatchenko said that the government believes it vital to encourage team PNG to strive for their best in the games.

“It is very important that we encourage our PNG sport men and women to aim for their goals and objectives for the pacific games,” he said.

“The government recognizes the hard work and commitment and responsibility of the athletes in their efforts and their endeavors to become gold medal winners in the up and coming pacific games in July in Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby.”

“NEC (National Executive Council) last week, with consultation with the PNG Olympic Committee on what incentive we should give to the athletes to strive for better heights, and the Prime Minister that the government will allocate K5.7 million for the gold medal incentive for the PNG athletes for the Pacific Games 2015.”

He said that money is to be broken up into gold medals only- as the government was serious in recognizing and reward those that receive a gold medal at the pacific games for the aim of the top position in the South Pacific.

The minister explained also that for the first time also the incentive would also cover for each gold winner in team events also and not together collectively under

“If for example the hockey team gets gold at the Pacific games, that means every single player in the team that played the game will get K20,000 each,” Tkatchenko explained.

“So it’s there to recognize the individual effort of athletes that will be showing us how good they are in July for the Pacific games.”

“This is the first of its kind, remember the Commonwealth Games and the gold medals we gave a K100,000 each for Dika and Steven- we looked at the comparisons of the Commonwealth and Olympic games and the PNG Games and also the Pacific Games and we saw that with the SP Games we need to recognize everybody for their hard work and efforts .”

Mr Tkatchenko also pointed out that in partnership with the PNG Olympic Committee they would ensure that the funds go to the athletes towards developing their sporting careers.

“We are happy to partner with the Olympic Committee to ensure that our athletes receive much needed funds, and it is not just there to be given to them so they can just get drunk the next day,” he said.

“The money is there for their future development, for their future aspirations as a champion athlete of Papua New Guinea.”

“We want to see the money spent in the right direction and the PNG Olympic Committee can guide our athletes in that regard.”

An excited President of the PNG Olympic Committee, Sir John Dawanincura, hailed what he said was an excellent relationship between the Minister, the Sports Foundation, and the committee.

“It is unprecedented to say that we are most grateful to the government for recognizing sports as a vehicle to use for national unity and pride, and through sports we have achieved that on many occasions and we aim to achieve that again,” Sir Dawanicura

“I think that through the minister the power for sport is now evident nationwide in whatever fields whether in individual sports or as team PNG when we travel overseas.”

“I am sure that each of the athletes must focus on the gold medal, as that is the primary focus, after they win the gold medal the rewards will come.”

The disbursement of the funds will be done in close supervision of the PNG Olympic Committee to ensure that athletes use them for the right reasons.

We have delivered 70% what we promised: O'Neill

By MATTHEW VARI

Wednesday, January 21, 2015 (Midweek Chronicle, PNG)

PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill revealed last week that his government had delivered 70 percent of what they promised to deliver to the country in this term of parliament.

He said that the promises made at the Alotau Accord were close to being fully realized, adding that infrastructure development was high on the agenda.

The comments he made last week were during the launch of the 2015 road plan by the Department of Works and Implementation.

“Our government and our party put out very simple policies, and those were deliberately done- we promised to improve our education system, improve our healthcare, strengthen Law and order, improve our infrastructure, and we promised to build a strong economy for our country,” the PM said.

“After the elections (2012) we all went to Alotau and we came up with what is now famously known as the Alotau Accord.”

“Today let me tell you that we have actually achieved 70% of what we promised since when we came into office.”

He said detailed of their achievements would be detailed in an outline summary officials at their upcoming leaders summit next month.

“Of course infrastructure is a key component of this policy framework that we have promised the nation,” Mr O’Neill said.

“Credit goes to them and many of you in this room. We have been able to achieve some outcomes in the past 2 and a half years that no other person or organization have done in the last 40 years.”

“It is a credit to your commitment, and I want to assure you that your government is standing right behind you in every step of the way,” he assured the department.

