NBC Sandaun- 95.5 FM, Vanimo (2026)

26/08/2026

NBC Sandaun | Vanimo

VANIMO MARKS NATIONAL REPENTANCE DAY WITH CALL FOR FAITH, INTEGRITY AND NATIONAL RENEWAL

A small group of faithful braved the Vanimo heat to observe National Repentance Day today at the Pope Francis Oval.

Church and government representatives called on Papua New Guineans to return to God, live with integrity and become agents of positive change in their communities.

The annual observance dates back to 2007, when then Prime Minister and Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare made a covenant declaration dedicating Papua New Guinea to God and calling the nation to repentance.

Representing the Council of Churches, Pastor Simon Surap said the Government’s call to reset and reshape Papua New Guinea for the next 50 years must also recognise the importance of seeking God’s guidance.

He urged Papua New Guineans to make repentance a way of life, rather than something observed only once a year.

Representing the Sandaun Provincial Administration, Acting Community Development Director Florence Agen called on citizens, public servants and leaders to have the fear of God and do what is right.

She also encouraged people to pray for the Government and the country’s leaders, saying prayer is important in seeking God’s guidance for the nation.

The observance included prayer, reflection and calls for repentance, with the faithful encouraged to examine their lives, turn away from wrongdoing and become agents of positive change.

However, the event was also marked by a relatively low turnout, despite a circular from the Sandaun Provincial Administrator calling on public servants and stakeholders to observe the day.

The low attendance has raised questions about how seriously National Repentance Day is being embraced in the province, particularly given its purpose as a day of prayer, reflection and national renewal.

For those who gathered in Vanimo, the message was clear: national renewal begins with individuals — through faith, repentance, integrity, prayer and a commitment to doing what is right.

As Papua New Guinea looks toward its next chapter, the call from Vanimo is for leaders and citizens to put God at the centre of their lives and work together towards a better nation.

25/08/2026

SANDAUN COIN FUND TOUCHING RURAL LIVES

NBC SANDAUN||More than 4,000 men, women and children from the Vanimo-Green District are now members of the new Sandaun Coin Fund Business Association.

The Association is currently setting up its Provincial Headquarters office at Transmitter in Vanimo Urban.

Established in September last year, the Sandaun Coin Fund has been conducting awareness and registering members across all Local Level Government areas in the Vanimo-Green District.

Members can access services including SME loans, and support for Agriculture and Fisheries.

Deputy Chairman James Nakmai said the business was established to help rural communities that banks and other services cannot easily reach.

"Sandaun Coin Fund Business Association is a community-based organization dedicated to improving the livelihoods of members through financial support, training, business development, agriculture, fisheries, and income-generating activities,” Mr. Nakmai said.

The Association’s goal is to empower individuals, families and communities to become financially independent and economically productive.

Mr.Nakmai said for Agriculture & Fisheries, they have supported poultry and fisheries farmers in rural LLGs with chicklets, fingerlings, feed, and rice seedlings, 7 rice mills have been purchased and are ready to be sent to farmers so they can mill their own rice after harvest.

For SME Loans The first roll-out of SME loans will be given to people in the Imbio Census area on Friday 28th August 2026. Loans start from
K500 and down and are repaid on a monthly schedule.

Mr. Nakmai clarified that loans and agriculture support are given with an agreement. Members must repay loans on time,attend meetings and training sessions, maintain honesty and transparency and Support community development initiatives

The Association is also partnering with Churches, Education, Health and Local Communities to achieve its goals.

'Tune into NBC SANDAUN 95.5 FM at 8:30pm tonight for more on the SandaunCoin Fund'

25/08/2026

NBC Sandaun | West Sepik

NEW FISH DRYERS TO SUPPORT FISHING COMMUNITIES IN WEST SEPIK

Small-scale fishers and fish processors in West Sepik are set to benefit from a new, fuel-efficient fish smoking technology introduced through the EU-funded STREIT PNG Programme, implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The modified FAO-Thiaroye Processing Technique (FTT), also known as the Portable Drum Fish Dryer, is designed to produce safer, better-quality smoked fish while using less firewood than traditional open-fire smoking.

The enclosed drum helps control heat and smoke, allowing fish to dry more evenly, reducing scorching and spoilage, and improving shelf life. It also reduces the black carbon often left on fish by traditional smoking methods.

According to FAO National Fisheries Value Chain Officer Lester Baule, the smaller, portable design was developed in response to feedback from small-scale fishers and is particularly suited to women who want to operate small, profitable fish-processing businesses.

