Cessna Crash in the Sarawaget Range in Morobe, Papua New Guinea. Six dead. Pilot survives

Early this morning, a single engine Cessna 185 fixed wing aircraft, owned and operated by Kiunga Aviation, crashed in the Sarawaget Mountain ranges of Morobe Province, PNG. It crashed while attempting to land at Baindong, a remote airstrip seventeen nautical miles north east of the main airport of Nadzab. Six people, including an infant were killed instantly. The pilot survived and was transported to Australia for treatment. At about 0605hrs, the pilot of the aircraft, radiod the air traffic controllers to say it was in the vicinity of the remote srtip. Six minutes later it sent a distress call. There was no contact after that. Later, a Bell 206 helicopter which was operating in the area was able to reach the crash site with police personnel to assist with the recovery mission. The six bodies of the victims have been airlifted to Lae and are now in the morgue at Angau Memorial Hospital. The cause of the accident is not known at this stage. The Air Accident investigation Commission of the Department of Transport has been notified and will be conducting an investigation into the accident. My condolences go to their friends and family in this time of grief. This is the second major air disaster this year, the first on August 11 took away 11 lives, inlcuded the pilot and the first officer.

Landowners must manage funds wisely

LANDOWNERS in recent times have cried foul that millions of kina had been wasted through dubious means and tangible development had not reached their far flung areas. They claim corruption was rife and millions in Business Development Grants and other funds had been abused, as such there is no tangible developments in their areas. They threw mud at the Government for the millions that were abused. But does the Government really need to take blame or should landowner associations, companies and leaders be blamed too. Despite the mud slinging, the Government paid out millions to landowners, just for attending the recent PNG LNG License Benefit Sharing Agreement forums. In the Hides Project Retention Licence 12 area, landowners were paid a total of K1.3m and in Gobe Petroleum Development License 4 area landowners were said to receive about K1.5m. Other areas also received such payments. After receiving the allowances, some up to K1000 each, landowners went on a spending spree, buying booze and other immediate earthly desires. Reports reaching The National newspaper said some landowners purchased brand new vehicles, acquired new wives and hired vehicles as a result of the recent windfall. Is this a reflection of the past mistakes or sign of things to come? Sure, it’s fun to shop and reward yourself every once in a while, but for landowners who cry out loud for change, such spending of the little windfall was wanton. Most landowners do not have the money-making power of Bill Gates, and already most are buried up to their eyeballs in debt and want the Government to intervene. This cannot be denied, most landowners acquire loans in the hope that sudden windfalls will take care of it, but this is a negative habit that will do more bad then good. Before that happens, landowners should take a step back and take a good long look at your money management skills and spending habits. Identify real needs in the family, in the clan, in the community and then larger development needs, then prioritise and spend accordingly and wisely when the time comes. With such slipshod spending, one doubts how landowners will manage greater windfalls generated from the massive US$15b (K42b) PNG LNG project. Are we ready to manage the royalties, equities, business development grants, special service grants and other windfall from the project? Landowner leaders must now take the people at heart and help them learn how to manage the funds that will be flowing in from the gas. Gas money will be lucrative and landowners will have so much money to spend. A good idea is to have some sort of fund, apart from Government controlled trusts and development funds. It’s always a good idea to have cash savings that you can easily get your hands on in case of emergencies. If a fund is an idea already on hand, good, if not start creating one now. Don’t put this off for tomorrow or the next day – you never know when disaster will strike or when a pressing issue needs to be addressed. Landowners can start by putting a small amount away and eventually adding to a family fund, community or Incorporated Land Group fund and so forth. Unexpected income, such as the LBBSA forums allowances, can also be a great source for these funds. It’s good not to blow your entire bonus on booze, women and other immediate wants. Put a little of that away. The whole idea is to save for the rainy day and save for a real need, such as an aid post or maybe buy a PMV truck for the village or family. Nothing beats the security of knowing that if the worst happens, you have something to use to get yourself out of a bind. The actions of landowners in recent times, the careless spending of funds are a serious issue that must be addressed by landowner’s leaders, local politicians, including the Government. Education Minister James Marape, who is a local MP, had said such windfalls can be a blessing or a curse; it’s how you apply it. Indeed, the statement by Mr Marape is spot on. Other local politicians, including Southern Highlands Governor echoed these remarks and that is a good sign. The PNG LNG project is described as transformational and will bring in a lot of money to landowners but at the same it will bring a truck load of issues. Teaching landowners how to save and spend wisely must be undertaken immediately and not as a reactive measure. It would also be wise to suggest now that the handout mentality by landowner leaders and politicians should stop so landowners are encouraged to save and manage funds wisely. For a start, the Department of Community Development should now visit the project areas and identify potential social issues that may surface when huge sums of money start being dished out. Look at the example of Porgera in Enga Province. Substance abuse is rife and the spread of HIV is like wild fire, because there is so much money floating around, luring landowners to indulge in beer, women and gambling, to name a few. There’s an old saying that goes ... "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Let us not play the odds and 'wait and see'. Prevention is the smart thing to do - no doubt about it. For every one person who 'prevents' something, there will be many, many more who will gladly wait and see - and then PAY handsomely for a cure The choice now determines the future. Let’s not wait and see.

