United against hunger

By SENIORL ANZU of NARI

Research organisations and governments working together. Such is a positive move against  hunger in PNG

The need for greater collaboration and partnership at all levels in the fight against world hunger is a strong call at this year’s World Food Day, which took place last weekend – October 16.

This is the message from the theme, ‘United Against Hunger’, which was chosen to recognise the efforts made in defeating world hunger at national, regional and internationals levels. This theme is closely related to last year’s in ‘achieving food security in times of crisis’.

Uniting against hunger becomes real when state and civil society organisations and the private sector work in partnership at all levels to defeat hunger, extreme poverty and malnutrition, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations.

There are regional and international partnerships emerging around this course.

International organisations, particularly the Rome-based United Nations agencies [Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), World Food Programme (WFP)] have realised the key strategic role they play in directing global efforts to reaching the Millennium Development Goal # 1 - eradicate extreme poverty and hunger – which calls for halving the hungry people in the world by 2015.

The World Food Security initiatives are shouldered by the UN system and other players in the area of food security and nutrition.

They include the civil society, NGOs and representatives of all relevant people affected by food insecurity, international agricultural research institutions, financial institutions and development banks, donors, trade organisations, and will be open to the private sector and philanthropic foundations.

In some 30 countries, national alliances composed of civil society organisations and government agencies are actively collaborating together to promote advocacy and awareness-raising activities.

In 2009, the World Summit on Food Security, or hunger summit, adopted a declaration renewing the commitment made at the 1996 World Food Summit to eradicate hunger sustainably from the face of the earth.

The declaration also called for an increase in domestic and international funding for agriculture, new investments in the rural sector, improved governance of global food issues in partnership with relevant stakeholders from the public and private sector, and more action to face the threat climate change poses to food security.

In 2009 also, the “1 billion hungry project” commenced reaching out to people through online social media to invite them to sign the anti-hunger petition at www.1billionhungry.org.

The petition is a reflection of the moral outrage of global hunger situation.

The PNG Department of Agriculture and Livestock announced the concept last week, inviting citizens to participate in signing the hunger petition in Port Moresby.

Immediate dialogue and collaborations in PNG and the Pacific are paramount.

This is so especially when the country is faced with challenges in climate change, pest and disease outbreak (potato late blight, cocoa pod borer), El Nino and La Nina cycles, land degradation and population pressure.

 The country is classified among 80 with Low Income Food Deficit by FAO, a categorisation based on the increasing quality of food imports, particularly cereal, as well as the per capita energy supply.

Further, the malnutrition rates are among the highest globally.

There is widening gap between the growing demand for food, particularly in the urban areas, and static domestic production which is largely filled by food imports, according to PNG National Food Security Policy 2000-2010 (PNGNFSP).

 This is the blueprint developed to create awareness and seek support to increase and diversify food production, processing and preservation, marketing and distribution in order to achieve greater self-sufficiency in food and attain for security at the national, provincial, district and household levels by the year 2015.

Threats to food security may arise from shortfalls in subsistence food production, very low cash income or both, according to agricultural expert, Mike Bourke.

The threats may be long-term (such as those caused by an extreme climate event) or short-term (such as a very low cash income and no access to land).

However, when there have never been so many hungry people in the world on this World Food Day 2010, FAO encourages the world population to reflect on the future.

“With willpower, courage and persistence – and many players working together and helping each other – more food can be produced, more sustainably, and get into the mouths of those who need it most.”

PNG also has the chance to improve its production and productivity of food and livestock and become food-assured and self-reliant.

PNG must not only produce enough for her own consumption but also for export to many needy countries.

PNG has the advantage because of its huge resource base and potential which are yet to be explored.

 This nation has just six million people with enormous agricultural resources such as vast land mass, fertile soils and favourable climate for various types and kinds of crops.

PNG has a rich bio-diversity and a variety of food species, fruits and nuts, and cash crops. Farmers can grow various crops including cereals and pulses together with a range of livestock species.

There are also abundant land and bio-mass, creating opportunities for bio-fuels as well.

PNG has made modest advances on the technology front in terms of improved varieties and practices for a range of agricultural commodities and environments.

This also means that there must be favourable policies towards agriculture with adequate funding.

These must be supported by governance and management of agricultural programmes and projects at all levels.

Pastor Joseph Kingal is dead

Wife and children in hospital after tragic road accident

CHRISTIANS and Lae residents were last night mourning the death outspoken spiritual leader and evangelist Pr Joseph Kingal (pictured above, right), who was killed in a road accident yesterday evening, The National reports.

Kingal and his family were involved in a tragic road accident at Zuming Bridge in Markham, about 120km out of Lae.

Kingal, his wife Susan, and their four children were returning to Lae from Madang when the accident happened.

Pr Sesere Kebei, who rushed to the accident site, said the vehicle, driven by Kingal, overshot the bridge and fell into the river.

It was not clear what caused the accident.

Kingal and his family were returning home after a week-long crusade in Madang.

The spiritual leader sustained fatal injuries to his head

and body, Kebei said.

