CARE International staff assisting community members at Papindo Supermarket in Goroka EHP (NBC News)
Food vouchers introduced during the fuel crisis are now providing timely assistance to communities in Eastern Highlands Province as El Niño condition affects food gardens and water sources.
Care International, with funding from the Australian Humanitarian Partnership, introduced the initiative to help communities access essential goods and services during the fuel crisis.
Families are turning out in large numbers at Papindo and Kingwee supermarkets in Goroka to redeem K220 food vouchers.
Nancy Apio, a mother of five from Lapegu, one of the recipient communities, highlights the importance of the assistance as the prolonged dry season affects food gardens and water sources.
“The prolonged dry season has caused our bananas and cassava in the gardens to dry out, while rivers and creeks are drying up,” Nancy explains.
She adds that the food voucher assistance will help sustain her family for now until rainfall returns.
Care International Humanitarian Program Manager Emily Meren told NBC News that the initiative was not originally designed as an El Niño response but has come at a crucial time for affected communities.
“This response was not designed for El Niño. It was introduced during the fuel crisis, but fortunately, it came at the right time, as we moved from the fuel crisis straight into El Nino,” Meren said.
She adds that the vouchers indirectly support communities affected by helping them access essential food and water supply.
According to Meren, the selected communities are existing Care partners whose needs were verified through assessments and consultations with community leaders and the provincial government’s disaster committee.
She emphasises that Care keeps the government informed of its work and takes concerns and feedback seriously to ensure the programme is well received.
“Care ensures the government is kept informed of our work. We take any concerns seriously and incorporate their feedback to ensure our programmes are well received by both the communities and the government,” Meren said.
A total of 16 communities across Goroka, Ungai-Bena and Kainantu districts are receiving the K220 food vouchers, redeemable at their nearest Papindo and Kingwee supermarkets.
The Ramu River in Madang Province is slowly drying up as the El Nino weather condition heightens in many parts of the country.
The Ramu River is an essential transport route for the people of Middle Ramu District and parts of the Lower Ramu area towards Bogia District.
The declining water level is now creating difficulties for commuters who depend on motorised dingies and dugout canoes for their everyday travel needs.
Syxtus Lingame, the vice-president of Arabaka Local Level Government, one of Middle Ramu’s five LLGs, said speed boat operators are now having difficulties travelling as the water level continues to decrease.
The last time Middle Ramu had rainfall was five or six months ago, and food gardens are also dying.
Mr Lingame has also queried whether or not Madang Province has received its share of the promised El Nino funds.
He revealed that food gardens are also dying, adding that should the El Nino continue until December or the new year, many families will be adversely affected.
Meanwhile, the other five districts in Madang Province are also reporting similar situations as Middle Ramu.
A recent visit to Bogia District by NBC News revealed dried up food gardens and wilthing cash crops.
There were also evidences of gardens, cocoa, and betelnut blocks being burnt by fire.
Fresh drinking water is also becoming very scarce, with many people now relying mostly on mangoes and ‘kulau’ or young coconuts to quench their thirst.
Schools in the province are continuing classes as usual, however; the provincial education office has requested that they provide individual reports to the office about their respective situations.
The reports will be forwarded to the provincial government and administration for appropriate actions to be taken.
In the Raikos District, Senior School Inspector, Kindo Yanka, said his teachers and students are now far more severely affected.
He stated in a letter to the Education Office that he is a direct witness to the unprecedented situation on the ground.
“I am concerned about the lives and well-being of human beings – not animals.
“How much longer is the PEB going to remain silent and not respond affirmatively to my correspondences on behalf of my teachers and students? Are we going to wait until a student, a teacher, or their family member becomes severely affected or infected by El Niño related hazards?
“I am aware that templates for El Niño Preparedness/ Emergency Reporting/ Disaster Assessment have been drafted and circulated for data collection.
“That is a fair move, but according to the real situation at the district level, I believe data collection at this point in time is too late, as the academic year is winding down. This exercise should have been considered and executed in July when El Niño was gaining momentum,” Mr Yanka said.
With only four weeks remaining before schools close, he questioned what assistance would be provided to teachers and students.
He further stated that while awaiting the outcome of the data provided and a response from the relevant authorities in this regard, we can not pretend that our schools are operating smoothly and that effective teaching and learning is taking place.
In fact, schools are already severely affected by El Niño and teachers and students are being forced by the system to continue classes.
He pointed out that most schools have no safe, clean drinking water, that there is severe food shortage in schools and communities, that students and teachers are experiencing very hot temperatures not conducive for learning, and reports of skin itchiness, diarrhoea and other water-borne diseases surfacing.