O’Neill pointed out that the delivery of healthcare, education, a safe society could not be implemented without good infrastructure.

“No economy can grow in any nation if there is no infrastructure, no business can grow,” he said.

“The last two years we have seen some significant improvements that we are starting to forget where we have come from.”

“We are investing significant amounts of money from 2011 when I was treasurer since today we have substantially increased the investment that we are making in infrastructure development.”

The PM highlighted that the focus on roads as being a significant part of that the investment, with a lot more to do.

“On the part of government it is not only about providing money- it is about providing leadership, it is providing a fair level playing field, it is ensuring that finance and funding is available on a regular and timely basis, and it is making sure that procurement processes are decided on a timely basis that is fair.”

“Making sure that we address issues like compensation, variation, and those are things that we are slowly but surely getting on top of.

“I know that government in view of that is expecting from our partners, particularly the contractors, or the project managers, the engineers that supervise the projects- what we require of you is the highest possible quality of work that you can deliver,” he told all stakeholders.

PM: Economy doing well despite critics

By MATTHEW VARI

Wednesday, January 21, 2015 (Midweek Chronicle, PNG)

THE Prime Minister gave a hit back at the critic last week when downplaying all predications of economic doom.

His comments came in light of the government’s presentation of its K1.5 billion road plan for the 2015 year.

“Not long ago many predicted that it was the LNG construction stage was coming to an end our economy would slow down,” Prime Minister O’Neill said.

“I’m sure now that you and I know that it has not slowed down, largely because of our investments as a government.

“We have made a deliberate decision to invest in infrastructure in making sure that all these technically experienced people form the LNG project are engaged in the construction industry.”

He said that as a result the economy is still maintaining growth levels currently experienced, adding that they would maintain focus on what they have been doing.

“I know that many want to be experts of the economy, continue to preach about the doom that we will experience, but let me assure you- so far on record since 2011 we have delivered what we have said we will deliver in the country.”

“We said that we would have a high level of deficit in 2012 which we had, but it will be a declining one heading to a balanced budget in 2017 and we are on track.”

“Last year we delivered a 5.9% deficit budget. This year we are going down to less than 4% and next year down to less than 3% and below that we will come down to a balanced budget,” he explained.

He said the reasons for a continued deficit budget since 2012 was to ensure that sufficient funding was available in the economy to fund the infrastructure programs currently undergoing in the country.

“I want to assure you that the government will make sure that we stay committed to the programs that we have done.”

“There are critics out there, who will continue to criticize us because critics never say anything good about anybody- it is their job in any case, we expect that from them.”

“A negative person will always be negative, but let me say that we are all not new to positions of responsibility- many of us have played roles in different positions over time, many have scorecards on the board already.”

“You can judge all of us with the scorecard we have, I think our government’s scorecard is an enviable one by many, and I think in 2017 when we go to the elections people will judge us with the scorecard that we have.”

IDA boss cautions contractors

By MATTHEW VARI

Wednesday, January 21, 2015 (Midweek)

CONTRACTORS taking major road projects in the country, mainly those of the Highlands Highway reconstruction and rehabilitation program, have been cautioned not to take on more than they can handle, in terms of contracts and resource commitments.

Infrastructure Development Authority Managing Director, John Kaio urged them to commit to what they have signed to.

“You will make a poor decision when you start to think of five contracts then you start to move your machines you are working for in a current contract and try to put them into a new contract,” Mr Kaio said.

“That is poor business practice in the construction industry. In every tender document you put in you are putting in your resource that you will buy or you will hire- you must maintain your contracts as live contracts starting on time and finishing on time.”

“Yes we are trying to get our head around coming into the construction industry and maybe using the funds given through the contracts to other ventures like buying properties, this is not fair to us as the implementing agency, and because we are a country that wants to build infrastructure that we want to be proud of.”

Kaio urge to be serious about what they were doing, as the government was serious in delivering quality roads for its people.

