US signs agreement with PNGDF

Caption:   (L) General Toropo, Defence Secretary Porti, and Admiral Locklear  

By MATTHEW VARI

Wednesday, April 16, 2014 (Midweek Chronicle, PNG)

THE United States and Papua New Guinea have signed an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) yesterday between the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) General Gilbert Toropo, PNG Defence Secretary John Porti, and visiting US Pacific Command (PACOM) Commander Admiral Samuel Locklear.

With the signed agreement- the PNGDF and the country as a whole will benefit from the facilitation of logistic support, supplies, and services during exercises, training, or emergencies.

The ACSA agreement does not, in any way commit either country to any military action.

It provides the basic framework for cooperation in military logistics matters- with the overall purpose to increase the readiness of military partnerships by reducing the initial logistics hurdles.

During his visit yesterday, Admiral Locklear reaffirmed the US commitment to PNG and the Asia-Pacific region, saying that the signing was symbolic of the peace and security the US aims to have in the region.

“Today is historic for us in that we sign a simple agreement to for us to work together for the common good of the region,” Admiral Locklear said.

“Though the PNGDF is small- it is doing a lot in terms of assisting in the region and through supporting the UN through peacekeeping operations.”

“As we go forward the objective of the US Military is to have peace and prosperity for all in this region.”

He explained that the bureaucracy was a major hurdle when in came to collaborative efforts between countries in times of crisis.

Speaking on behalf of the PNG Government, Secretary for Defence John Porti thanked the United States for what he said was a new chapter as partners for a common good in the region.

“Today’s environment has been challenging and what the US has offered, being the leader in the region, is something which PNG is appreciative of.”

“On behalf of the government I would like to thank Admiral Locklear who has signed this document of behalf of his government.”

The US has bilateral relations ACSAs with over 100 countries around the world.   

  

Toropo: Border situation under control

Caption:  General Gilbert Toropo

By MATTHEW VARI

Wednesday, April 16, 2014 (Midweek Chronicle, PNG)

PNG Defence Force commander General Gilbert Toropo revealed that the situation at the PNG side of the border is under control.

It was in relation to the gun battle that occurred at the border between the Indonesian Military and members of the OPM movement of West Papua who had fled into the PNG side.

The defense chief made the comments during the signing of an agreement between the PNGDF and the US military at the army’s head quarters at Murray Barrack.

He added that the issue was one between both countries affected and discussions were underway between both governments to determine ways to address it.

“The issue at the border is an issue between two countries,” he said.

“What is happening is in reference to an issue that occurred at the border with some elements of the OPM fighters.”

Gen Toropo informed the media that troops were being deployed to the border areas to ensure the safety of citizens. 

“Because it happened along the border- PNG citizens have been affected, so we have increased our troop presence along the border so that it does not spread in our territory and affect our citizens.”

“In fact it is a matter for Indonesia, but because it is in close proximity with us, the issue is under control as far as the PNG side of the border is concerned.”

“Discussions have been held at a higher level to further investigate on how we can move forward now and in the future if such incidents occur.”

Social licenses vital in extractive industry

Caption:    US Ambassador Walter North

By MATTHEW VARI

Wednesday, April 16, 2014 (Midweek Chronicle, PNG)

US Ambassador to PNG Walter North reminded participants in a two-day workshop hosted by the US Embassy focused on ‘Environmental Information Analysis and Compliance in Oil and Gas Exploration and Development’, earlier this week at the Gateway Hotel in Port Moresby.

In his opening address, he told them that the workshop was one that would not only help bolster the PNG Government’s, governance, revenue management, and technical skills- but also assist in identifying and minimizing the affects to the environments and  communities that host oil and gas projects.

“Revenue management is critical because the resources and earnings in this industry are limited and will not last forever,” Ambassador North said.

“What all worldwide best practices in the extractives sector have in common is the engagement with communities in a two-way and transparent dialogue that ultimately results in a ‘social license’ to operate.”

Facilitating experts for the workshop included;  Ted Murphy, Associate State Director, Alaska, U.S. DOI Bureau of Land Management (BLM); Gabe Garcia, Manager, Bakersfield California Field Office, U.S. DOI BL; Assheton Carter, Senior Advisor, Equitable Origin; Dan McFadyen, Executive Fellow, School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, Canada.

“Ted and Gabe work to minimize environmental effects and the disturbance of oils and gas developments to local communities and wildlife,” North said.

“Over the next two days hey will share their best management practices.”

