Morobe Provincial News

31/07/2026

MALANGTA PRIMARY SCHOOL OPENS NEW CLASSROOM UNDER BULOLO DDA EDUCATION SUPPORT PROGRAM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
31 July, 2026

WATUT, BULOLO – Malangta Primary School in Watut LLG, Bulolo District officially opened its new classroom today, becoming the fifth school to do so under the Bulolo District Development Authority’s K50,000 counter-funding initiative.

A total of 33 schools in the district received K50,000 each plus roofing iron from the Bulolo DDA to construct classrooms.

Bulolo MP and Bulolo DDA Chairman, Sam Basil Jr, who officiated the opening, announced that all schools that have completed their classrooms will receive Starlink devices for installation and use.

“Those schools who have utilized the K50,000 counter-funding for classrooms have proven that they can do it and this will paint a good picture when it comes to them receiving funding from the district,” Mr. Basil Jr said.
“I also praise those who have gone an extra mile in building double and 4-in-1 classrooms.”

Bulolo District Education Manager, Jeffrey Job, thanked the MP and the DDA for their commitment to education.

“In many other districts, only a few schools receive support from their DDA while most struggle on their own. What Bulolo DDA did was fair right across all schools in the district,” Mr. Job said.

Mr. Job confirmed that 33 schools received the funding and many have now completed their classrooms and are ready for use. He said the program is the way forward in supporting education in the district.

The DDA initiative aims to ensure every school in Bulolo District has adequate classroom infrastructure to improve learning outcomes.

BDDA-YOUR TAX AT WORK

Hon. Sam Basil Jnr
Bulolo District MP
Vice Minister for Mining and Sports
Leader of the United Labour Party

31/07/2026

ANGAU Memorial Provincial Hospital received a timely donation of 40 wheelchairs from Elder Habe representing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

The donation included: 8 pediatric wheelchairs and 32 adult wheelchairs.

This donation addresses a critical need for patient mobilization across our wards and units. The hospital management team will ensure fair distribution to all sections of the hospital.

Morobe Provincial Health Authority sincerely thanks The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for this ongoing partnership and commitment to patient care.

On behalf of all patients and guardians who will benefit, we say Tenkyu tru.

Angau Memorial Provincial Hospital

31/07/2026

Was on the same early bird flight with my brother, the secretary for Works from POM to Lae today. I also met with him again on my way to Bulolo today after I went home to get changed.

It’s good to see the DoW team with our secretary visiting the hot spots that I’ve been so vocal about.

Our National Highway serves 4 districts;
1. Huon Gulf
2. Bulolo
3. Wau Waria
4. Menyamya

Team work is the key to success. Together we can.

Hon Sam Basil Jnr
Bulolo MP

31/07/2026

Morobe Welcomes Datec Expansion to Boost Digital Growth

Morobe Governor Hon. Rainbo Paita has welcomed the opening of Datec PNG Ltd's new retail showroom in Lae, saying the investment marks another important step in strengthening digital connectivity, innovation and economic growth in Morobe Province.

The new showroom, located at Gobe Haus was officially opened under the theme ‘A Vision for Papua New Guinea's Digital Future."

The event brought together government leaders, technology partners and private sector representatives committed to advancing the country's digital economy.

The opening was officiated by Hon. William Duma with Telikom PNG Chief Executive Officer Amos Tepi Datec PNG Chairman Moses Maladina and Chief Executive Officer Preteem Talukdar among those in attendance.

Representing the Morobe Provincial Government were Deputy Administrator (Economics) Robin Kiki and Executive Officer to the Deputy Governor Sam Tani reaffirming the provincial government's commitment to supporting investments that create employment, improve digital services and expand opportunities for businesses, students and communities.

Governor Paita said the investment aligns with the provincial government's Move Morobe Up agenda, which focuses on promoting strategic partnerships, attracting investment and driving digital transformation across the province.

He said the opening of the new showroom reinforces Morobe's position as Papua New Guinea's commercial gateway while highlighting the growing importance of technology in building a more connected, innovative and prosperous future for the country.

31/07/2026

30/07/2026

REBUTTAL STATEMENT

By Hon. Jonah Epemu
President, Yus Local Level Government & Chairman, Tazon Airstrip Committee
31 July 2026

The recent newspaper article titled "Isolated Community Welcomes Kabwum Airport Reopening" is welcomed as recognition of the importance of restoring air services to the people of Yus. However, it fails to acknowledge the individuals and leadership that made this achievement possible.

The development of the Wadabong/Tazon Airstrip did not begin recently. The initiative was first started many years ago through the vision and leadership of the founding Yus LLG President, Hon. Epemu Kiwenu, who mobilised local communities and laid the foundation for the project.