“It appears he died at the site. It was a real tragedy,” he said.

Susan Kingal and one of the younger child sustained serious injuries but were believed to be in “serious but stable condition”, Kebei said.

Mutzing police station commander Sgt Alex Romosaso said Kingal was killed in the accident as he was driving his family to Lae in their family vehicle – a Toyota landcruiser trooper – late in the afternoon.

Staff members at Mutzing Health Centre tried frantically to stabilise the condition of the family before rushing them to Angau Memorial Hospital last night.

News about the accident spread quickly throughout Lae city and around the country.

Christian members and relatives around the city rushed to the Angau Memorial Hospital and waited for the family to arrive.

The family was brought to Angau hospital’s accident and emergency entrance and rushed to the operating theatre as family members, Christians and Lae residents held a prayer vigil.

The hospital was packed with people, and Kuima and G4S security guards worked hard to control the crowd, to ensure they were not in the way of medical staff.

A nurse contacted by The National last night said they were under strict instructions not to speak to anyone about the condition of the pastor and his family.

Kebei said he had known Kingal since university days.

“His impact and influence was extraordinary. He had a great heart and mind and was a very inspirational person.”

Joseph and Susan Kingal founded The Word, The Spirit, and The Cross Evangelistic Ministries Inc, in 1994. Since then, they had inspired, saved and healed thousands of people nationwide.

Kingal holds a degree in accounting from the University of Technology while his wife had graduated from Madang’s Divine Word University with a diploma in accountancy.

State caught in 8-year-old K100m bill

By PATRICK TALU

 

THE state has to fork out nearly K100 million to pay a construction company because of the failure to settle a debt that has been growing through interest for eight years, The National reports.

Treasurer Peter O’Neill confirmed last night that the government would hold talks with representatives of Australian-based Downer Construction (PNG) Pty Ltd to settle a contractual bill for work done on the Ramu Highway eight years ago.

An internet publication reported yesterday that Downer Construction had indicated filing a lawsuit against the PNG government in Australia for failing to pay an outstanding contract bill of A$31 million (more than K80 million) for the Ramu Highway upgrade completed in 2002.

According to WAtoday.com.au, an online column, the move to file a lawsuit was agreed last Wednesday during Downer’s general meeting.

At the meeting, it was anticipated that Ramu Highway revenue was booked in Downer’s June accounts after the company was satisfied that the amount owed was measurable.

The sum was determined by an international arbitral tribunal last November.

The publication reported that “Downer’s delegation to Port Moresby last month came back empty-handed, and the chatter around Port Moresby is that Downer will have to sue – possibly in the Australian federal court”.

“Even if Downer takes this path, it is hard to predict just what steps will be required to enforce an Australian judgment against the PNG government.”

A company spokesman was quoted as saying: ‘“Downer is continuing its discussions with the PNG government and is confident of reaching an amicable resolution in the coming weeks.”

Collecting a A$31 million bad debt that’s eight years overdue was a top priority for Downer, who had two representatives sent to Port Moresby to negotiate.

The outstanding amount related to a 127km road upgrade completed between 1998 and 2002, when aid funding from the European Development Fund saw Downer engaged to work on the Ramu Highway.

Treasurer O’Neill told The National Downer had approached his office over a bill that had been allowed to escalate because “someone was not doing his job”.

“They have approached my office. We are in discussion. They (government officials) have allowed the bill to escalate to K100 million.”

 

 

PEA talks terms with government

NEGOTIATIONS start today between the Public Employees Association and the Department of Personnel Management over salary and housing allowance for public servants, The National reports.

The current three-year agreement between the government and PEA will expire at the end of this month.

According to association execution executives, PEA would push to have the housing allowances for public servants increased to K250 a fortnight starting next year.

President Michael Malabag yesterday said if the government did not have the capacity to pay that amount for all public servants, the association would then push for K250 a fortnight to be applied only to PEA’s 15,000 financial members.

Other deals the association hoped to cut with DPM included:

* Salary increases to meet current and ongoing high standard of living plus the effect of the LNG and to stop a brain-drain on the public service;

* The 35% tax on final entitlements to be lowered to 15%;

* Risk allowances for public servants on Bougainville and Rabaul; and

* The push for the delivery of quality public services.

Malabag said the other issue to be raised and penned into the agreement would be the devolution of powers and discipline which had not been effective in the past.

Department of Personnel Management secretary John Kali, in a letter to Malabag last Monday, stated that many of the issues raised could be addressed outside of the negotiations including concessional tax rates of 35%, impact of DPM powers devolution, review of general orders and penalty clauses for heads of government agencies.

Kali stated that the substance of negotiations would focus on salary and work-related allowances including housing and allowances for attraction and retention; review of redundancy provisions and re-employment of retrenched officers and isolation of retirement from the current redundancy agreement.

 

Youths use game to go on rampage

By DANIEL M DAVID

 

SOUTHERN Highlanders who did not travel to Lae in Morobe to watch their rugby league team play Goroka Lahanis in the bemobile Cup grand final went on a rampage last Friday and smashed walls of the Agiru Centre and Bank South Pacific office branch, The National reports.