Participants of the workshop were from the Department of Petroleum and Energy, Department of Environment and Conservation, Department of Land and Physical Planning, and the Department of National Planning and Monitoring.

The workshop is part of a series of training of opportunities since 2012 offered by the US in Papua New Guinea as part of the Energy Governance and Capacity Initiative (EGCI), that aims to help the country manage its oil and gas sector revenues wisely and in a manner that maximizes and sustain natural resource development for the country and its people.   

   

Pom set to host regional forum

Caption:  (L) DPLGA Secretary Munare Uyassi, and his Deputy Dickson Guina  

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, April 13, 2014 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

THE Department of Provincial and Local Government Affairs (DPLGA) in partnership with the National Capital District Commission are set to host the Pacific Local Government Forum (PLGF) from May 19 to 23.

Organized by the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF) Pacific, the form is the largest bi-annual gathering of local government policy makers and practitioners in the Pacific- with the last forum was held in the Solomon Islands in 2012.

With 150 delegates expected from nine Pacific countries- Cook Islands, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and the host nation, along with Australia and New Zealand.

Participants will include heads of ministries and departments responsible for local governments, national local government associations, and mayors and town clerks of major cities along with presidents.

Under the theme of ‘Pacific Futures: Building Local Communities’, Secretary for the DPLGA, Munare Uyassi, said that forum was vital for the sharing of experiences to enable the effective delivery of government services to local communities.

“It is my privilege as the secretary responsible for Local Governments to jointly host the forum with the National Capital District Commission,” Uyassi said.

“I would like to thank the CLGF forum based in London for their confidence in PNG to give us the honour to be the host for the 2014 meet.”

“It will be an opportunity for us and them especially to learn about our very good local government system.”

He added that the forum was the first on list of big events that the country, especially the city was going to host in terms of the Melanesian Arts Festival (June), South Pacific Games (2015), and APEC meet (2018)- emphasize it as the first real test of the country’s ability to host big regional events.

“It will be our time to showcase our country and city to our regional partners, and if we can do well with this one, we can do well with the others,” he said.

Deputy Secretary for DPLG and Chairman for the Working Committee, Dickson Guina, said that preparation were well underway with the total cost to host the event was K1.2 million, which would be shared among both the state and CLGF.

“Of the total budget, the CLGF office in Suva will co-fund half of the budget and our government will put up half- we are looking at K700,000, which is inclusive of the National Capital District Commission,” he said.

“With representative in the Working Committee from NCDC, National Events Council Secretariat, and the Foreign Affairs Preparations have been good and we are in the process of finalizing the events for the meet.”

He thanked the local business community for their participation through the setting up of exhibitions throughout the five day forum.

Minister apologizes to league fraternity

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, April 13, 2014 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)




MINISTER for Sports and Pacific Games 2015, Justin Tkatchenko apologized to the rugby league fraternity for taking up venues in the nation’s capital- that have seen the Port Moresby Vipers and the Gulf Isapeas without a venue for their home games.

He made the apology on behalf of the government during the official launch of the Digicel Cup season 2014 at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Port Moresby.

In response to the comments from the Chairman of the Papua New Guinea National Rugby League (PNGNRL) Board, Sudhir Guru, on the problem of playing ground availability for the 2014 season.

The Minister said that rebuilding of the Loyd Robson Oval was a minor sacrifice compared to the benefits the game would receive from the new venue.

“I’d like to firstly apologize on behalf of the government to the Digicel Cup for taking over all your facilities here in Port Moresby for the Pacific Games,” Tkatchenko said.

“But at the end of the day it is a short term sacrifice for a long term gain, because the facilities that this government will be building for you will be the state of the art.”

“We will have some of the best stadiums that you have ever seen in the Pacific.”

He said that with the new facilities built through the government- they would be able to ensure that the Digicel competition would be bigger and better than it had ever been before.

Prior to the unavailability of the said ground, the traditional format saw Mioks, Vipers, and Isapeas hosting nine games each.

With the changes the competition has adopted a pooled format that will see the ten teams divided into two pools of five teams each based on the ranks of the 2013 season.

Digicel Cup 2014 season officially launched

Caption:   Players representing the competing teams posing with models and the Digicel cup in centre view (picture by Lionel Mungae)

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, April 13, 2014 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

THE long awaited Digicel Cup season 2014 was finally launched last week, in a reception that included the presence of MPs, the rugby league fraternity, and corporate sponsors of the premier rugby league competition in the country, at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Port Moresby.