“If you want to be in the road business you have to be serious, you need to put in resources, not because you are our wantoks (countryman) you will register a company rush in to buy a backhoe or truck and then we give you a K5 million job and you do a job over three year,” he added.

“It does not make sense- let us do our work and do it properly.

He added, however, that discussions would be held with contractors to discuss their issues, if genuine, and efforts made to remedy them.

“Contractors will be receiving a letter from me and I will call you for us to discuss the issues you may be having and if it is a challenge to you we will understand but if it is negligence of your responsibility you will get a letter from us to ask you to improve your performance.”

“When it comes to maintenance it does not stop but it keeps going on and it is a process, but when it comes to a project it has a starting and a finish point.”

MLTR band thanks PNG fans for support

Caption: MLTR band members (L) Kare Wanscher, Jascha Richter and Mikkel Lentz.

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, January 18, 2015 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

ARRIVING in the country for the first time- the much loved and listened to band, Michael Learns to Rock band or for short (MLTR) arrived in the country on Thursday and were very appreciative of the support they have received in country over the years.

At the media conference on Friday for their performance last night at the Lamana Gold Club- they were amazed at the number of die-hard fans that have been singing to the Danish group’s love ballads developed of their more than 20 year existence.

“On facebook that many people were saying at long last we are coming, is something we appreciate with the social media reach to our fans here,” said guitarist Mikkel Lentz.

“We also know that there were requests from people here with several times asked that is why we are pleased that someone finally took the step and invited us here,” added drummer and percussionist Kare Wanscher.

“It is just really warms our hearts to hear these stories that to meet people here and see you guys and tell that our music has an impact here and actually means something to them.”

“It is the most successful thing you can achieve as a musician and our message to fans is thank you, for your support for many years and it is wonderful for us to finally come and meet people here, lots of love to everybody, and those who cant come we hope you can still hear our music and hopefully come next time.”

When asked what their favorite among their songs were- Mikkel’s favorite is “someday” along with Kare who said his favorite is “Sleeping child”.

Front man and lead lyricist of the band, Jascha Richter, puts “The actor” as his personal favorite.

“For me it is the song called “the actor”- it was the first international hit for the band and is a very special and very wonderful song and magical to me,” he said.

The band recently released their new album which is a new compilation with two new songs in it to celebrating their 25th anniversary.

“The new greatest compilation which is called “25”, but yes we do have plans for some new recordings,” Kare said.

PM encourages MPs put funds into Works

Caption:  Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, January 18, 2015 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

PRIME Minister and Member for Yalibu Pangia, Peter O’Neill, has called on Members on Parliament to fund their road projects in their various provinces and districts through the works department.

He said that it was one of the most effective ways to get their road projects done, attesting to his experience in his district.

“Many of our members of parliament must be encouraged to put money to the works department,” the PM said.

“I have been able to achieve a certain level of infrastructure development particularly on road infrastructure development in my district because I gave all my money to the works department.”

“Last year and the year before we gave K10 million to Works Department, K5 million each year, to build our roads for us.

He said through the department they were sealing their roads in my district we have a zero pothole policy that was achieved by giving contract for ongoing maintenance after construction.”

“We have been able to achieve that over the past 10 years or so of construction we have seen zero potholes.”

“It is not because we are doing something special, we are keeping an eye out on the infrastructure that we have built, and we are doing it in partnership with Works.”

“That is the kind of partnership that we are trying to extend to other parts of the country.”

He said that even though it was a big ask, it is achievable for them to have such a system for the whole country within this term of parliament.

Awesa announces measures to clamp down on contract issues

Caption:  Works Minister Francis Awesa.

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, January 18, 2015 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

MINISTER for Works and Implementation Francis Awesa has announced new measures to combat contractor malpractice and other issues within his department.

He made the announcements on Friday during the launch of the 2015 Road Plan held in Port Moresby on Friday.

Awesa emphasized the issue of variations experienced by the department from road contractors, which he said was an issue that had to be stopped.