The group, comprising mainly youths, demanded last Thursday that the provincial government hire buses and trucks to take them to Lae to watch Mendi Muruks take on Lahanis.

Getting no response from the provincial administration, the frustrated youths, who were joined by informal sector vendors, pelted both buildings with rocks and other missiles.

Provincial administrator William Powi condemned the actions of the youths.

“People of Southern Highlands must understand that the provincial government is there to serve the whole population and not a few selfish individuals.

“Muruks is our team and we are proud of them making the grand final; genuine supporters have travelled to Lae on their own.

“I condemn the behaviour and primitive actions of these youths,” he added.

Powi said his office was not a sports office and, even though the provincial government had assisted the Muruks financially, the budget did not cater for supporters’ transportation.

“Police were outnumbered and did not make any arrests.

“But, there are youths who are known to police and they will be arrested,” the provincial administrator said.

Mendi police and provincial police commander Supt Terry Tei could not be reached for comments.

APEC issues declaration on food security

Issued by the 1^st APEC Ministerial Meeting on Food Security

 

Niigata, Japan, 17 October 2010 – At the conclusion of the 1^st APEC Ministerial Meeting on Food Security, APEC ministers adopted the Niigata Declaration on APEC Food Security.

 Meeting for the first time, in Niigata, Japan on Saturday and Sunday, APEC Ministers recognised the region’s vulnerability to food price spikes, population increases and constraints on agricultural production and how these issues impact long-term food security.

 They stated that trade plays a key role in food security. Improved food security in the region would contribute to the attainment of APEC’s human security goals and assist the implementation of the APEC Leaders’ Growth Strategy.

 APEC member economies agreed to collectively pursue shared goals of sustainable development of the agricultural sector and facilitation of investment, trade and markets.

 Ministers agreed that cooperation is required in order to help adapt to, and mitigate, climate change and to enhance disaster preparedness in the agricultural sector to help the region achieve a stable supply of food for its people. They agreed on the following actions:

 

• Expanding food supply capacity
• Enhancing disaster preparedness in agriculture
• Developing rural communities
• Confronting challenges in climate change and natural resource management

 Ministers also agreed that food security cannot be achieved without stable, efficient and equitable distribution systems that can deliver food to the whole population. To accomplish the goal of facilitation of investment, trade and markets, Ministers agreed that APEC economies should cooperate to:

 

·        Promote investment in agriculture

·        Facilitate trade in food and agricultural products

·        Strengthen confidence in agricultural markets

·        Improve agribusiness environment

·        Improve food safety practices

 

Ministers also endorsed an APEC Action Plan on Food Security, which identifies specific activities to be implemented by APEC economies to strengthen regional food security.

 With inputs from Food and Agriculture Organisation, Asian Development Bank, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the World Food Programme, the World Bank, the United Nations’ High-Level Task Force and the International Fund for Agricultural Development during the plenary session, Ministers recognised that meaningful consultation with relevant stakeholders is critical to making sustained progress towards our food security goals.

 APEC Food Ministers will convey the outcomes of their meeting to APEC Leaders in November when they meet in Yokohama, Japan.

 

                                                           #  #  #

 

For the declaration, visit:

http://www.apec.org/apec/ministerial_statements/sectoral_ministerial/food_security/2010_fs.html

 

For more information please contact:

Michael Chapnick (in Japan): +65 9647-4847 (mobile) or mc@apec.org

Trudy Harris (in Singapore): +65 9898-3710 (mobile) or th@apec.org

 

 

 

Highlands Pacific targeted for role in Ramu mine

Australian listed company, Highlands Pacific, is being targeted in an on-line campaign – www.actnowpng.org/action - over its role in the controversial Ramu nickel mine.

Highlands Pacific is part of the consortium that owns the Ramu mine and which is planning to dump millions of tons of mine waste into the sea.

“Such dumping would not be permitted in Australia where Highlands Pacific is based”, says Effrey Dademo, programme manager for Act Now!

Highlands Pacific is also being targeted for its failure to condemn the intimidation of local landowners and their supporters who have suffered threats and violence after speaking out against the marine dumping plans.

“Highlands Pacific claims that it is a socially-responsible company with high ethical standards but we are not seeing those standards being applied at the Ramu mine”, Ms Dademo adds.