Representative players from nine of the ten competing teams were on show at the launch, along with the coveted cup with much fanfare before the grueling first round to begin today.

The season will kick-off in Kokopo with the Gulf Isapeas taking on the Rabaul Gurias and the defending premiers Port Moresby Vipers taking on the Mendi Muruks in Mendi.

Major Sponsor, Digicel PNG’s CEO, John Mangos praised the positive strides the competition had taken since the mobile communications took over the naming rights in 2011.

“Since the involvement of Digicel, the competition has become more professional, in terms of the franchise development, referees, and also the players,” said Mangos.

“It is something that has taken a collective effort by all those involved to make it the best league competition in the country.”

He added that the positive improvements have paved the way to the strong performances of the PNG Hunter team in the Queensland Intrust Cup Competition and the NRL, to the local front of promoting the national sport as a family oriented sport.

“We are encouraged by the number of families that are now going to watch the games, which shows the positive difference the competition has in the community.”

In officially launching the 2014 season- Minister for Sport Justin Tkatchenko thanked Digicel for sticking with rugby league and its development in the country.

He gave credit to the competition as a vital platform to launching players into the Queensland Intrust Cup and the NRL competition in Australia.

A total 92 games will be played in eight venues along with over 500 players and officials involved over a period of four and a half months- with around half a million spectators watching games at the various grounds.

 

        

Sustainable power generation, way forward for PPL

Caption:    Andagali taking his oath of service to PPL,withSenior Provincial Magistrate NCD Enes Wilmont officiating

By MATTHEW VARI

Wednesday, April 9, 2014 (Midweek Chronicle, PNG)

Speaking after being officially sworn in as the Chairman of the Board of PNG Power Limited (PPL) on Monday, Larry Andagali pointed out that current systems in place at the only electricity provider in the country were unsustainable for growth.

He added that the issue of increasing the tariff was approved and justified by ICCC (Independent Consumer and Competition Commission) because of the increase in fuel prices, which was something he said was to be enforced if the company was to survive.

“Looking at that we can see that the energy requirement, global energy requirement will always be on the increase and that leaves me and my board to think that our approach in the power generation sector using diesel fuel is unsustainable,” Andagali said.

“We have to come up with decisions; we have to come up with policy directions to make sure that we have a sustainable power.”

He said that on the flip side with natural gas deposits being found, the resource could be the fuel of choice which PPL could venture into in terms of electricity generation and the potential for hydro generation as well, which Andagali said had the potential to enable the export of electricity.

“Looking at gas- it is one of the resources that is readily available to us, but also because with the increase in the global energy requirement, maybe that is a good commodity that we need to export,” he said.

“What we are blessed with is fast flowing rivers that are readily available in every provinces right throughout the country.”

“As a board and as a company- our target needs to be really focused on creating sustainable energy generation, and I see that hydro power- moving forward is a really sustainable way for us to generate electricity.”

He said the way forward was to focus on power generation, power transmission, and power distribution, and the public private partnership arrangements where generation of electricity could be outsourced.

“So we still maintain the transmission, and distribution monopoly, but power generation needs to be outsourced through our superfunds and our sister SoEs (State owned Enterprises), who are cashed up with money need to invest- not only for 20 years, but 30 to 100 years.”

“I know we need to do something different to unlock the potentials that are out there, because the way we are doing business at the moment, electricity is unsustainable.”

Ministry reassures PPL executives of no interference

Caption:   Vice Minister Johnson Tuke

Caption:   Board members posing with their vice minister.

By MATTHEW VARI

Wednesday, April 9, 2014 (Midweek Chronicle, PNG)

THE assurance was given to the executive management of PNG Power Limited (PPL) during the swearing in ceremony of the new look board by the Vice Minister for State Enterprises and Public Investments, Johnson Tuke on Monday at the PPL head office in Port Moresby.

Speaking in the place of state enterprise minister Ben Micah, who was on electoral duty- Vice Minister Tuke reaffirmed that it was in the interest of all parties to allow the board and executive management to function without state interference.

“I am advised the government will allow the board to work independently and address the issues without any interference,” Tuke said.

“Its (the government’s) duty has been made by the appointment of the new board.”

“There are issues which will be addressed by the executive management and the board.”

“And there are also issues which can only be addressed by the government, and I urge all parties to respect that.”