Escape and experience Sandaun Province

ESCAPE from the pressures and luxuries of life and yield to nature for a refreshing and renewing break. One of the most promising escapes I propose will surely entice your imagination forever. It’s just a spec of “a million different journeys” Papua New Guinea has to offer. Magical sunsets, tranquil turquoise waters and white sandy beaches will never cease to amaze you. The surf is magnificent, perfect snorkeling spots and lush tropical rainforests abundant in flora, fauna and crystal clear streams. The destination I propose also has a coastline that is picturesque, the stuff post cards are made off. Drooling already? Then cease imagining what it will be like and lodge airline bookings to experience Vanimo, Sandaun Province. Remote, yet promising, it is the country’s most north easterly township. Vanimo is an ideal rest and recreation destination that is worth the money and effort. Vanimo is also the gateway to South East Asia. About 45 minutes drive west you reach the border station of Wutung, cross over and you are in Indonesia’s Irian Jaya province. The border is about 30km away. Laidback and quiet, Vanimo is a down-to-earth and simple hideaway. To get there you can opt for a road trip from Lae to Madang and experience the highway culture, meet locals and then enjoy a boat ride from Madang. But if you are in a hurry to ride a wave, or put your feet up or take in the sights then Vanimo is just a flight away from the capital Port Moresby. Our National airline, Air Niugini does the Port Moresby-Vanimo route every Monday, Wednesday and Friday via Madang. On Sunday it flies via Madang and Wewak. Air Niugini offers a special “paradise fare” from Port Moresby – Vanimo at K452 one way and a “super saver” at K565 one way. These fares apply throughout the year. Touch down in Vanimo and need not worry for a taxi or shuttle as the town is small and all amenities including accommodation is a stroll away. There are shops, a post office, hire cars and a bank. Air Niuigni has an office there, just in case you need to extend your bookings. It’s a peaceful town and security is not a concern, but if it’s your first time – a guide is advisable. Vanimo Beach Hotel and Sandaun Surf Motel are in town and only a stones throw from the waters edge. Other places I can think of include the Visser Guest House, Varmoneh Lodge. A few new ones Silung lodge and Tanyulih lodge has also popped up, because of the demand. Tanyulih is located at Baro, Yako village which is along the West Coast of Vanimo. A good friend says “all other accommodations are in Vanimo town or near the town. You can find the numbers in the telephone directory and ring up to confirm your bookings”. Simple accommodation is also available in other parts some mission stations can also put you up for a night or two. Once settled, you can prepare to enjoy the many attractions on offer. Go trekking, cycling, snorkeling, bird watching or sightseeing. You can also enjoy the culture through tradition song and dance that can be arranged or you can visit the locals who weave traditional baskets and artifacts. The people are friendly, calm and composed. And if you are a surfer, then regard Vanimo as your home, because it has high regard by many whom have ridden the majestic swells that are ideal from October to April. Lido village, which sits ideally across the peninsula from Vanimo, is an ideal surfing spot. An expatriate surfer once said “Vanimo is a place time forgot. Friendly locals and decent surf makes it a place I would return to”. From Vanimo travel along the splendid coastline to Wutung in the west or to Aitape to the east where endless sandy beaches await you, and trust me you may be privileged to have a nice spot all by yourself. You never know the only foot prints in the sand could be yours. Even the white sandy beaches of Bondi in Sydney which I have set foot on, are no match to the simplicity Vanimo has to offer. At Aitape, slightly offshore there are several little islands that you can take a boat ride to for a picnic. There are also has a war memorial and some wreckage from World War two For some contrast, travel inland where high rugged peaks in the Telefomin and Bewani mountains and thick tropical rainforest lush with flora and fauna will greet you. It will surely be a breath of fresh air. After a hard day, put your feet up and allow the gentle and fresh ocean breeze and sound of gentle waves caress your mind and body. Vanimo is nuzzled ideally on a peninsula and the white sandy beaches and turquoise waters surrounding it create a magical and calm ambiance everyday. After a hectic day riding waves or sightseeing, enjoy a soda, maybe something stronger and watch the sun set magnificently on the horizon. Sunsets in this part of the country are breathtakingly awesome and truly end your day with such splendor. At times when I am so stressed from the daily chores of life, I reflect back to the magnificent sunsets of Vanimo, and I regain peace of mind. Sunsets here so awesome, you experience your first and you will wish time paused for a moment. Other memories of the province may distort over time but the setting sun remains a clear picture as if it was only yesterday. No wonder it’s called Sandaun – the name says it all. So stop pondering on the budget, just do the math and let faith do the rest.