Following those early efforts, the project was revived, funded and completed under the leadership of Kabwum MP Hon. Patrick Basa through the Kabwum District Development Authority (KDDA). His commitment ensured the airstrip met the required standards, leading to the successful MAF landing on 28 July 2026.

It is therefore only fair that due recognition be given to:

The Hon. Epemu Kiwenu, Founding President of Yus LLG, for initiating the project.

Hon. Patrick Basa, MP for Kabwum, for funding and completing the airstrip.

The people of Ward 9 (Wadabong/Tazon) and surrounding communities who contributed labour and supported the project from the beginning.

Development is a continuous process built on the efforts of many people over many years. While we celebrate this historic milestone, the true history of the project must also be respected.

On behalf of the people of Yus, I thank Hon. Patrick Basa and the Kabwum District Development Authority for delivering this vital infrastructure, which will improve access to health, education, government services and markets for our remote communities.

Hon. Jonah Epemu
President, Yus Local Level Government
Chairman, Tazon Airstrip Committee

30/07/2026

CONSTRUCTION of Pelgen Highway, which will be connecting coastal communities of the Labuta local level government (LLG) area with the other highland communities of Nawaeb in Morobe, has reached Wideru village recently.

Nawaeb development authority (NDDA) said in a statement that the road construction marked a proud and historic moment for the people of Wideru village and other coastal communities of the LLG.

– Picture supplied

Read More : https://www.thenational.com.pg/morobes-pelgen-highway-reaches-wideru/

30/07/2026

Parts of Morobe are beginning to feel the effects of a prolonged dry spell, with communities in Leron-Wantoat among the hardest hit.

Dry rivers, shrinking water sources, food shortages, and growing health concerns are raising alarms as disaster officials monitor the situation closely.

While authorities have stopped short of declaring an El Niño event, awareness campaigns and preparedness efforts are already underway.

Nationalpic by JACINTA COHLEE

Read more in The National

30/07/2026

The Buimo Correctional Services clinic in Lae received a fresh supply of essential medicines and medical consumables yesterday, fulfilling a pledge made by the Nawaeb District Development Authority [DDA] during Easter this year.

Read more: https://www.nbc.com.pg/post/38228/buimo-cs-clinic-gets-medical-supplies

30/07/2026

Mahiga Fresh Produce Cooperative Launched in Bulolo District

Wagau Ward 2, Buang LLG has marked a significant milestone in agricultural development with the official launch of the Mahiga Fresh Produce Cooperative, becoming the first fresh produce cooperative established under the Morobe Fresh partnership in Bulolo District.

The cooperative is part of a broader initiative that supports Papua New Guinea's vision of commercialising agriculture by linking rural farmers directly to reliable markets. Through the Morobe Fresh partnership and the Market for Village Farmers (MVF) program implemented by the Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA), smallholder farmers are encouraged to transition from subsistence farming to market-oriented production, improving household incomes and strengthening food security.

Launching the cooperative, Bulolo MP Hon. Sam Basil Jnr congratulated the people of Wagau for taking the initiative to organise themselves into a cooperative and venture into commercial fresh produce farming.

He said fresh produce development is one of the six agricultural Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) signed by the Bulolo District Development Authority (DDA) last year to promote sustainable economic growth and create income-generating opportunities for local communities.

"Many cooperatives in Bulolo are involved in cocoa, coffee, galip nut and livestock production. Today, you have made history by becoming the first cooperative in the district to focus on fresh produce, opening new opportunities for our farmers," Hon. Basil said.

Representatives from the Morobe Provincial Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) and the Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA) attended the launch.

Speaking during the event, Mr. Conrad Anton, Coordinator of the Market for Village Farmers (MVF) Project with FPDA, commended the people of Wagau for embracing commercial fresh produce farming. He said the initiative has enormous potential to improve rural livelihoods by providing farmers with better access to markets, strengthening value chains, and increasing household incomes.

Mr. Anton also appealed to the Bulolo DDA to continue supporting the cooperative as it grows, saying strategic investment in rural farmer organisations will contribute to long-term agricultural and economic development in the district.

In support of the cooperative, Hon. Sam Basil Jnr announced a commitment to provide a vehicle to assist with transporting fresh produce to markets, along with K10,000 to support the cooperative's operations during its establishment phase.

The launch of the Mahiga Fresh Produce Cooperative represents another important step towards building a sustainable and commercially driven agriculture sector in Bulolo District, empowering rural farmers to participate more effectively in Papua New Guinea's growing fresh produce industry.

BDDA-YOUR TAX AT WORK

Hon. Sam Basil Jnr
Bulolo District MP
Vice Minister for Mining and Sports
Leader of the United Labour Party