Variations occur when contractors are awarded contracts for specified amounts; however, contractors may not do the works to the specifications in the contract or may not complete projects citing various reasons to either save costs and in cases also asking for more funds.

“I want to inform contractors all the other stakeholders and donor agencies and the people of Papua New Guinea that variations have become an industry in itself, a lot of money has been wasted over many years,” Minister Awesa said.

“Today 2015 this will be a thing of the past, I have set a hotline telephone with the works ministry which will monitor all works funded by the national government, and donor agencies, and any complaints out there by people who are affected- we will take note and at short notice you will expect auditors, inspectors, who will come on site to make necessary recommendations and immediate action, starting immediately.”

In addition he also announced submissions to be made to cabinet to address the issue of compensation that has had a chronic hold on efforts to fix up national highways like the highlands highway.

“The issue of compensation is becoming more and more entrenched, also becoming an industry in its own,” he said.

“While the government is trying to spend hundreds of millions to billions of kina on roads, you have people out there who are fortunate to live along the road corridors who say that if we are to build their road we must pay them for my bush and some tree that is worth nothing.”

“This thing, this issue must stop- the government must take action, and I want to inform you today that there will be submissions to cabinet, and unless we address this issue all these things of spending millions of kina will never come.”

“People are killing contractor employees because of compensation, people are claiming thousands of kina for little sheds and it is going out of control, this is why the government intends to take action.”

The minister also called on those engineers and managers within his department to also refrain from abusing their positions for personal gain- challenging them to out into the real world and be businessman if they wanted to continue their activities.

“Many of you are allowing your relatives and yourselves to hiring vehicles or contracts to yourselves. This has to stop from today,” he said.

“If you want to be a businessman, you go out there and be that because you are already an engineer and you are trying to be a businessman, so why can’t you go and do it yourself outside and tender like everybody else and get the job.”

“The auditing and the people who are involved in these types of behavior must work on this issue that has gone on for too long.”

“You know what I am talking about, it has happened with money being given out on vehicles and the public is paying for it to allow them to run their private businesses.”

Issues hindering Highlands highway rehab efforts

Caption: IDA MD John Kaio

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, January 18, 2015 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

REHABILITATION efforts underway along the major economic highway of the country, the Highlands Highway, have been hindered with a host of issues, as explained by the Managing Director for the Infrastructure Development Authority (IDA) John Kaio.

His comments were made during his presentation on the progress of the Highlands rehabilitation and construction efforts during the launch of the Department of Works and Implementation 2015 road plan that IDA has been tasked to head.

“The highlands highway is an ongoing program that is actually consists of reconstruction and rehabilitation starts from Morobe and goes into Komo goes into Enga and back to the Western Highlands Province,” Mr Kaio said.

He mentioned a host of factors that have been contributed to by various factors including landowner issues and contractual negligence issues along with standards and natural factors.

“We are having issues with the highlands highway; some issues affecting the highway include the quality of work, contractor performance, and the landowner issues are also a major factor hindering the work on the highway with the continues interference by landowners.”

“As a result the impact and sustainability issues are a concern with this year alone the maintenance cost of the highlands highway using the government tax credit scheme will be going up to K200 million.

He also raised the issue of specification that he said were out of date and not on par with the changing trends in the sector.

“Specifications out of date that is why we have experienced the incompetency of the contractors as well as the consultants,” Mr Kaio said

Kaio also revealed that the IDA through the Department of Works had engaged a contract to provide a lasting solution to infamous sections of the highway in the Simbu province which were unstable sections of the highway.

“We have talked about re-routing the road, but we feel that we need to have informed data to inform ourselves, so we are putting up K5 million for the investigation to be done by an Israeli company,” Kaio said.

“We will get some of the best geotechnical engineers, and will do this using satellite imaging to get real time data so we can see the soil structure to be able to design and either re-route or effectively reinforce according to the data we will get for an informed decision.”