📍 WEST SEPIK BENEFICIARIES

The 2026 distribution plan identifies 15 fisher groups across Aitape-Lumi and Vanimo Green to receive the portable dryers.

Aitape-Lumi District:
• Nimas
• Amsor
• Malol
• Warapu
• Ali Island
• Sapi Tumaleo Island
• Seleo Island

Vanimo Green District:
• Bifro
• Baiyuai
• Lido
• Wesdego
• Pewi

The distribution programme includes demonstrations on how to operate the dryers, with each fisher group also receiving a Standard Operating Procedure to guide safe and effective use.

The initiative aims to help fishing communities reduce processing costs, improve fish quality, extend shelf life, and create stronger income opportunities, particularly for women involved in fish processing.

The EU-STREIT PNG Programme supports sustainable and inclusive rural development in East and West Sepik, including the fisheries value chain.

📸 by EU-STREIT PNG Programme

20/08/2026

NBC Sandaun | Vanimo

🇵🇬 PNG Students Complete Bridging Programme in Indonesia

The first batch of Papua New Guinean students has successfully completed an International Bridging Programme at the International University of Papua in Jayapura, Indonesia.

The students, mainly from communities along the PNG–Indonesia border, completed studies in Bahasa Indonesia, Mathematics and basic Computer skills.

The programme was launched in July through an education partnership involving the university and communities including Wutung, Musu, Yako, Waromo and Vanimo.

Student Clementina Marisa described the programme as a rewarding experience that has helped prepare them for further studies in Indonesia.

The students have now returned home and will continue their studies online while waiting for their passports to be processed.

The initiative is strengthening education opportunities and people-to-people ties between PNG and Indonesia, with students now looking forward to the next stage of their academic journey.

20/08/2026

NBC Sandaun | Amanab

Amanab–Kemberatoro Road Rehabilitation Begins

Communities along the long-neglected Amanab–Kemberatoro road in the Vanimo Green River District are welcoming the start of a major road rehabilitation project.

The road, originally built in the early 1990s, has deteriorated badly over the years, making travel difficult and forcing many people to walk for hours to access health services, schools, markets and other government services.

The rehabilitation project was officially launched at Amanab Station by Vanimo Green River MP and Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Beldan Namah, who presented a K1.5 million DSIP cheque to Amanab Forest Product to undertake the road upgrade.

Vanimo Green River District Health Manager Rodney Tirkilang says the improved road will help health workers reach remote communities and deliver essential health services more efficiently.

For the people of Amanab LLG, the project is more than just a road upgrade — it is a long-awaited connection to healthcare, education, markets and economic opportunities.

Communities now hope the work will be completed efficiently and provide a lasting road link between Amanab Station and Kemberatoro.

19/08/2026

NBC Sandaun | Vanimo

ONE MILLION AZITHROMYCIN TABLETS ARRIVE IN VANIMO TO SUPPORT YAWS ELIMINATION

Vanimo has received one million azithromycin tablets to support Papua New Guinea’s nationwide campaign to eliminate yaws.

The medicines were transported from Lae to Vanimo by an aircraft from the Australian Defence Force, supporting an operation led by the Papua New Guinea Defence Force.

The tablets were donated by EMS Brazil through the World Health Organization (WHO) and will support the National Department of Health’s mass drug administration campaign.

For communities across West Sepik, particularly rural and remote areas around Vanimo and other parts of the province, the arrival of these medicines is an important step in strengthening access to treatment.

Yaws is a bacterial infectious disease that mainly affects children, causing sores and lesions on the skin. If left untreated, the infection can spread deeper into the body and damage the bones, joints, and cartilage, potentially causing permanent deformities. The good news is that yaws can be effectively treated with a single oral dose.

WHO recommends mass treatment in communities affected by yaws because treating people across an affected community can help break the chain of transmission, rather than only treating individuals who already show symptoms.

PNG continues to carry a significant burden of yaws. WHO says Papua New Guinea reported more than 102,000 clinical cases in 2024, highlighting the importance of continued prevention, treatment and community awareness.

The campaign is being supported through a partnership involving the Australian Government, Papua New Guinea National Department of Health, WHO, EMS Brazil, PNG Defence Force and the West Sepik Provincial Health Authority.

For families in rural West Sepik, the message is simple: early treatment can prevent yaws from becoming a lifelong disability.