Sandaun: PNG's ideal destination.

Implement the budget

THE Government has presented a “whooping” K7.5 billion budget but the significant challenge ahead is implementation and staying within the budget. The absence or inadequate implementation or spending over the budget can quickly put PNG in serious financial difficulties.The budget document is a plan. It forces the Government to plan and allocate its resources. It identifies any shortfall in revenue and provides some lead-time to develop strategies and solve problems before they evolve into a financial crisis. Budgets also prove to be excellent communication devices as they incorporate financial and operating goals, thereby communicating expectations and priorities to the Government agencies. Not only does the budgeting process monitor the performances, it communicates expectations and priorities and provides a tangible parameter from which to base financial decisions. PNG’s think tank, the National Research Institute, has described the budget as "well focused on priority service areas" but reiterates our sentiments that effective implementation is crucial. However, Director Dr Thomas Webster says whether its going to be a balanced budget is yet to be been seen. "By the books it's balanced but in the implementation if it goes over then that's a surplus budget," he said. "But if we don't collect enough then it would be a deficit budget." He pointed out that the Recurrent Budget has salaries and operational costs for most national and provincial government agencies. There are existing problems with their performance in the delivery of goods and services. The development budget proposes additional programs with funding for various programs of activities. Our concern is that, an already overburdened and weak government machinery is put under more pressure to implement the budget and realize the expected outcomes. To ensure effective implementation the Government must address several issues relentlessly. There are problems with a weak public service (human resources) that needs improvement in training, in orientation and in motivation. The budget proposes various activities to improve human resources in proposals under the “Public Sector Workforce Development” program initiatives and in other areas like housing etc. Training and Recruitment of Cadets amongst others will try to improve the quality of the performance of the public service. Will these be enough to get the public service to perform effectively in delivering goods and services in 2010? The second area is in the area of institutional linkages. At the moment, most government agencies work in silos. The budget proposes projects where national agencies are doing some things under both recurrent and the development budgets, Provincial Government Departments doing some things mostly under the recurrent budget and District administrations responsible for a large share of the Development Budget. The intended beneficiaries are the rural populations of PNG. “This is not likely to happen and I suspect that most expenditure will serve organisational and individual interests rather then that of the wider public,” Dr Webster raised. But there is room for better coordination of programs and activities between agencies and between different levels of governments to get better outcomes from the efforts and financial expenditures. Dr Webster said effective linkages need to be created by the Central Agencies pushing the Line Agencies to link their activities more constructively and effectively with Provincial and District Administrations. Key national agencies have responsibilities for some activities but how do these activities link up with similar program activities at provincial and district levels. We strongly believe there needs to be a synchronization of activities so that maximum benefits can be gained from these efforts and financial inputs. Also central agencies need to play a coordinating and monitoring role rather then taking responsibility for program implementation. The quarterly review exercise needs to be taken seriously by central agencies and by ministers to require progressive reports on Budget Implementation. This is so corrective measures can be undertaken, as well as to ensure implementation is happening as desired and on track. Ministers whose portfolios have been allocated large amounts of money, K100m or more should be expected to make regular progress reports to Parliament. And of course to the people of PNG, as to how these funds are being spent. The Treasurer presented a 2008 Budget Outcomes Report. This was an excellent move and we hope that he will do the same for the 2009 budget. Ministers should also make detailed reports on expenditures following the Treasurers Report. This will ensure transparency and accountability as well as to push agencies to implement better the budgets that are allocated and citizens can expect maximum benefits. For any plan to be effective it must be implemented. This is true with the budget. The goal of budget implementation is to become astute at assessing the impact of variances and to know when to implement steps to correct any deviation from the plan.The budget and its implementation are of significant value to the Government and to the people of Papua New Guinea who want change to come.