“As soon as that investigation is done our aspiration is that to have design plans and construct on that very tough section.”

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill in his address at the launch also raised concerns on the section mentioned and proposed to the Department of Works.

“Certain sections of the Highlands highway need our immediate attention; most critical is the Simbu section and the border of Western and Easter highlands,” the PM said.

“Our government is proposing to the Works Department to go to an open tender to invite contractors to come and design finance and construct.”

“That is the only way we can immediately have a world class contractor to come in- the government through its budgetary process will make a yearly commitment to making sure that we pay the financial component of that.”

Works reveals roads plan for 2015

Caption:  Works and Implementation Secretary David Wereh.

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, January 18, 2015 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

THE Department of Works and Implementation launched for the first time its road plan for the year in delivering major road impact projects in the country, on Friday in Port Moresby.

With the aim to clear path, a smooth ride and a safe trip to the travelling public in the country, the launch was attended by the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, along with Works Minister Francis Awesa, and Foreign Affairs Minister Rimbink Pato, along with departmental heads and donar agencies along with road contractors.

Making his presentation, Secretary for Works and Implementation David Wereh, highlighted the benefits and gains the department had accomplished in the last two and a half years, also highlighting the significant backlog in deferred maintenance his department is tasked to overcome over the last few years.

He said that plan was vital and it is important for them to be aware of their roles and responsibilities in the implementation of 2015 budget.

“PNG’s road network consists of 8740km of national roads, 21,000km of provincial and district roads- we have over 2000 cross drainage structures both bridges and culverts,” Wereh explained.

“The gap of deferred maintenance has been going up over the last 15 to 20 years, and the maintenance budget requests have been quiet high, as a result of the shortfalls we had been receiving under the maintenance and rehabilitation programs- the deferment backlog had been growing, and as of 2012 we had been sitting on a backlog of K3 to K4 billion kina.”

“The department has come up with some key performance targets we want to achieve in the next medium term (2013- 2017) in line with the government's vision to ensure that certain priorities of our roadmap are put in place by 2017 with an additional 2,000 to 5,000kilometers of national roads.”

He said that the 2015 expenditure from donor partners and the national government will see just over a billion kina being expended in the year.

“Since 2013 there has been a significant increase in the funding of our road maintenance and we would like to acknowledge the commitment of the government, the department, and its staff,” he said.

“In 2013 we received about K994 million, than in 2014 we received K1.6 billion, and this year in 2015 we have received another K1.5 billion.”

“You can see that the funding allocation is not concentrated to one cluster but we have all national roads receiving substantial amount of funds, towns and city roads along with provincial and district roads- there is a balanced distribution of the funds.”

2015 Spending priorities will evolve around the maintenance and upgrading of National roads to the tune of K1.02 billion, which will seethe construction of four to six major road sections under ADB (Asian Development Bank), maintenance and rehabilitation of the highlands highway, completion of upgrading of sections of the Hiritano Highway through the World Bank, and the improvement of accessibility and reliability of long stretches of highways throughout the country.

“Also included is the maintenance and replacement of national bridges at the cost of K81.3 milion for 600 meters under ADB and an additional 400 meters under DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Australia),” Wereh said.

“Maintenance of provincial roads K69.7 million, town roads K263.5 million, Lae city roads, Kookaburra Flyover and others, and the commencement of Mt Hagan city roads rehabilitation and upgrading works to begin.”

“Opening up of stretegic economic corridors is around K20 million to open up East to West New Britain road, begin tendering and construction of the Erave-Sebirinki link under the tax credit scheme funding, and reaching Kaintiba with a standard two wheel track on the Gulf to Morobe Link.”

The Secretary thanked donor partners for their immense contribution to the 2015 road plan, taking up 27 percent of the cost of the rehabilitation and maintenance program that includes JICA (Japanese International Cooperation Agency).