The on-line campaign, in which members of the public can send emails to the board of Highlands Pacific, can be viewed at www.actnowpng.org/action

 

For further information and comment contact Effrey Dademo on (765) 7689 5266 and at effrey@actnowpng.or

 

Wau-Bulolo social mapping gets joint district budget planning and priorities committee endorsement

The Bulolo district joint district budget planning and priorities
committee (JDPBPC) under the chairmanship of local MP Sam Basil has
endorsed the social mapping study to be undertaken at by Social
Environmental Research and Consultancy Services (SERACS) Ltd, a
research and consultancy group specialising in anthropological, social
and environmental research.
The project is an initiative of the local member Sam Basil and
villagers that have been affected over the year.
Bulolo MP Sam Basil said: "I want to be proactive in addressing
land-related issues, and social mapping is the way forward in my
electorate as there is a lot of mineral resource development and
exploration taking place, and if we are not proactive in addressing
this issues, law and order problems arising from land disputes are
likely to happen, and has already happened in the Wau Bulolo
District".
The Bulolo district JDBPPC has approved K250, 000 funding of the
project with the first trench payment of K100, 000.
The social mapping study that would be undertaken by SERACS would
focus on the systematic collection of information on customary social
groups and the tracts of land they are associated with.
The team leader of SERACS Dr Rodney Kameata highlighted at the
presentation to the members of the Bulolo JDPBPC that "social mapping
study should entail an understanding of the cultural and historical
factors that have shaped the relationship between people and their
environment".
The local level government council presidents present at the JPPBPC
meeting and the Bulolo district public servants appreciated that Mr
Basil is being proactive in addressing a lot of the land-related
issues, and setting the foundation for any land-based developments
that would be taking place in his electorate.
John Yawa, president of the Wau LLG said: "A lot of the land issues
in the electorate are outstanding, and the initiative of social
mapping is a means to provide empirical evidence and information in
relation to land and customary rights.
"We the LLG presidents appreciate the move."
Another LLG president Mathias Philip said: "While mineral exploration
and development is on the boom in the district, the developers and the
agencies of the state need to proactively work with the customary
landowners, and guide them through.
"Such is not happening and the initiative is priority in the Bulolo district."
Mr Basil said that this initiative of social mapping should be the
first undertaken when a developer first enters customary land,
however, has not happened much.
Population growth has also created an unprecedented growth of villages
expanding with spillover effects resulting in unwarranted casualties,
loss of lives and assets from related land disputes.
The social mapping project is the best way forward for everybody
especially making vital information available for our future
generations to use.

Spotlight on LNG project

LNG Watch Papua New Guinea is a new initiative designed to place a critical spotlight on the development of the LNG project.

More information about the project and its administrator is available on the LNG Watch blog:http://lngwatchpng.blogspot.com

 

Books for students

Zion Zeal Christian Academy children in Waigani, NCD, reading the Hunting for Minerals and Oil in Papua New Guinea books they received from a surprise visit by Oil Search personnel yesterday, The National reports.

The books, published by the PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum, attempt to give primary school children a better understanding of how minerals and oil are discovered and developed. – Picture courtesy of Oil Search Ltd

Bligh bats for PNG hydro-power plan

QUEENSLAND premier Anna Bligh has talked up the potential of two big renewable energy projects in North Queensland and Papua New Guinea’s Purari River, saying they could help the region take the “next giant leap forward”, The National reports.

She also quelled fears the PNG scheme could hurt renewable energy proposals in North Queensland, saying the two schemes were complementary.

The 50-50 owned Australian-based energy company Origin Energy and PNG Sustainable Development Program’s ambitious plans to build a multi-billion-dollar hydro-electric plant in Gulf   near Purari River and send the electricity back to Australia via an undersea cable have not impressed investors or analysts.

The Townsville Bulletin yesterday, reporting on Bligh’s six-day visit to the North Queensland, said a host of renewable energy projects had been mooted along what had been dubbed the clean energy corridor between Townsville and Mount Isa.

A BIS Schrapnel report has found there was potential for 900MW of installed renewable capacity to be connected to the grid through an AC transmission line by 2015-16 - 300MW in baseload power from biomass and solar thermal sources and another 600MW from wind power.

The newspaper reported that Origin Energy was assessing the potential for an 1800MW hydro-electric scheme on the Purari River in PNG and exporting power into Australia’s energy grid via a cable link to North Queensland by 2020.

There have been fears the PNG scheme could ruin plans for North Queensland schemes although Bligh and energy consultant John O’Brien, a director of one of the companies pushing development of the AC transmission line called the CopperString project, doused that yesterday.

Bligh said the two projects complemented one another while O’Brien said the increasing demand for electricity meant the region would need all the sources of power it could get to meet requirements.

“I think the Townsville community, particularly the business community, understands that reliable base-load power is critical to this economy taking its next great leap forward,” Bligh said.

 

 

AusAID to cut down on advisers

AUSTRALIA will sack more than a third of AusAID advisers in an attempt to eliminate waste in the nation’s A$457 million PNG assistance programme, a move immediately welcomed by the Somare government, The National reports.

Australian foreign minister Kevin Rudd yesterday advised his PNG counterpart Sam Abal of the government’s decision to make big cuts in the ranks of the 487 Australian advisers working on PNG aid.

Rudd said a review of the PNG-Australia development cooperation treaty had found “widespread dissatisfaction with the aid programme” and the “capacity building through advisers model is not working”.

A string of negative reports about Australia’s PNG aid programme have pointed to a pattern of waste through spending on consultancies and training, as well as exorbitant salaries.

In June, it was revealed that one aid adviser working in PNG was on a package of A$55,000 a month. However, Rudd did not provide details of which positions would be axed.