Communities are encouraged to cooperate with health workers during the mass drug administration campaign and follow health advice provided by local health authorities.

NBC Sandaun will keep you updated on this Mass Drug Administration Rollout.

Images by the Australian High Commission Papua New Guinea. 📸

19/08/2026

NBC Sandaun | Vanimo

Traffic accidents are becoming a growing concern in Vanimo Town, with an increasing number involving motorcycles and scooters.

The accidents have resulted in loss of life, serious injuries, and trauma for families, with children also among those reportedly injured.

Over the weekend, a man’s body was found along the West Coast Highway, with reports suggesting he may have died following a motorcycle accident. The circumstances are yet to be officially confirmed. Two weeks ago, another death along the same highway.

Motorcycles and scooters are now increasingly common in Vanimo, with many reportedly brought in through the Skouw-Wutung Border. While some are legally cleared through Customs, concerns remain about illegal cross-border sales and the need for proper registration, licensing, roadworthiness checks, and enforcement of traffic rules.

NBC Sandaun is seeking an official response from the West Sepik Provincial Police Command on the recent accidents and what measures are being taken to improve road safety, particularly for motorcycle users.

NBC Sandaun will continue to follow this developing story.

Stay Tuned to 95.5FM For More Updates. 📻

17/08/2026

NBC Sandaun | PREVIEW | AMANAB–KAMBERATORO ROAD LAUNCH

NBC Sandaun officers will be on the ground in Amanab today to cover the official launch of the Amanab–Kamberatoro Road.

The road project is expected to improve connectivity for communities in the inland parts of the Vanimo-Green River electorate and support the movement of people, goods and services.

The launch will be officiated by Hon. Belden Namah, MP for Vanimo-Green River and Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture.

The Minister met with officials of the Vanimo-Green District Administration before leaving for Amanab.

Stay with NBC Sandaun – Maus bilong Sandaun for updates and coverage from Amanab.

14/08/2026

NBC Sandaun | Nuku

Public Toksave 📢

The Catholic faithful of Yiliwombuk Village, Ward 01, Nuku Central LLG, Nuku District, West Sepik Province, are building a new St. Joseph Catholic Church in collaboration with the Aitape Diocese.

The project will provide a permanent place of worship and strengthen the faith of the Catholic community and surrounding villages.

SUPPORT NEEDED
Financial contributions
Cement
Nails
Wheelbarrows
Spades and shovels
Other building materials
CHURCH PROJECT ACCOUNT

Bank: BSP
Account Name: St. Joseph Church Building
Account Number: 7030687623

CONTACT

Mr Joachim Wulkas - 7226 5046 — WhatsApp available
Church Chairman, Keven Wulkas Yanambai: 7156 4680
or the Bishop, Aitape Diocese: 7075 2851

13/08/2026

NBC Sandaun|| PUBLIC NOTICE: COMPULSORY LAND VALUATION & TAX EXERCISE IN VANIMO

Attention all Vanimo property owners, residents, and business operators.

The Vanimo Urban Local-Level Government (LLG) wishes to advise the general public that a comprehensive land valuation and tax exercise will officially begin on Monday, August 17th, 2026.

This exercise will target all Residential areas, Industrial areas, and Special areas within the urban boundary.

WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?

This is a historic exercise for our town. It marks the first time these property rolls are being formally updated since the relevant legislation was passed in 2003.

Land title owners and leaseholders are strictly reminded that paying land taxes is a binding legal obligation:Organic Law on Provincial and Local-Level Governments (Section 57): Empowers the urban authority to levy and collect taxes on state lands to fund local development.

Valuation Act of PNG (Chapter 327): Makes property participation and compliance with official land valuations a compulsory legal requirement under national law.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO

Official land valuers and field officers will be visiting properties to verify boundaries and assess values.

To avoid delays or issues, please have the following documents ready for inspection:

1) State lease documents or land titles

2) Previous land tax receipts or registry records

3) Any official building or zoning approvals

PENALTIES FOR NON -COMPLIANCE

Please take note that cooperation with field officers is mandatory under the Valuation Act (Chapter 327).
Failing to allow inspections, hiding property details, or ignoring tax notices may result in legal penalties, accumulating back-taxes, or formal restrictions placed on your state lease.

Let us work together to update our township records and build better public services for Vanimo.

For direct enquiries, please visit the Vanimo Urban LLG Administration Office or contact your local ward council representative.

Stay tunned to NBC Sandaun "Maus Blo Sandaun" for more updates on this new development

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