“In our performance against our key targets in the last two years of 2013 – 2014 we have recorded more than 462 kilometers of national and provincial roads upgraded and sealed, with ongoing maintenance of 4000 kilometers of National Roads in good condition level,” Secretary Wereh added.

“45km of Lae City roads have been upgraded to standard concrete roads, 41 New Bridges delivered and constructed on various roads throughout PNG, the opening up of East West New Britain Link to standard Class 3 Road with others still in progress with more than K700 million worth of projects still in progress.”

Ekenda calls for Zurenuoc to step down

Caption: Simon Ekenda

By MATTHEW VARI

Wednesday, January 14, 2015 (Midweek Chronicle, PNG)

TUGUBA Tribal Chairman and challenger of the PNG LNG Project, Simon Ekenda, has called on Government Chief Secretary Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc to step down.

In a press conference held yesterday, the outspoken resource activist, citing yesterday’s front page story in the Post Courier, ‘Chief cracks whip’, called on the chief secretary to apply severe disciplinary measures to incompetent departmental heads and other agency heads for statutory bodies instead of merely talking.

He referred to instances where issues within the gas and petroleum sector where he claimed the department and state had not followed polices, which is now the subject of a decision to be made by the National Court soon regarding the LNG Project Agreement.

Ekenda said the same situation was widespread all throughout the government machinery- something he added all should come back to the chief secretary.

“Sir Zurenuoc should not be just merely talking- he should start cracking the whip to his departmental heads who have already failed the government and the people in terms of the lack of competency to perform to the best of the people’s expectation,” Ekenda said.

“If Sir Zurenuoc can’t take actions and just talking, he should just resign and go home because he himself would be no better than his departmental heads.”

Private sector main beneficiary of oil price drop: Polye

By MATTHEW VARI

Wednesday, January 14, 2015 (Midweek Chronicle, PNG)

THE private sector is set to be the winner in light of the current downturn in oil prices, says former Treasurer and now Opposition Leader Don Polye.

He said despite the fact that the situation would affect the extractive industry and as a consequence the income of the State- the onus was now on the Government to ensure that the private sector flourishes as a means to balance the loss that is expected due to this.

“Because of the shock in the unexpected drop in fuel prices you will see a reduced income into the State Coffers for the government to meet the requirements of the budget,” Mr Polye said.

“On the other side there will be deflation because of the downturn in prices. The consumers of diesel and other fossil fuel products will be happy.”

“What is going happen is that the Private sector in PNG will grow with people spending less for fuel along will retailers and transportation companies and agriculture producers and manufacturers will benefit also saving money there and should balance out this downturn in government revenue.”

He however added that it was now incumbent on government refloat the kina, and not allow the packing of the kina to continue, to enable exports are cheaper.

“Those producing will sell more at a lower cost of production selling our products cheaper to make more money, which is good for the government to get more taxes to support themselves to make up for some of the downturn experienced in the extractive industry.”

He said despite not being someone closely working with oil- the dynamics of the global market of oil was such that the drop could remain for some time.

“The domination of the Middle-East has been threatened now that its biggest buyer, the US, is now producing more oil domestically,” he said.

“The US over the last 10 years has produced oil which is substituting the imports of oil from the Middle-East, which will lose money.”

“Before that happens the OPEC countries have increased supply and reduced prices to protect their consumer base.”

He said that the dynamics of such was what he sees and is what the opposition is telling the people that it will take a while yet.

“Not six months to come down, as the supply is there, and with no major wars being fought in the world the consumption of that oil supply will be steady.”

Public prosecutor’s competence questioned

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, January 11, 2015 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

LEADER of the Opposition Don Polye has questioned the Public Prosecutor, Pondros Kaluwin, in reference to his ability after the National Court granted an application by the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill staying the proceedings of the leadership tribunal appointed to inquire into allegations of misconduct by him, pending the determination of the issues before the Supreme Court.

“The court found that constitutional issues arise from the manner in which the public prosecutor Mr Kaluwin has handled the allegations referred to him by the Ombudsman Commission (OC),” Mr Polye said.