In welcoming the incoming and reappointed members of the board, he reiterated the commitment of the department to carry out the ministerial review which he said was aimed at addressing the concerns of PPL and the people.

“I congratulate the appointment of the new board, and chairman- PNG Power has gone through a trying time, especially in the past weeks where we made headlines in the media portraying a negative image of PPL,” he said.

“But we have come out of this and government has noted the concern of PPL and also the people.”

“A ministerial committee headed by Minister Ben Micah is currently enquiring into the concerns of PPL for a long term remedial action from the government.”

“On behalf of the Government I want to sincerely thank all parties involved in this dispute for putting aside differences and making sure that normalcy returns and that all concerns are addressed amicably.”

He also made special mention to the former acting chairman and now Deputy Chairman Robert Bradshaw for leading the board throughout the impasse period.

In support of the Tuke’s remarks, Chairman of the board Larry Andagali added that with the approach of sticking to their responsibilities, would greatly improve the overall performance of the entity.

“Moving forward, we would like to make sure that there is clear separation of powers and responsibilities, between the board of directors and the senior management,” the chairman said.

“The board will be responsible for setting policies and directions and we will stick to our job and we would like management to get on with managing the organisation on a day to day basis to make sure that we turn this company around.”

A pleased Acting CEO Chris Baise welcomed the assurance by the vice minister saying that non-interference would enable them to fully utilize their effort in running the state owned enterprise.

“It is also comforting to note the assurance from the Ministry and the board to allow management to manage the organisation the best way we can.”

“This is very comforting indeed, and basically is most welcomed by the current EMT (executive management team).”

New members of the board include Larry Andagali (Chairman), Ian Gapi (Director), and Stanley Gotaha (Director).

Reappointed members of the board sworn in are Robert Bradshaw (Deputy Chairman) Sylvester Kenatsi (Director), Finkewe Zurenuoc (Director), Thomas Laka (Director), and Peter Suar (Director).

Measles cases steadily spreading beyond Pom

By MATTHEW VARI

Wednesday, April 9, 2014 (Midweek Chronicle, PNG)

CONFIRMED measles have risen steadily over the past week with Port Moresby having 148 laboratory confirmed cases, one confirmed case in Rabaul East New Britain Province, another in Wabag Enga, and two confirmed cases in the Southern Highlands.

NCD Director for Public Health, Dr Niko Wuatai informed Midweek Chronicles that the vaccination campaign has been extended due to the number of new cases that have been confirmed regularly.    

“We have extended the campaign for another month since the infections are still not under control,” Dr Wuatai said.

“We will have three mop-up teams to conduct cleanup vaccinations for those children and teenagers we may have missed.”

“Since the Friday last week, we have vaccinated over a 156,000 individuals within said age groups.”

He urged those parents that have not taken their children to health clinics to be vaccinated, to make it their business to see that they get the protection from the contagious disease.

He added that more than 60 per cent of cases were of children below five years of age.

“We are now looking at house to house vaccinations and with the movement of teams into settlements, we have seen a general lack of responsibility of some parents who are not taking the seriousness of the outbreak that is currently happening.”

On the national front- Disease Surveillance and Emergency Program Officer with the Health Department, Barry Ropa said the virus was now active in other part of the country other than NCD and Western, which he said the department warned would occur in an outbreak situation.

“The department has already informed the various provinces that have confirmed cases to be alert and initiate the same strategies that have been initiated in Port Moresby,” Ropa Said.

“We have asked all health facilities in the country to be on alert for cases that meet the criteria like running nose, red eyes, and sneezing.”

“Health facilities have been advised to report to their provincial health authorities who will arrange for samples to be taken from suspected cases and sent to Port Moresby for verification.”

He said other provinces like Morobe, Eastern Highland, and Madang have all sent samples of suspected cases, which have all come back negative.

The vaccination exercises that are now occurring in confirmed affected province other than NCD have targeted the age range of children from 6 years to 15 years of age.

When asked about the severity of an outbreak in rural areas compared to NCD and other urban center- he said that both instances were both huge risk areas.

“Yes and no, because the risk in urban centers is one of congestion and close proximity and for the rural areas is thee lack of proper access to health services such as immunization at early childhood.”  

New chairman warns of self-destruction

Caption:  Larry Andagali addressing management and staff

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, April 6, 2014 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

NEWLY appointed Chairman for the PNG Power Board Larry Andagali cautioned the staff body and management of the prolonged conflict that has put the only electricity provider in the on the verge of destruction.