“The review considered 487 positions. An outcome of this review is that PNG and Australia have now agreed that more than one-third of positions will be phased out within two years,” Rudd said in a statement.

National Planning Minister Paul Tiensten last night welcomed the decision.

“This is consistent with our view. But, maybe, they should go a step further by tying the Australian aid to our budget, so we fund the Australian taxpayers funding our programmes directly.

“The medium-term development plan will be reflected in our national budget starting next year, and the Australian taxpayers can be assured they will get results for their dollar,” Tiensten said.

Tiensten added: “This is a good start for the re-elected Labor government,” Tiensten said.

Rudd told the Australian media building up skills in PNG would be a high priority for Australia over the next decade, particularly as revenues from a liquefied natural gas project would boost the economy and require a skilled workforce.

“The Australian government is committed to strengthening the aid programme and ensuring value for money across all the development assistance programmes,” Rudd said.

Jenny Howard Jones, from the Sydney-based Lowy Institute, said the sharp cut in the number of technical advisers was a positive move in a prickly situation between PNG and Australia.

“Capacity building is still needed in PNG by all means, but the issue has been the proportion of aid to technical assistance,” she said.

“Both sides were frustrated with years spent on capacity building with little to show and, now, with the doubling of Australia’s aid budget, there will be greater scrutiny from parliament and the taxpayer to see value for their aid dollar.”

Assistance in areas likely to bring direct benefits, such as the massive ExxonMobil LNG project, was potentially a more effective use of advisers, she said. – AAP

 

Blackouts threaten Mendi hospital

By YVONNE HAIP

 

CONSTANT power blackouts in Mendi town, Southern Highlands, is becoming life-threatening for patients at the Mendi General Hospital, chief executive officer Joe Turian warned yesterday, The National reports.

Turian said blackouts was threatening the life of patients put on life support, babies placed in incubators, sterilising machines and other hospital equipment.

He described the electricity service as “appalling”.

He said during many power outages, doctors were in the middle of operations and the situation had become chaotic and life-threatening. 

Turian said the oxygen concentrator was also powered by electricity to produce oxygen for patients and, when the supply stayed off for long periods, the patients suffer and will die from oxygen deprivation. 

“The hospital operates life-saving machines that depend on electricity and, once the power supply goes off for long periods, patients on lif-saving machines will suffer and die,” he added.

“The hospital depends on electricity to power everything from laundry washing, sterilising machines, fire equipment, water filtration and kitchen equipment, X-ray, dental equipment, incinerator and workshop machine to laboratory equipment and others,” he said.

“We are grateful that we have not lost any patients,” he said.

The hospital gets its power supply from the Ramu grid, operated by PNG Power. It did not have a backup generator until one was donated recently.

But the problem of constant outages seemed to come from interferences to power lines by vandals.

 

 

Officers to be deployed to drought-stricken area

By JUNIOR UKAHA

 

DIRECTOR of the National Disaster Office (NDC), Martin Mose, said provincial disaster officers from Lae will be deployed to the drought-stricken Menyamya area of Morobe, The National reports.

He said his office was made aware of the drought through the media only yesterday and had alerted their officers on the ground in Lae to visit the area, assess the situation and report back to his office.

Mose made this assurance after reading The National’s front page report yesterday.

The head of disaster operations in the nation said as soon as the ground officers in Menyamya submitted their assessments and reports NDC would act accordingly.

“We cannot do anything as yet. We will wait for the report to come to us and then we shall consider appropriate measures to help the affected people,” he said.

According to Mose, the emergency funding earmarked for emergency exercise each year was insufficient and could not cater for disasters of a larger magnitude if it occurs.

He said he could not disclose the amount given by the state to NDC because of protocols and said the chief secretary was the one in charge of the matter. 

In the Menyamya case, Mose said if the nature of the drought was not serious and the magnitude was small, than the responsibility of relief and help work will fall back to the hands of the provincial government and provincial disaster offices.

However, he said if the drought was serious and needed immediate attention, then the NDC would come on board and declare a national emergency and would work closely with the provincial governments to help the affected people.

 In the meantime, Mose said his office was aware that there would be a “mega drought” in the coming months.

He urged people in affected areas to take measures to help themselves while waiting for NEC to approve his office’s contingency plan for carrying out emergency work in the country.

 He said once the national disaster contingency plan was approved, a task force would be set up to oversee the coordination and implementation efforts.

Meanwhile, the fears of the coming dry season was also  confirmed by the National Weather Services assistant director for climate and special services, Kasis Inape, who said the normal rain season has been prolonged due to the effects of a previous drought season last year.

Inape also said the clear skies in parts of the country with strong winds blowing were signs that the drought would continue and urged people to be weary.

PNG seen as biggest tuna processor after '14

By PEARSON KOLO

 

PAPUA New Guinea is expected to emerge as the world’s largest tuna processor after 2014, The National reports.