For pre- schools and primary Schools in Raikos District, Mr Yanka has directed his teachers to concentrate on student assessments within the remaining weeks of this month in order to complete all student assessments and close up by the end of October.
The decision by telecommunication companies to share towers in Papua New Guinea, has been welcomed by the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Communications.
Committee Chairman, and Wau Waria MP, Marsh Narewec in a statement, says that this decision is a step in the right direction, because it will expand mobile and internet connectivity, across the country.
Narewec said that his committee made a recommendation in 2025, to make tower sharing mandatory, but the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA), advised them that the telecommunication companies have agreed to voluntarily do it in September this year.
He said that he is grateful to see Digicel and Vodafone sign their co-location agreement on September 9, 2026, followed by Digicel and Telikom in October 16, 2026, roughly making available 1,200 Digicel towers, and Telikom’s 600 towers nationwide.
Narewec also said that the agreements are expected to lower retail internet and voice call costs for consumers, by reducing infrastructure maintenance costs, and risks for operators.
He also said that this deal will see the operators share the physical tower sites, but they will continue to compete independently on service and pricing.
Tactical police units conducting early morning raids in Kimbe, West New Britain province, came under fire today, resulting in a shootout that left one suspect injured.
The operation follows the formal declaration of Kimbe as a ‘Fighting Zone’ by the Provincial Peace and Good Order Committee.
Deputy Commissioner of Police for Regional Operations, Samson Kua, confirmed the dawn raids were aimed at apprehending dangerous individuals linked to recent armed violence and previous attacks on police.
“At dawn this morning, police raided houses in search of suspects.
“During the operation, firearms were discharged at Police and one offender was injured. Operations are continuing to locate and apprehend the suspects.” Kua said.
Deputy Commissioner Kua stressed that violence will not be tolerated and confirmed that further raids will continue until all suspects are in custody.
Commissioner of Police David Manning commended cooperation between West New Britain Provincial Police Command and local authorities after the declaration by the West New Britain Provincial Peace and Good Order Committee.
He said the declaration makes clear that communities will not tolerate violent offences by youths and that community safety is the priority.
“The law provides tools to prevent violent fighting and ensure that communities can live in peace and harmony. The declaration of a fighting zone is one such tool.
“Measured police operations, supported by provincial authorities and active community cooperation, are how we work together to restore peace and build lasting safety.” Commissioner Manning said.
Commissioner Manning said community leaders have responded positively and have shown willingness to help secure the surrender of weapons and wanted persons.
Local children from Negeri enjoying the upgraded road network (Supplied)
The Negeri–Begesin Road Upgrade Project in Usino Local Level Government of Usino-Bundi district, Madang province, has made significant progress, reaching Kirikiri mountain after covering approximately 10.3kilometers of roadworks.
The project, undertaken under the leadership and development vision of local MP, Vincent Kumura, is now approximately 2kilometers away from reaching Begesin station.
The progress marks an important milestone in efforts to improve road connectivity and accessibility for rural communities in the district, particularly those who depend on road links to access essential services and economic opportunities.
The road upgrade is bringing the project closer to its intended destination and represents a significant step towards improving connectivity for the people of Negeri, Begesin, and surrounding communities.
Improved road access is essential for rural development, as it can help facilitate the movement of people and goods, support local economic activities, and improve access to education, healthcare, and other essential services.
The Negeri–Begesin Road Upgrade forms part of the broader infrastructure development priorities being pursued under Kumura’s leadership through the Usino-Bundi-Gama District Development Authority (UBGDDA).
“For rural communities, road connectivity is more than infrastructure. It is a vital link to services, opportunities, and improved livelihoods. The continued progress towards Begesin Station reflects the importance of extending road access to communities that have long depended on road connectivity.
“As the project advances towards its final 2kilometres, the focus remains on improving accessibility and strengthening connections between rural communities and key service centres,” Kumura said.
He added that the progress at Kirikiri mountain demonstrates ongoing efforts to bring infrastructure development closer to the people and support the district’s wider rural development aspirations.
Part of the upgrade Negeri-Begesin road (Supplied)
Road infrastructure development remains one of the key areas of service delivery being prioritised by Kumura and his DDA particularly in remote communities where road connectivity is essential to accessing health, education, markets and other basic services.
The DDA has been undertaking patrol grading and opening pilot tracks across the Usino, Bundi, and Gama LLGs, with the objective of progressively improving connectivity between rural communities and existing service centres.
The Negeri–Begesin road is expected to provide improved access for local communities, particularly smallholder farmers who depend on road transportation to move their garden produce to markets.
The local communities welcome the improved road access.
Wilson Mapurip, Ward 22 councillor for Negeri, thanked Kumura, the UBGDDA team, and the Marape-Rosso Government for supporting the road project.
