PACIFIC BRIEFS 21/2/2017

PNG CAPITAL RUNNING OUT OF WATER PAPUA NEW GUINEA – Papua New Guinea’s capital, Port Moresby, has less than a week’s supply of water for consumption and power generation.

The NBC reported this is because the Sirinumu Dam had been shut down by frustrated landowners last week. The utility companies, PNG Power and Eda Ranu, said power and water services were currently being supplied from downstream catchments which were quickly drying up. The utilities estimated there were about six days of supply left, unless it rained soon. The NBC reported PNG Power were planning to meet the works department to address issues raised by the landowners. The reports said it was not clear what those issues were.

MOTORCYCLE HELMETS TO BECOME COMPULSORY LAW

WALLIS AND FUTUNA – The Cook Islands is not the only Pacific island group under pressure to make the wearing of motorcycle helmets compulsory by law. In the French territory of Wallis and Futuna it will soon be compulsory for all motorbike and moped users to wear a helmet. According to the public broadcaster, the French administrator in the islands has decided that the regulation will come into force on the first of July. He said there have been a number of recent and historic fatalities and serious head injuries in accidents because motorbike users didn’t wear helmets. The report said the territory’s health care agency would help buy the first supply of helmets which would comply with European standards. It said talks have been held with shopkeepers to stock approved helmets as the regulation comes to effect.

FIJI REMEMBERS CYCLONE VICTIMS

FIJI – The names of the 44 people who died during Cyclone Winston have been read out at a commemoration in the Fiji capital Suva. It was a year ago on February 20 since the storm struck, affecting nearly two thirds of the country and causing nearly a billion US dollars in damage. Employers had been asked to let as many workers as possible attend the ceremony which was led by Fiji’s head of state President Jioji Konrote. Representatives of some of the worst affected communities were invited to attend the multi faith service at Suva’s Albert Park. The government said it was a moment to remember those who died and give thanks Winston spared much of the rest of Fiji. An opposition leader Sitiveni Rabuka said the service was inappropriate given thousands are still suffering in tent homes and classrooms one year on. He said the funds spent on getting school children and civil servants to attend the event would be better spent on rehabilitation.

GOVERNOR GENERAL TO VISIT COOKS

NEW ZEALAND – The New Zealand Governor General, Dame Patsy Reddy (pictured), is to visit the Cook Islands and Niue next month. It will be Dame Patsy’s first official visit to the two countries. While in Niue she is expected to knight Premier Toke Talagi. Talagi, who has been premier since 2008, was made a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the New Year Honours. He has suffered ill-health in the past year, having been medivacced from Niue to Auckland on two occasions.

INVESTORS ON VISIT TO NUKU‘ALOFA

TONGA – A New Zealand business group is in Nuku‘alofa in Tonga with its eye on investing in the country. The delegation, led by New Zealand’s Ambassador for Pacific Economic Development, Shane Jones, is interested in the construction, health, education and tourism sectors. Radio Tonga reports the New Zealand High Commissioner Sarah Walsh saying the investors are looking to see the unique business opportunities that Tonga has to offer.