This would become possible once PNG catches, processes and sells the final product of tuna to the European Union (EU) markets and other markets in the world.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigrations Sam Abal said this last week after returning from Europe where he had a follow up meeting with the European parliamentary committee (EUPC) on international trade in Brussels.

Abal who was accompanied by the Fisheries Minister Ben Semri and senior executives of the National Fisheries Authority said the meeting was in preparation for the EUPC to finalise the interim economic partnership agreement (IEPA) signed in 2007 between PNG and EU.

“Under the IEPA agreement, fish caught anywhere in the world which is processed on shore in PNG can be exported to the European Union duty-free,” Abal explained.

“Other countries supplying fish to the European markets are also pushing for similar preferential market access so it is in PNG’s interest to defend the IEPA for its own fish products.”

Abal said more than US$400 (K1 billion) million had already been committed by potential investors who want to set up fishing and processing industries in the country.

 

 

Drought-starved children die

By PISAI GUMAR

 

AN ecological disaster with severe implications on lives has befallen the Menyamya district of Morobe, The National reports.

Councillors said in Menyamya yesterday that the situation in Morobe’s border with Eastern Highlands and Gulf was similar.

The prolonged drought of the past eight months had scorched the earth, cracked the soil, dried up food gardens, cash

crops and waterways.

The total impact of the drought on more than 100,000 people had not been measured by the Menyamya district administration, but officials feared the worst.

So far, reports said eight children had died from starvation in the past month in the most hard-hit area, Lagai in Kome sub-district, about 25km from Menyamya station towards the border with Eastern Highlands.

Ward councillors from Zipa, Miseck Moses, Kenali Jessie Solomon and elementary teacher George Titus at Ilbali and ward development committee at Longuli village Ofaiah Malje reported that five children had died in Ikumdi and three at Kenali in the Hakwange area.

All over Menyamya, people were surviving on pandanus nuts and young shoots.

Feral animals and reptiles, including cuscuses, bandicoots, snakes, lizards and birds had been seen dying from the heat.

Most mammals foraging for food had no fruits to feed or canopies to hide.

Aquatic creatures including eels, fish and tadpoles from three major rivers – Woklei, Kulani and Wanami in Lagai, Hengali, Awapango and Buu-Angai – are also dying.

The rivers had grown green with algae while small water sources continued to dry out while growing furry green algae.

The people had no choice but to use the same water used by animals.

At Lagai, ward councillor James Milpa reported that eight domestic pigs had died from dehydration.

The heat had also resulted in the burning down of nine houses at Ilbali including a trade store.

Bush fires, both natural and man-made, were flaring up.

No relief was in sight, the councillors said.

Kome LLG president Thompson Molinguso and Lagai Primary School headmaster Miseck Peter said the drought had reduced classes from six hours daily to two-and-a-half, adding that pupils became dizzy towards mid-morning.

Molingusa said without immediate government assistance, more people would die either of starvation or disease.

He added that they were wishing for rain.

But, an ecologist warned that any rain after a drought was often heavy, which could lead to flooding and more disasters.

 

 

 

Tiensten: Align plans with MTDP

By JEFFREY ELAPA

 

PROVINCIAL governments throughout the country have been reminded to state clearly their plans in line with the national government’s 2011-15 medium-term development plan, The National reports.

National Planning Minister Paul Tiensten said the medium-term development plan (MTDP) would drive PNG’s development plans and programmes.

It was approved by cabinet this week at a cost of about K65 billion for the next five years.

Tiensten sounded the reminder after receiving the Western Highlands provincial development plan from Governor Tom Olga in Port Moresby yesterday.

Western Highlands is the first in the country to produce a medium-term development plan that is aligned with the national government’s medium-term and 20-year strategic plans (see separate story).

The minister said the MTDP was clear and would direct all stakeholders to address PNG’s development problems.

He said the dreams of PNG prospering and becoming an educated, healthy and united nation had not been realised in the last 35 years.

“The living standards of our people have not improved.

“The MTDP sets clear targets for every sector to achieve,” Tiensten said.

He said while the 2010-30 strategic plan was a step for guidance, the MTDP was the yardstick for sectoral, provincial, district and LLG plans for the next five years with clear expenditure outlined.

“The implementation of the MTDP will require a total reform in the way we do business to avoid the nation slipping back to the last 34 years,” he added.

He said the plan also provided both direction and accountability for all sector activities.

Tiensten also urged all other provincial governments to follow in the footsteps of Western Highlands and develop medium plans that were aligned with the national government’s MTDP.

 

 

Lagai do it for themselves

By PISAI GUMAR

 

THE Lagai ward, 30km in the outback of Menyamya district, Morobe, has, for the first time, seen 50 men and women graduate through the Yangpela Didiman training enriching village farmers with self-sustainable knowledge and skills, The National reports.

The training was to train village farming leaders to recognise available resources within themselves and utilise surrounding environment to improve village livelihood.

“Despite inaccessibility to road, health, education, communication and clean water, we are committed and striving for success to improve our village life through agriculture,” trainer in charge Isso Angapase said.