He made the comments when meeting with staff and management in the nations’ capital last week in light of the nationwide shutdown that took place on Wednesday, April 2.

“I am not the kind of person that sits on issues by saying that I will look into it- I will give you an answer if we can do it within our means, because there is no such thing as unlimited money,” Andagali said.

“Everything we do has a limit, if we can do it within our means then you will get the answer yes, if we cannot then you will get a no answer.”

“If we keep pushing on issues, there is a thing called self-destruction, and I do not want PNG Power to self-destruct itself.”

He added that his goal as the new chairman was to stabilize what he said was a very important organisation- one he added had the potential to be a billion dollar company.

“You are the only monopoly and this is your home, ‘em garden blo you’ (this is your garden),” he said.

“You all are sitting on a billion dollar potential, as well as revenue and assets.”

He made reference to the loss of revenue the company had in 2013 from a striking contrast to the year 2012.

“I want you guys to find out where the leakage is, I want all the employees to find out where the leakage is.”

“Money cannot disappear and evaporate into thin air- something is happening somewhere.”

“From a K50 million profit (2012) to a K50 million (2013) loss- how can that be, I do not want to come in as a chairman of an insolvent company.”

He added that he was not appointed to play politics, but was appointed to run the company, which was what he intended to do when he announced that he had met with Bank South Pacific who he said were committed to support the organisation.

The chairman reaffirmed to the applause of the workers that there was not to be anymore interference from directors on the board now that he was appointed as its head.

In making reference to the nationwide shutdown that occurred last week- he compared the action to one that was historical in getting their grievances heard, however, also it being equivalent to a national security threat.

“When that happens, different state agencies will have to step in and take charge and control and we may end up having our company in the wrong hands, so let’s make that the first and the last,” he appealed.

He promised to work with them using the approaches that has been successful with his company, Trans Wonder World Limited a very successful landholding company that represents landowner groups in three Highlands provinces, which he is the current managing director of.

Swearing in of the new board members and chairman will take place tomorrow.

PPL workers explain their actions

Caption:  Polapan Kilangit

Caption:  Eddie Gisa

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, April 6, 2014 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

PNG Powers Limited (PPL) workers apologised for their actions last week that led to a nationwide shutdown of electricity services- stating the frustrations of not being heard by the company’s board and management led to the five hour blackout that crippled the country on Wednesday.

Speaking on behalf of the workers last week a gathering with the newly appointed Chairman of the PPL Board Larry Andagali, Public Employees Association (PEA) Branch President for PPL, Polapan Kilangit and Eddie Gisa, the Energy Workers Union (EWA) President both reiterated that all the issues could have been avoided had the board come down to listen and address their needs.

They however praised the actions of the new chairman, who they said was willing to work with them by first meeting with them personally, which was why they had turned on their services after the standoff.

“Your decision to meet with us yesterday (Wednesday, April 2) and listen to our concerns has given us comfort to get back to work and switch on the power,” Kilangit said.

“If the board and management had taken such an approach during the past four weeks, this would have prevented the nationwide shutdown.”

“We must apologise to the public and customers for the actions taken by our workers, which was a result of the deterioration in events over the past four weeks by all parties involved.”

He said that the cause of the conflict stemmed from industrial factors, management attitude towards workers, the government machinery, and other issues.

Sentiments that were shared by EWA President Eddie Gisa, who made reference to the hardship they faced in terms of the negativity and commitment they had despite not having their pleas heard.

“We have suffered throughout the last three weeks with a lot of media negativity also bringing shame on the staff on the staff of PNG Power nationwide,” he said.

“Though we had this negativity, we were brave enough to perform our duties on a daily basis, including the 24 hour service.”

“There is always a time for everything when frustration reaches us, which was what has happened when no one have listened to our pleas, resulting I the complete shutdown.”

He said that there was a failure either from the Union, the management, and instability among the board, and also IPBC in terms of financial support.

As of the changes to the board, the workers were now happy with the government through the minister responsible and NEC, who had responded in a timely manner with the appointment of as the new board chairman.

     

PNG forests play vital role against climate change

Caption:   (L) Resident UN Coordinator PNG, Roy Trivedy and Helen Clark

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, April 6, 2014 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

PNG has the third largest reserve of rainforests in the world, and its preservation is of global significance.

Visiting head of the United Nations Development Program, Helen Clark, made the remark when asked about the importance of the country’s involvement in the REDD+ initiative.

