“MADANG RECOUNT” – Fabian Hakalits
Another recount for Madang’s open seat. Presiding judge Justice Sir Bernard Sakora issued the recount order for the election petition case between Peter Yama with the PNG Electoral Commission and sitting MP Nixon Duban.
The decision was based on errors and omissions by Madang electoral officers during the election recount.
Justice Sakora ordered the recount in two weeks, with the results to be returned on August 22. More updates tomorrow.
“CULPRIT CAUGHT” – Ruth Rungula
A man wanted for rape has been featured on EM TV’s Crime Stoppers program over the last 3 months and was caught by police today, currently in custody.
Twenty-one-year-old Joren John Joel from Milne Bay Province was spotted by members of the public this morning at Waterfront Supermarket in Konedobu and reported it to police. Police responded to the call and apprehended the suspect.
Host of the Crime Stoppers program, Inspector David Terry, commended the public for reporting the matter and urged everyone to work in partnership with the police to report such matters in future.
“KIMBE ROAD INUNDATED” – Tokana Hasavi
The Hump Bridge at Banuale village in Hoskins, West New Britain Province, was completely washed away around 7 o’clock last night after heavy rain.
This has denied access for travelling public living in the area and has affected the production of Oil Palm Industry as fruit trucks cannot pass. The road is a vital link as it also connects the Hoskins Airport to Kimbe town and the damage will also affect airline passengers.
West New Britain Governor Sasindran Muthuvel called upon the national government and the National Department of Works to step in and help rectify the situation.
A bypass has been constructed by the Provincial Works Department for temporary access. Locals from the area claim this is the third disaster as the first was in the 1960’s and the second occurred in 1974. It has been 40 years since the last disaster.
“AROPA WORKS BEGINS” – Fabian Hakalits
The national government’s commitment to reopen Aropa Airport in Kieta, Central Bougainville has sown.
This follows the blueprint documents’ signing between the Autonomous Bougainville Government, National Airports Corporation and contractors. This will allow construction work for airport facilities before flights resume to Aropa.
“EMPOWER YOUTHS” – Fabian Hakalits
The Bougainville Crisis affected many youths schooling within those years who missed out on formal education. The Bougainville Youth Foundation, as one of its objectives, realised this as an important marker for youths to be empowered with lifelong learning skills.
Divine Word University’s Madang Chapter representative, Nigel Uaiz, says more youth empowerment programs are vital in this process Bougainville is undergoing.