Angapase, who led the participants to cut a 2km bench track in seven days to link Kwaplalim to Menyamya station, said the participants had achieved something through their own hard work rather than waiting for it to happen.

The participants, comprising of 11 women and 39 men, also had three elderly men, a woman in late 60s and four middle-aged men.

The 10-month training covered both theory and practical knowledge and skills training in aquaculture and agriculture, micro-finance and community development courses.

They also learnt about micro-finance, where they found out more about credit union schemes and treasurer’s roles and responsibilities.

Community development training included food, nutrition and health, personal, environment, health and hygiene, HIV/AIDS, usefulness of environment, stewardship, sewing machine maintenance and basic sewing, community development planning including how to critically recognise and understand impacts of so-called developments.

Lutheran development service Yangpela Didiman training coordinator Jasaking Kigasung said the training was purposely to enrich underprivilege villagers to take pride and look within themselves, utilise available strengths to help themselves, families and the community.

“Basically, it is focusing at food security, we need to assess and understand crop values that will produce desired outcomes in consumption and economic terms to sustain livelihoods,” Kigasung said.

“To improve livelihoods, we have to change integrally, meaning mentally, spiritually and physically.

“With knowledge and skills attain, we can contribute ideas and mobilise resources collectively.”

 

 

 

Putting on a show

Milamala dancers putting on a traditional performance at the official opening of the 8th Pacific Islands Forum education ministers meeting in Port Moresby yesterday which was graced by Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare (left). See reports on Page 5. – Nationalpic by DULCIE OREKE

Drunk MP bashed up

Witness: Public set on drunk driver without realising he is an MP

 

A MEMBER of parliament was punched to the ground and kicked unconscious after he attempted to flee an accident scene in Port Moresby last Friday evening, The National reports.

Eyewitnesses said the MP was drunk and was involved in a vehicle accident, and in a bid to flee, he was severely bashed up by members of the public.

The eyewitnesses said the MP, representing an electorate in Northern, was driving at top speed when he came out from a pokies parlour at the Gordon’s industrial area, where alcohol was served to patrons.

The MP was following a Toyota fifth element vehicle and as it slowed down at the Waigani tunnel to give way to oncoming traffic, the speeding MP slammed his vehicle into the back of the Toyota.

Realising he had caused an accident, the MP tried to escape by reversing his vehicle, but his path was blocked by other vehicles behind him.

He opened the door to escape on foot but was set upon by members of the public who had witnessed what had happened.

They punched him to the ground and kicked him until he was unconscious.

An eyewitness said the bystanders who attacked the MP did not realised that they were beating up a member of parliament.

“They thought he was just another drunk driver involved in an accident and was trying to run away,” the eyewitness said.

He said the incident happened around 7.30pm last Friday.

Several attempts to get comments from the MP were unsuccessful with no one answering his parliament office phone.

His mobile phone was also switched off.

Police said no official complaint against the MP had been filed, but they would look into it.

MPs convicted of drunk and disorderly behaviour can be punished for breaching the Leadership Code.

Drink driving has been blamed for a fatal accident the following day in Sogeri, which claimed the lives of two people, and left seven others injured.

 

 

Chiefs: Bring back Duma

By PEARSON KOLO

 

LANDOWNERS of gas fields in the Southern Highlands have demanded to know why the function of LNG matters was separated from the petroleum and energy ministry, held by William Duma, and given to Climate Change Minister Francis Potape, The National reports.

Leaders from the area feel the appointment of Potape, who is from the electorate hosting the project, poses a potential for conflict of interest and bias.

The leaders aired their views in a press conference in Port Moresby yesterday, after learning that the LNG matters function, stripped from Potape and returned to Duma two weeks ago by Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare, was returned to Potape.

The leaders are from the Tuguba, Hiwa Wita, Arua and Pina clans from the LNG project areas.

They expressed their disappointment and gave Sir Michael 14 days to explain why Potape was reinstated as minister assisting in LNG matters just a week after his removal.

They questioned what wrongs Duma did for the LNG function to be given to Potape.

The chiefs, led by Anoli Mituba, from the Hiwa clan, and Himuni Homogo, from the Tuguba clan, jointly said what had progressed so far in the LNG project since the Kokopo BSA and LBBSA agreements last year could not be continued by Potape.

“The government made many commitments with the landowners and Duma has facilitated them well for the landowners to benefit.

“These are likely to be hindered with the change,” Thomas Taku, from the Arua clan of Juha, claimed.

Taku said the landowners had seen enough delays and they did not want the change of responsibility from Duma to Potape to cause more delays in their beneficiaries and participations.

“We, the landowners, see no problem in the way William Duma is dealing with LNG and there is no need for change,” the chiefs stressed.

The landowner leaders said they did not trust their own Southern Highlands MPs because they were involved in the provincial and district politics.

“There will be widespread nepotism in handling of MoA funds and other landowner benefits including minor civil contracts.

“Political preferences will come into play, and landowners will be affected. Frustrations from this can lead to real trouble at the project sites.

“That is why we feel Duma is neutral and is the right man,” Homogo said.