“I am making reference to the decision made by the National court yesterday (Thursday 8) as the leader of the opposition I am seriously concerned about the conduct of the public prosecutor.”

“Is the public Prosecutor certain that he has done the right thing? And is he still competent?”

“He sat on this issue since the 12 of August that are straight forward for two months and in early October 2014 asked the ombudsman for further evidence.”

He said that it took too long to make a decision, that there was more evidence needed until in December he requested the Chief Justice to appoint a leadership tribunal.

“Mr Kauwin’s conduct of allegations towards the PM has given rise to constitutional questions,” Polye said.

“Is it usual for such practices to be done by the Public Prosecutor? Had it not been for Mr Kaluwin the leadership Tribunal should have gone ahead to prosecute Mr O’Neill without further delay.”

“Is he competent to play the duties of a very important and independent duty and constitutional office of the Public Prosecutor?”

He added that the public wanted to see a decision made for an office that is highly regarded like the PM’s and the case be done swiftly.

Polye also questioned the use of private lawyers he said have been engage to the case also.

Bawa thanks North-East reformed youths

Caption:  Reformed youth happy with the meat given to them by NCD command police.

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, January 11, 2015 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Andy Bawa and his officers paid a visit to North-East Reformed Youth at the Unagi Oval bus stop in Gordons to thank them for assistance in keeping the festive period a safe one during Christmas and New Year.

Commander Bawa showed he and his officers appreciation by handing over a cow to the youth to distribute among themselves as part of a successful end of year operations.

“I am happy to be here with you today along with my police station commanders from all over the city the reason we are here is to thanks all you youths for the big job you have done during the Christmas and New Year period,” Bawa said.

“Christmas and New Year we have seen in Port Moresby, especially in your district of Moresby North-East was very quiet.”

“Starting from Gordon to 5 Mile to Kanage Street, Erima, Wildlife, 8 Mile, 9 Mile, ATS and all areas were very quite.”

He thanked them for keeping the Unagi Oval bus stop during the festive period to be free of trouble and petty crime.

“When we did our police operations for the period, we ask you to assist us and you have volunteered and you have given up your ways that you are tired of crime and want to change to have a good standing in the community,” he reminded them.

“I have been with you since day 1 and I am happy that you have made the decision to change which you have shown and I make this commitment with you up till today.”

“A lot of crime in the city is caused by youths- when you are not kept busy that is when you get into things that are not right like pick pocketing, stealing vehicles, robbing women, murder rape and many others.”

In addition he told them of the constraints police were faced with in terms of their numbers, which they fully appreciated with the youth helping out, adding that with the SP games around the corner their assistance would be vital in creating a safe city.

“To represent the Command in NCD we would like to show our appreciation for the work of you youths and give you this cow so that you celebrate this achievement and be happy also.”

“This is a very important year where we have the pacific games that will be held soon and we need the city to be safe, the streets to be safe, bus stops, and when we work together we can achieve that.”

“We will have visitors form the Pacific that will come and compete and a lot may think that Moresby is not safe.”

Bawa challenge youth from the other electorates in the capital to follow suite like the example set by the North-East youth

“You youths from Moresby North East have shown this, and that is something youths from the other two districts must also show, which is a big challenge to them.”

“Through partnership we can change that image of Port Moresby by giving the best pacific Games ever.”

Polye challenges State of emergency decision

Caption:   Opposition Leader Don Polye

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, January 11, 2015 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

OPPOSITION Leader and Member for Kandep, Don Polye has criticized the decision by the government to initiate a State of Emergency (SoE) to collect millions of kina in monies owed to state run electricity supplier PNG Power Limited.

In a media conference hosted yesterday at parliament house, the leader of the opposition questioned the legality of such a callout stating that the situation did not warrant such measures.

Polye said that in order to declare a state of emergency, there were circumstances under the constitution that warrant such a measure to be taken.