Councillor Mapurip said the project is important for the 3,000 plus people in his ward, as well as communities from another six surrounding wards that are beginning to benefit from the improved road access.
He said better connectivity would allow people to transport their agricultural produce to markets more easily while improving access to other essential services.
The road will also service several schools and the Begesin Lutheran Health Centre, which is struggling with infrastructure maintenance and manpower due to inaccessibility for over a decade.
The contractor, meanwhile; is committed to quality work.
Robert Muga, Public Relations Officer of Kaukul Construction, the comp and working on this project, said the company remains committed to delivering quality road works through its partnership with the UBDDA and local communities.
The contractor is working alongside local people as the road upgrade progresses towards Begesin Station.
For communities located far from major service centres, reliable roads are a critical link to health facilities, schools, markets, and economic opportunities.
The district administration and UBDDA are working with local communities, development partners, and the Marape-Rosso Government to deliver tangible infrastructure and essential services across the three LLGs.
The road works also align with the broader objectives of the Connect PNG programme, which seeks to improve road connectivity and integrate rural communities into the national transport network.
Kumura and his UBDDA have also reaffirmed their commitment to working with communities and development partners to progressively address infrastructure challenges and improve accessibility for the people of Usino, Bundi, and Gama.
Improved road connectivity is not only about transportation; it is about giving rural communities greater access to markets, basic services, and opportunities whilst supporting sustainable development and the aspirations of Vision 2050.
National St John Ambulance PNG (NStJA) hosted an initial briefing and operational planning exercise today, representatives from PNG Fire Service, NCD Police, the National Capital District Commission and Port Moresby General Hospital attended (Supplied-NStJA media)
Emergency services and partner agencies have begun joint planning to strengthen emergency responses and support public safety across the National Capital District during the Christmas and New Year period.
National St John Ambulance PNG (NStJA) hosted an initial briefing and operational planning exercise on Wednesday, 28 October, bringing together representatives from PNG Fire Service, NCD Police, the National Capital District Commission and Port Moresby General Hospital.
The meeting laid the groundwork for a joint taskforce to coordinate emergency, health and security support throughout the festive operations period.
The planning exercise followed the SMEAC framework (Situation, Mission, Execution, Administration and Command) to help agencies develop a shared understanding of potential risks, responsibilities and coordination arrangements.
NStJA Commissioner and Chief Executive Kai Tane said the festive period was traditionally a busy time for emergency services, with increased gatherings and celebrations bringing greater potential for alcohol-related incidents, medical emergencies, fires, injuries and other public safety concerns.
“These risks require close cooperation between emergency services and the health sector.
“National St John Ambulance hosted this first meeting to bring agencies together, and we are happy to work with our partners to strengthen emergency preparedness and coordination over the festive period.” Tane said.
Commissioner Tane said planning also needed to consider the potential for hot and dry conditions to place additional pressure on emergency services.
Through the joint taskforce, participating agencies will work towards coordinated coverage, with each contributing personnel and resources according to its role and operational responsibilities.
The next meeting will seek wider participation from emergency, health and security agencies, including the PNG Defence Force, NCD Provincial Health Authority and the Department of Health’s PNG Emergency Medical Team.
Close coordination between responding agencies and health facilities will be essential to supporting timely responses, appropriate patient care and safe incident management.
The joint planning process aims to strengthen readiness and ensure agencies are prepared to support communities across the National Capital District throughout the Christmas and New Year period.
The five-member Team PNG delegation prior to their departure for Senegal yesterday (Supplied-PNGOC media)
Papua New Guinea’s emerging swimmer Roxanne Kirarock, 15, and sprinter Kabake Lansana, 17, departed Port Moresby yesterday to represent the country at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal.
The Games scheduled to run from this Saturday through to November 13 also marks the first Olympic Sporting event to be held in Africa.
Kirarock and Lansana will compete in swimming and athletics respectively as part of a five-member Team PNG delegation.
PNG Olympic Committee President Emma Waiwai encouraged the athletes to approach the occasion with confidence and enjoyment prior to their departure.
“Love your sport, play it with joy and let the nerves turn into energy,” she said.
The delegation was led by Chef de Mission and PNG first female Olympian Dame Iammo Gapi Launa.
“I am honoured to lead our young team to the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar. I could not be prouder to guide this team,” Dame Iammo said.
The Games will give the athletes opportunities to gain international competition experience, build friendships and experience different cultures.
PNGOC sees Dakar as an opportunity to support the athletes’ continued development and build experience for future international competition, including the Pacific Games, Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games.
With the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games taking place in the region, Dakar provides valuable experience on a longer sporting journey.
PNGOC and Team PNG wishes Roxanne, Kabake and the delegation success and safe travels.
