NBC Central News

23/04/2026

The Motu Koita Assembly [MKA] has announced the dates for the 2026 Hiri Moale Festival, with the iconic cultural event set to return in September.

Speaking at a media launch at City Hall this morning, MKA Chairman and NCD Deputy Governor Russell Simon Wavik confirmed the festival will run from September 8 to 13.

The new dates mark a shift from recent years, when the festival was held earlier in the year. This year’s event will conclude one week before Papua New Guinea’s 51st Independence anniversary.

Read more: https://www.nbc.com.pg/post/34945/hiri-moale-festival-set-to-return-in-september

The Motu Koita Assembly [MKA] has announced the dates for the 2026 Hiri Moale Festival, with the iconic cultural event set to return in September.

03/02/2026

Tuesday 03rd February 2028
Central Province: Minister involved in traffic accident

Police in Central Province are investigating a traffic accident along the Hiritano Highway involving the Minister for Energy and Member for Kairuku Peter Isoaimo and a PNGDF Soldier.

Central Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Joseph Salle confirmed that the accident occurred at around 8 PM yesterday (Monday, February 2)

He stated that Minister Isoaimo was traveling from home heading to Port Moresby, while the soldier was traveling from Port Moresby heading up Laloki way when the incident happened.

According to the initial report provided, it was alleged that the soldier was trying to avoid a pothole at the junction and drove inwards when the Energy Minister switched lanes, which caused the accident.

PPC Salle said the soldier who was traveling in a small vehicle was injured and was transported to the hospital by Saint John's Ambulance to seek medical treatment.

He said police units were called in to secure the accident scene and took both accident vehicles to Fifteen Mile Police Station.

(Pic:Supplied)

30/01/2026

Prime Minister James Marape has announced plans to personally meet with Goilala leaders to find a solution to the displacement of Goilala people following the recent Two-Mile Hill eviction in Port Moresby.

Read more: https://www.nbc.com.pg/post/31876/marape-to-meet-with-goilala-leaders

26/01/2026

14/01/2026

PNG Power has advised residents of Port Moresby and Central to maintain distance from power poles and lines as they work on restoring power.

Read more: https://www.nbc.com.pg/post/31416/png-power-urges-public-to-stay-clear-of-power-lines

14/01/2026

Following collapsing of the Imila Bridge recently, the temporary bypass at Imila has undergone vital engineering improvements with the installation of new culverts to manage water flow and prevent washouts and elevation of the road basement to a reasonable profile, significantly improving vehicle clearance and durability.

Read more: https://www.nbc.com.pg/post/31430/temporary-bypass-built-for-imila-following-bridge-collapse

05/01/2026

The Central Provincial Government [CPG] is moving to address escalating levels of intimidation, harassment, and extortion faced by farmers, fishers, and betelnut growers transporting their produce into the National Capital District [NCD].

Read more: https://www.nbc.com.pg/post/31139/central-provincial-government-to-address-intimidation-of-farmers-and-fishers-in-ncd-markets

30/12/2025

TUESDAY 30TH DECEMBER 2025

CENTRAL: DEPUTY GOVERNOR CALLS FOR URGENT INFRASTRUCTURE OVERHAUL OF IMILA BRIDGE

Deputy Governor for Central and President of Aroma Coast Local Level Government Desmond Baira has called on the Department of Works and Highways to critically review the design of Imila Bridge in the A

This follows the collapsing of the bridge over the weekend.

In a statement Mr Baira says he wants a robust approach to reconstruction of the bridge.

He says the Department must secure the necessary funding and engage reputable, high-performing contractors, such as Global Construction, to ensure this bridge is built to last.

Global Construction Company was engaged to build a temporary road access allowing the flow of traffic.

The Deputy Governor visited the site of the collapsed bridge to conduct an assessment on the impact of the bridge’s failure.

Despite road works the Deputy noted systemic lack of maintenance on several critical bridges along the Magi Highway.

This bridges included ​More, Bilipo, Upulima, Lako (Boredoa), Orman, Inuma, Ibunatou, Kemp Welch bridges.

He stressed the country has just surpassed its 50th Anniversary and undertaken a national 'reset’ and as it looks toward the next 50 years, our transport sector must be transformed.

The Deputy Governor is now demanding for double-lane bridges on these crossings to reflect the needs of a growing province.

……………………………......The end…………………………………….

(Pic:Suppied)

29/12/2025

Monday, December 29, 2025

HOMEBREW PRODUCING IMPLEMENTS SURRENDERED TO POLICE IN KAIRUKU LLG.

MEDIA STATEMENT

The recently launched community watch program in Hisiu Village of Kairuku LLG in the Kairuku District of Central Province has seen some positive results, with the leaders conducting awareness in the village that resulted in the surrender of homebrew producing implements.

Central Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Joseph Salle confirmed that the village leaders and the community watch volunteers, after the launch, conducted awareness in the village, advising relatives of those known to be producing homebrew to surrender their equipment or they would be charged accordingly. He stated that after several awareness campaigns, many people had changed their behavior in the village, and those who were identified as producing homebrew surrendered their brewing implements to the leaders.

"I am pleased with the results so far because homebrew is one of the most consumed alcoholic beverages by youths in the village, who later create problems that lead to serious crimes. So far, the Central Province has been quiet during the festive season. We are looking forward to celebrating the new year peacefully. It is up to each individual to behave orderly, so we will see a peaceful new year celebration. I also want to thank the police officers in Central Province for their tireless efforts that have resulted in positive outcomes during the Christmas period. Crimes committed during the Christmas period were noted, and the police will investigate them," PPC Salle said.

He further added that police along Maggi Highway are also monitoring the areas where Imal Bridge collapsed in the Kupiano police operation area.

End

29/12/2025

Police have confirmed two murders and two suspected su***de during the Christmas period in the National Capital District and Central Province, prompting a strong warning from authorities ahead of New Year celebrations.

Read more: https://www.nbc.com.pg/post/30887/three-killed-one-su***de-during-christmas-as-police-warn-of-alcohol-fuelled-violence

27/12/2025

SATURDAY 27TH DECEMBER 2025
TRAVELLERS WARNED OF COLLAPSE OF IMILA BRIDGE IN ABAU DISTRICT.

A vital bridge connecting Abau District to Rigo then to Port Moresby, the Imila Bridge collapsed early this morning with authorities and local leaders now working around the clock to build a temporary by pass for the travelling public.

Member for Abau Sir Puka Temu in confirming this says the bridge collapsed together with a heavily load truck trying to get to the other side.

Sir Puka says Global Construction company who are currently maintaining the road from Imila to Moreguinea are already on site to negotiate on how to build a temporary road for the travelling public.
He says a temporary bypass should be in place in the next 48 hours.

Sir Puka says he has already notified the Secretary for the Department of Works and Highways and is advising the travelling public to exercise patients and caution.

Central Police are also on site providing security.
.......The end.......
(Photo:Facebook)