“As far as I am concerned is the fact that when there is a state of emergency- we must have three or four conditions that warrant it,” Mr Polye said.

“First there must be an act of war against Papua New Guinea by a foreign intrusion or in fact if there is any foreign intrusion causing disruption to national security.”

“If there is any social unrest or social violence, such that it affects the livelihood of the people, threatening businesses or major projects for the economy is threatened than a state of emergency can also be called.”

“The final condition is when there is a natural disaster, affecting the people then we will completely and quickly need to go in and sort the problem.”

Polye said that public funds are managed as such that processes and procedures are guided, however, adding that in the case of a SoE the processes are suspended as the risks are immediate and pose a threat to thousands of citizens.

“In this instance you just collect the minimum of the amount that the government has not specified clearly,” he said.

“Hypothetically if it is between K130 to K200 million that has to be collected, so you are calling a stae of emergency only to do a normal administrative function of an entity mandated by the constitution to do their job administratively.”

“Here the government is coming in declaring a state of emergency not under the conditions of the constitution, just to collect debts. That then raises the question as to why the amount has been allowed to accrue over the years.”

He said the moves by the government were suspicious, especially when there were existing processes in place already to do the job.

“We have the police and the court of law there, debt collectors there, Power PNG there through the CEO and his administration- it is their job to collect it,” Mr Polye said.

“If they cannot collect it then they can outsource the collection to professional expert debt collectors who can summon those people, bring them to the court who can order them to pay the monies.”

In addition he expressed fears he claimed that the government would use the insolvency issue to sell off 50 percent of the PPL, which he said could be easily achieved under the guise of the SoE.

“I call this decision a rogue decision from a rogue government, trying to sell the assets of PNG in a rogue way.”

He called on the Prime Minister and the Minister for State Enterprise to be weary of the people’s assets, saying that it was illogical, killing systems of good governance.

Something the leader said could set a precedence that could lead to similar exercises to be initiated to collect debts of other state owned entities and institutions.

“That is not on and is not how you run a country-. You are suppose to strengthen the institutions and systems to perform the functions independently without doing things like this.”

“I am seeking legal advice in the interpretation of this government in declaring this state of emergency to a judicial review if it is constitutional or not.”

“At the moment I am seeking that advice and am looking at the decisions that have been made and once I get that advice I will use that to determine to bring to the courts for a constitutional interpretation of what they have done.”

Command shows appreciation for festive operations

Caption:  Met Supt Andy Bawa speaking to mothers at the Tasion Police Barracks at Gerehu.

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, January 11, 2015 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

WHILE the rest of the city enjoyed the festive season and the New Year- 600 men and women of the Royal Constabulary’s NCD Command were working throughout the period to ensure a safe Port Moresby.

Commander of NCD police Metropolitan Superintendent Andy Bawa, along with his command officers came good in recognizing the families and fellow law enforcers from Correctional Services by distributing a total of 17 cows throughout police barracks in and around the city along with Bomana prison and its warders.

“We have gone around to all the police barracks to say thank you to all the families of policemen and women to say thank you for all the support they have given them during the festive operations period to keep the community safe,” Mr Bawa told families at the Tasion police barracks at Gerehu.

“We want to acknowledge that effort which was shown with the city having one of safest festive periods in a long time.”

“It was almost to a sense that everyone had left the city with suburbs and settlements empty on the streets.”

He said that it was not only a result of the Police men and women but also of the support given by wives and children.

“I have said thank you to all my officers with little tokens given through the generosity of the governor of the city which I had distributed throughout the stations,” he said.

“But I thought that it is just as important that our mothers are so vital in our profession of policing- they prepare the breakfast, clothes- they shine my officers up and they come to work.”

“That is why we recognize you and we have initiated this as our way of appreciated your role in our work.”

He told them to maintain their full support to their spouses in order for bigger and better things for them in the years ahead.

Families on hand to receive the meat acknowledged the presence of the commander, adding that it was the first time for something like that to be done.