Dede Sophie

A lot of reforms aimed at stopping unsustainable logging and corruption which was exposed by the Barnett Commission of Inquiry have not been implemented after more than 30 years. Community Advocacy Organisation ‘ACT NOW PNG’ campaign Manager, Eddie Tanago, says that these are some of the important issues, for the new Forest Minister, Salio Waipo, to address. Mr. Tanago in a statement, says that it is shameful that nothing much has happened to stop the rampant illegal and unsustainable logging, despite the reforms to the Forestry Act in 1991. He says that the Forestry Act was supposed to mark the end of the Colonial era Timber Rights Purchase (TRP) Agreements, which were found to be full of abuses, the majority of log exports are still from TRP areas.  Mr. Tanago says, another permit that has been abused is the Forest Clearance Authority (FCA’s), which sees logging companies harvesting large forest areas, and not small and discreet areas for agricultural crops or roads.  He adds that go

Funds from  the  PNG Marape-Rosso government’s Tuition Fee Free policy are yet to hit the accounts of schools in the national education system. Education Secretary Dr. Uke Kombra had said last week, the department received two warrants totalling K396 million, and expected the funds to be deposited into schools accounts later that week. However, this is yet to happen, and a good number of schools are operating on a credit basis to get learning and teaching materials on time for normal classes this week. Schools are appealing to parents to ensure their children’s needs in terms of stationery and uniforms are met before sending them for classes. Principal of Wardstrip Primary School in NCD Rotona Girana said they are operating on credit basis. “Right now I have my teachers distributing the materials. That’s on credit. Because I’m assured that the TFF is paid, then I have an arrangement with my service providers. When it comes, I will pay. So no fees are paid.” “I’ve already announced yest