Prime Minister James Marape and Menyamya MP, Solen Loifa, with female dancers fron Menyamya posing in front of the newly opened district administration building. (Image: PM’s Media)
Prime Minister James Marape has urged members of parliament , to use their district funds to deliver tangible results for their people.
He made the call, while praising the Menyamya District, under the leadership of local MP Solen Loifa for delivering key development projects.
Among them is a state of the art district administration complex, and a police station.
Mr Marape stressed that the government’s Development Agenda depends on translating Annual Budget Allocation into functioning services across the districts and provinces.
He noted Menyamya’s progress shows the responsibility of elected leaders and public administrations to turn public funding into practical improvements people can see and use.
The Prime Minister also recognized Menyamya’s contribution to PNG through agriculture, saying its hardworking people and productive land provide a strong foundation for greater prosperity.
The Menyamya District Administration complex opened this week by Prime Minister James Marape. Image: PM’s Media)
Members of the Combined Security Forces on parade in Daru yesterday at Daru Police Station (NBC News)
Combined Security Forces in Daru have officially begun security operations with a Joint Pre-Operations Briefing Parade yesterday as the province prepares for the much-anticipated declaration of the Daru Town Land Ownership case at the Daru District Court this Friday.
Members of the Combined Security Forces including Police, PNG Defence Force and Correctional Service held the parade in Daru to formally launch operations leading up to Friday’s decision.
Western Provincial Administrator Mr. Robert Alphonse Kaiyun confirmed the security preparations in a memo to partners and stakeholders this week.
Kaiyun said the court declaration was initially set for September but was deferred.
“The Presiding Magistrate has advised that the Declaration on the Daru Town Land Ownership case which was initially scheduled for the 24th of September 2026 has been deferred to Friday 30th October 2026. This deferral allows for the Security Personnel to adequately prepare for any potential disruption after the Declaration,” Kaiyun said.
Kaiyun has advised that all business houses and shops in Daru will close for a day on Friday.
“All Business Houses and Shops in Daru Township are to close on Friday 30th October and reopen on Saturday 31st October 2026. A total Liquor Ban is imposed under Circular Number 20 of 2026. All Liquor Shops are to remain closed until further notice,” he said.
He said his administration is working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety.
“The Western Provincial Administration is closely working with all the Law Enforcement agencies in Daru and has a Security Operation Plan in place to ensure the safety of the Public and the security of Daru Town after the Declaration,” Mr. Kaiyun said.
The security operation which was launched will continue until next week Wednesday.
“I urge all residents of Daru to remain calm, cooperate with security personnel, and report any suspicious activities to the Police.”
Meanwhile, members of the public are advised to report any suspicious activities to the South Fly Command Provincial Police Commander.
PPC Chief Inspector Benjamin Kua addressing his team as they welcomed their three new officers (NBC News)
Police in Milne Bay Province have welcomed three newly commissioned police Inspectors from Bomana Police College in a ceremonial parade on Tuesday morning. The three officers, a female and two males were among 54 Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) cadets commissioned earlier this month and have been deployed to Milne Bay to boost the police manpower and strengthen law enforcement in the province.
The three newly commissioned officers are Inspector Moore Koivi, Inspector Thomas Koima and Inspector Rhonda David. In welcoming the officers to the province during the parade, PPC Chief Inspector Benjamin Kua stressed that honesty, commitment and dedication are the most fundamental assets to serving the community. He said the deployment comes at a very critical time when the province needs additional police personnel to curb lawlessness. ”We’ve put them on taskings in our sections and their support is timely because this is for the good of the people of this province. People have become victims of crimes, and we need manpower on the ground.” PPC Kua said. Kua added that police manpower has remained a longstanding challenge in the province and having these three public safety officers deployed to Alotau is a boost as lawlessness escalates in the province. He said Milne Bay missed out on the previous police deployment due to accommodation issues. PPC Kua noted that the provincial administration has since been made aware to assist keep the new three officers so they can carry out their duties effectively.
Newly commissioned Police Inspectors deployed to MBP as public safety officers. (L-R) Inspector Moore Koivi, Inspector Rhonda David and Inspector Thomas Koima at the welcome parade (NBC News)
Speaking on behalf of the three officers, Inspector Moore Koivi said they are here to help carry out police duties and serve the community. ”We are here to administer the rule of law and making sure that all processes of the police department is upheld, especially discipline and the way we conduct ourselves as officers,” Koivi said. ”We’ll need their help to fit into the province and hopefully we can all move the province forward.” As new inspectors, they will be assisting in managing certain sections within the provincial police command while awaiting further decisions from the constabulary’s human resource department regarding their substantive management positions.
