Briefs

New road for vehicles
ABOUT 65 per cent of vehicles from the Highlands region travelling to Lae in Morobe would be able to use the Gulf-Southern Highlands Highway once completed, Works Minister Michael Nali says. There are only 12km remaining to be completed.

Small craft registration starts
The Sandaun small craft registration board has started its registration process in Vanimo. The board is headed by Danny Welly. The process involves the marking and numbering of all small craft in the province.

Indian involvement welcomed
India’s increased involvement in PNG’s economy comes with benefits and is therefore welcomed, Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Rimbink Pato says. “It is very satisfying to see India strengthening its trade and commercial activities in our country, and to see it boost its presence in the whole of the Pacific region.”

Online budget presentation
EFFORTS to present the East New Britain budget using the new Integrated Finance Management System (IFMS) online is progressing well, Governor Nakikus Konga says. This is despite setbacks in manpower capacity, reliable infrastructure and internet connectivity.

Airport maintenance work
The Hela government is working with people living near the Tari Airport to carry out maintenance work there so it could be used. Administrator William Bando said the airport was closed after the burning of a Link PNG plane in June last year. “We have spent nearly K2 million to address some concerns raised by Air Niugini. We even paid K7 million to customary landowners at eastern end for the extension work.”

Prison lacks water supply
BAISU prisoners and staff have been using creek and rain water for the past three months in the absence of a water supply, Commander Timbi Kaugla says. He said this was after pipes were cut during construction of the Kagamuga-Keltiga Road in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands.

Students receive K1 million
DAULO MP Pogio Ghate has allocated K1 million to assist Daulo students attending tertiary institutions with tuition fees. Ghate said human resource development was one of his top priorities.

Road to be upgraded
THE road from Asaro to Kwongi in Daulo, Eastern Highlands, will be upgraded at the cost K1.4 million, MP Pogio Ghate says. He said the 15.6 kilometre stretch road and bridges serve coffee plantations, garden crops and also to bring in store goods and medical and school supplies.

Airfare subsidised
JIMI MP Wake Goi has allocated K250, 000 to an aircraft company to subside the airfares of people from the district. This means that people will only pay K60 of their fares. Students will only pay K30 to travel from Jimi to Mt Hagen.

Good governance agreement
GOROKA district development authority and Oxfam International have signed a memorandum of understanding to implement good governance in Goroka.
Oxfam International country director Andand Das and Goroka MP Henry Ame signed the MoU.