“The great innovation of REDD+ is that it provides a way for countries to be paid to keep their forests,” she pointed out.

“In the past development has been about cutting down forests, for other supposedly economic uses.”

“This has brought the planet onto the brink of disaster, because the forests are the planet’s lungs.”

“It is of international significance for papua New Guinea to retain it forests, and the work we can do is to support Papua New Guinea to get things set up so it can access the international funding for REDD+.”

Ms Clark said that there is a lot of international funding for REDD+ available- giving an example of the engagement with the Norwegian Government, which announced a US$1 billion dollars for Indonesia for its forests.

“So a lot of things have to be done to set up the mechanism, institutions, community consultation, for funders to be assured that if commitments are made to keep forests- they must be measured and monitored because they pay on results, and these results flowing from REDD+ can benefit the development of the people.”

The UNDP Head added that the majority of people in the country live in rural areas with rainforests who want a better life.

“They want education, health, livelihoods; they want jobs- so there is a whole package that has to be put around this in what we can bring to this.”

“We would like to see PNG tropical forests play their part to be the lungs of the planet, while people’s development can also proceed,” she concluded.

State makes title available for UN house

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, April 6, 2014 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

THE government of Papua New Guinea remains committed to having a strong relationship with the world community through the United Nations by committing land to enable the world organisation build its own head office complex in the National Capital District.

Confirming the availability of title to the UN, visiting United Nations Development Program Administrator, and former New Zealad Prime Minister, Helen Clark, said that the availability of the land and eventual building of a complex to house all relevant agencies for the UN was vital in order proper coordination for development projects in the country.  

“The UN in PNG is very keen to have a one UN house, and the government has been very interested in supporting that,” Ms Clark said.

“Papua New Guinea was one of the very early countries that signed up for the UN deliver as one- for one program, one fund, one leader, one budget, and one of the components of that is one house.”

“If everyone is together you have better coordination across the UN, which is good for supporting Papua New Guinea’s development.”

She said that as an organisation they found that the rent they have in existing building housing their operations were very expensive.

“It is so expansive that they could make the presence of some of the important agencies here unsustainable,” she said.

“Ideally we would like to have a new building and we may also have some discussion with the government about interim solutions in existing buildings.”

“At present I’m hearing a lot of agony from UN agencies about the cost of accommodation.”

She added that the government has made the title available, so they were now looking at what it will take to get the UN house built.

“We did quite a bit of work on this several years ago in my last visit, but there was an issue on whether we could proceed on the land.”

“We need to get the plans out of the bottom draw and start on getting our house built.”

Measles cases reach 116 in Pom, and Enga confirms first case

By MATTHEW VARI

Wednesday, April 2, 2014 (Midweek Chronicle, PNG)

WITH measles cases now over the 100 mark and the first confirmed case reported in Enga Province- health authorities in Port Moresby are optimistic that the case numbers will fall this month as a result of the huge vaccination drive that has taken place.

The confirmed case in Enga was revealed from samples sent from Wabag Hospital to Port Moresby, relaying the fear of health authorities on the spread of the disease via the transportation system.

As the Central Province, with two confirmed cases, has undertaken preventative measure along with Gulf Province- Manager for Disease Surveillance with the Department of Health Berry Ropa said that a health team has been sent to the village of where the child was from, and provincial authorities were on high alert.

“A team has been sent out to the province to the village where the case originated from, and according to the parents of the child- they had recently flown out from Port Moresby to the province,” Ropa said.

“The team along with provincial health authorities will now vaccinate children between 6 to 15 years of age in the village and surrounding villages- in the hope of preventing the spread from the affected village.”

Vaccination campaigns in Port Moresby have already covered 140,600 individuals between 6 months to under 20 years.

According to Director for Public Health Dr Niko Wuatai, the hotspots were a majority of cases have come from include; Saraga (6 Mile), Gerehu, Korobosea, Konedobu, Morata, and Gereka, which is just outside the city.

“The four week vaccination campaign will end this week, and due to more cases being detected we are putting together an extension for funding to move into the settlements where there are a lot of children who have not been reached.”

“But we are scaling down the operations and we hope to see a decrease in new cases by the second to third week of April.”

He also revealed plans to request the assistance of the Papua New Guinea Defense Force in terms of medial facilitation and also security for medical teams who will set up stations in settlements in and around the city.

“We are concerned with bed space for the affected cases and are currently in contact with PNGDF for them to assist us with treatment and security, which we hope to confirm by Friday.”