Cops, Works verify claims
POLICE and Works Department officials are carefully verifying identities of claimants for the Highlands Highway rehabilitation programme to avoid fraudulent claims by villagers living along the Simbu section of the highway. Simbu provincial police commander Supt Joseph Tondop said they were being very careful so that only genuine claims were paid. He said a previous payment was done with no proper arrangements resulting in tens of thousands of kina ending up in the wrong hands.According to officials within the Works Department in Kundiawa, more than K51million has been disbursed to people with properties and land along the highway.

Tears of need still shed
AFTER 32 years of independence, people in PNG’s remote communities are still crying for basic services, according to Eastern Highlands Deputy Governor Joksy Nakime. Mr Nakime highlighted this while officially opening a one-day workshop facilitated by the Office of the Rural Development (ORD) for district administrators and treasurers in the eastern half of the Highlands region in Goroka recently. Mr Nakime said a lot of district development funds were going to districts but people were still crying for basic services. He challenged the participants to facilitate for efficient delivery of services to the people.

WHP to set up committee
A COMMITTEE will be set up to collect data and evaluate the performances of people carrying out HIV/AIDS awareness and those living with HIV/AIDS in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands. This was revealed during a one-day workshop on monitoring and evaluation organised by the National AIDS Council at the Highlander Hotel in Mt Hagen last month. Provincial AIDS Council coordinator Joshua Meniga said this would help the national and provincial AIDS councils to distribute resources accordingly to districts.

Committal Court frees youth
A YOUTH accused of helping a prisoner escape from police custody was set free by the Waigani Committal Court last Monday. Police failed to complete the documents for the case despite arresting Allan Koga, 18, three months ago. The prosecution warned that if investigations were completed, he might have to appear in court again. Koga, from Belawesta village in Fane sub-district, Central province, was alleged to have helped a prisoner escape from hospital, where the man was receiving treatment after a car theft and murder at Korobosea on July 30.

Man allegedly attacked by croc
A MAN is believed to have been attacked by a large crocodile while swimming in the rain-swollen Daliavu River near the Garu oil palm plantation in Talasea, West New Britain, last weekend. Police identified the man as Peter Niso. Police are still searching for the body. Acting provincial police commander Joseph Tabali said the water was murky, making the search difficult. He advised people to stay away from the river until it receded to its normal level.

Cops stop tribal fight in Enga
POLICE in Enga have stopped a tribal fight between the Yamap and Pakait tribes in Kandep, which has claimed four lives since March. Provincial police chief senior Insp Albert Beli said yesterday he sent a team in together with some members of Peace and Good Order Committee to broker the peace. He said the police would take a pro-active approach and work with the committee to help stop tribal fighting in the province.

Air Niugini reviews ops
AIR Niugini is reviewing its daily operations into Hoskins, West New Britain, following the closure of its airport to large aircraft. The runway is being resurfaced and the airline is now only allowed to use its Dash 8s or smaller aircraft instead of the normal F100s. It advised travellers to contact its sales and reservation offices for information. The runway work is expected to take about eight weeks.

PX suspends services to Girua
AIR Niugini has suspended its services to Popondetta, Oro, indefinitely after floods washed away three major bridges linking the town and Girua airport. The floods also affected communication links. Meanwhile, the airline is continuing its Dash 8 service to Hoskins in West New Britain. It will revert to its Fokker 100s after work to resurface the runway is completed.

Man robbed at midnight
A MAN lost personal items valued at K910 to five youths last Friday at Butibam village, Lae, after being dropped off from work. Police reports stated that the victim, who is an employee of Cornerstone Motors, was dropped off by colleagues at the main road leading into the village. It was alleged that as the victim was walking towards his house, five youths confronted him with knives and robbed him. The youths allegedly held him up at knife point and stole one set of pots, a bag, two mobile phones and some money at around midnight and escaped on foot into the bushes.

Girl allegedly raped
Last Friday, an 18-year-old girl was held up at knife point by a man and dragged into a chicken shed at the Biwat settlement and raped repeatedly. Police reports stated that the man, who is known to the victim, threatened her at around 11am with a knife before forcing her into the chicken shed. The victim reported the alleged rape to police. The suspect has gone into hiding but police know his identity.

Youth arrested over theft
A youth has been arrested and charged for the theft of 10 brass metals valued at over K500 from the RBP Trading last Friday. Police reports alleged that the 16-year-old boy had removed the items at around midnight last Thursday. The theft was discovered by employees who later identified him after investigating the incident and referred him to the police. Police arrested the juvenile and have charged him with stealing.