 

 

Panguna landowners claim maltreatment

LANDOWNERS of the Panguna copper mine, who went to war in 1988 over what they claimed then was utter disrespect and disregard for their existence and welfare, are claiming the same maltreatment as the National Government,  the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the Bougainville Copper Ltd prepare for negotiations on the possible reopening of the mine, The National reports.

They are claiming that the interim Panguna Landowners Association (PLA) has not been recognised and its reconciliation process not supported.

In a letter dated Oct 5, to chairman of BCL Paul Coleman, PLA interim secretary Lawrence Daveona said: “The people of Panguna mine leases believe that ABG, BCL and the Government have the legal obligation to assist Panguna mine landowners.

“For far too long, even before the crisis, we have been used for your own benefits. Through the crises and up till now our people are still suffering.”

He said while the name Panguna landowners was “too often prostituted in the news media by the chairman of BCL in his chairman’s statement at the AGM”, the same chairman had said variously that the landowners were disorganised.

 “Our simple question now especially with the arrangements to prepare for Bougainville copper agreement review is: How long do we have to wait for you our partners (with the resources) to assist us with funding to enable us to be prepared and be ready to take part in the BCA review?” Daveona said in his letter.

It ought to be noted that both BCL and the ABG had assisted the Panguna landowners with their reconciliation ceremony last October.

The company donated K5, 000 and ABG threw in K300, 000.

Daveona said the work of reconciliation and disarmament was not yet completed and it would take at least two to three million more to cover the entire island.

He said presently their pleas were falling on deaf ears and it seems the reconciliation process might be short-lived and the review of the BCA proceeds without the landowners participating.

“Most of the interim PLA executive members have worked tirelessly year after year over the past 21 years keeping the Panguna landowner’s fire burning because of the concern for the welfare of their people without receiving any payment. Our concern for our people is deep rooted and we will not rest until such time we have achieved our goal,” Daveona said.

“All we need from you as partners in this process are for you to assist us with:

• Make funding available to ABG electoral commission to conduct PLA elections; and
• Make funding available for United Panguna Landowners Association (UPLA) BCA review task force.”

Daveona said he was very disappointed to hear comments repeated about the Panguna landowners not being organised and do not constitute a legal body that BCL can organise.

He said the landowners had formed the interim organisation out of their resources and it was up to the company to assist with an election to make the body be properly elected and incorporated.

Daveona was particularly critical of the Government and its Office of Bougainville Affairs which had not accommodated a single request to date.

He said such neglect had led to the crisis.

 

Time for GST reform

From AARON HAYES

 

As a small business operator in PNG I would like to make some observations about the unpopular 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST) which some businesses still incorrectly refer to as VAT (old name).

Both businesses and consumers hate the GST because  

(a) The 10% rate is too high and  

(b) The tax is not being collected fairly.

The flat 10% rate makes purchases significantly more expensive and discourages spending.

These often makes people “go without” or buy cheaper quality food and consumer goods which reduces quality of life and can even affect nutrition and health.

Consumers think twice about buying big-ticket items like TVs and fridges and often end up buying cheaper brands that don't last long, and then they are back to square one with nothing but unrepairable goods littering their back yards.

In terms of collecting the tax, it's my understanding that some businesses that are not registered to collect GST are still adding 10% to their invoices.

Customers who are none the wiser just pay up.

This is fraud.

Some other businesses that are registered to collect the tax always add 10% GST to their sales invoices but do not remit all GST takings to the Internal Revenue Commission which is the government's tax collector.

They under-state their income to the IRC and surrender less GST than they have actually collected.

Some businesses are up to five years behind in remitting their GST revenue to the IRC.

This is also fraud but the IRC does not seem to have enough resources to audit all businesses registered for GST and prosecute those who are not playing fairly.

So the culprits just get away with it.

Another problem the IRC should be concerned about is those businesses turning over more than K100, 000 per year that have not registered to collect GST.

The government is missing out on huge amounts of GST revenue from these businesses.

Some privately owned hotels and hire car companies in Port Moresby are notable culprits.

They are deliberately avoiding collecting GST because it gives them a price advantage over their competitors.

The best way to make this unpopular and unfair tax work for the future is to reduce the rate to 5% and then put more IRC resources into auditing and compliance and make everybody cooperate.

If all businesses are collecting and remitting the tax properly at 5% the government will still be financially better off than under the current unaffordable and unpopular 10% rate which many businesses are failing to collect and remit.

Businesses that are not registered for collecting GST will be happier to sign up with IRC if the tax is only 5%.

Businesses not remitting the full amount of GST collected will remit more reliably if the rate is lower.

Crooked busiensses that are not registered but still collecting the tax will get away with less loot.

And consumers will find 5% much less painful and this will stimulate spending which will be good for the economy.

Let's start a campaign for reforming an unpopular 10% GST into a workable 5% GST that everybody will support.

 

 

Aaron Hayes
Sec 55 Lot 25 Lokua Avenue, Boroko
(PO Box 531 Gordons)
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea