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Down Town Plaza Embracing Sustainable Energy Solutions
Steamships is pleased to share its sustainability initiative of the installation of solar panels on top of Downtown Plaza, located in the capital’s Central Business District.
The project marks a significant step towards the company’s dedication to utilising renewable energy sources and reducing its carbon footprint. Installing solar panels highlight the company’s broader efforts to improve the environmental sustainability of Downtown Plaza but also represent a vital step towards a more environmentally conscious future.
Leading the solar panel project, Pacific Palms Property (PPP) is working in collaboration with PNG Power Limited (PPL) on the pioneering PPL Solar Pilot Programme. Other key stakeholders include Astra Solar Limited and YZ Consulting.
Upon completion, the energy produced by the panels will supplement the existing power supply. While the panels harness electricity from sunlight, the traditional power grid will remain accessible to provide a reliable energy source for Downtown Plaza.
“Steamships and its businesses commend PNG Power’s pilot initiative to implement renewable energy solutions. Steamships have made a long-term commitment to reducing our carbon footprint, adopting best practices with an aim to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.” said Steamships MD Rupert Bray.
“With mutual dedication to explore renewable energy, we hope to continue working with PPL, and as leading business houses, embrace sustainable power solutions within PNG”
Downtown Plaza serves as the model project for an initiative that ensures our buildings are more resilient during adverse conditions. This endeavour not only prioritises resilience but also extends a helping hand to tenants striving to meet their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) targets.
This public and private sector collaboration shows a shared commitment to deploy technologies that not only advance infrastructure but also foster the development of Papua New Guinea as a whole. As this initiative gains traction, its impact is poised to expand far beyond Downtown Plaza, offering a blueprint for progress and sustainability.
The project highlights the businesses strong commitment to environmental stewardship and paves the way for additional initiatives aimed at enhancing the sustainability of PPP assets. Recent sustainability efforts include the Steamships Corporate Office, @345, which obtained the Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) certification, establishing it as the first “green” commercial building in PNG and the Pacific. The solar project is due for completion Q4, 2024.

B4H: Businesses Called to Combat TB in PNG
Business for Health (B4H) is leading the battle against tuberculosis or TB, urging all businesses in Papua New Guinea to join their campaign this year.
The renewed commitment to ending the disease marked on TB Day continues, as the group released updates to TB learning resources and maintained conversations through radio, theatre, and storytelling, with short stories based on real success stories, which are available for sharing.
Collaborating with PNG FM Radio, B4H launched an "End TB" radio campaign to educate audiences and combat stigma over the disease, as it crafted messages to encourage early detection and highlight free testing and treatment services.
Dr. Ann Clarke, B4H founder, explains: “Our partnership with PNG FM is crucial in promoting the message that TB, although it is the leading infectious disease killer in the country, is curable. With accurate information, support from loved ones, and access to free effective treatment, the disease can be managed, and people can be cured.”
“The new messages build on our previous ‘cover your cough’ disease prevention message generously supported by PNG FM,” Dr. Clarke added.
Part of the B4H campaign includes a 3-day workshop for businesses to participate in, dedicated to combating TB especially in the workplace and among workforce families.
Ms. Rosemary Botong, the General Manager of PNG FM, reiterated the significance of supporting B4H in the nationwide awareness on TB at an event hosted by SP Brewery on the 10th of April.
“With the National Department of Health reporting over 5,000 deaths and more than 44,000 new cases of TB last year, including drug-resistant strains and TB/HIV co-infections, we cannot overlook this significant social issue. Notably, children make up a quarter of all new cases,” Ms. Botong said.
“Radio, with its profound penetration into the daily lives of people across all demographics in Papua New Guinea, serves as a powerful medium for this critical health messaging,” she added.
The creative teams from B4H and PNG FM have crafted six messages based on true stories, including children affected by TB.
“By broadcasting messages that emphasize treatment success and the accessibility of free services, we’re not just spreading knowledge; we’re extending a lifeline to those in need,” Ms. Botong added.
Ms. Teresa Koratsi, TB case coordinator at B4H, said two of her children and B4H staff are featured in the radio campaign.
The partnership emphasizes TB's curability with accurate information and support, as the campaign aligns with the national anti-tuberculosis program and aims to save lives, reduce workforce productivity costs, and improve overall social and economic health.
Listeners are directed to the Businesses for Health website for TB clinic information and encouraged to use the Telikom TB toll-free information line at 7676 2482.
While the challenge ahead is formidable, Dr. Clarke stressed that it is not impossible to overcome.
“With persistent calls for accountability and collective action from the business and private sector, B4H and businesses can build a more productive workforce and ultimately eradicate TB in PNG,” she said.
In 2024, tuberculosis remains PNG's leading cause of death from an infectious disease. Therefore, B4H is appealing to the private sector and businesses for ongoing support.
Since its establishment in 2017, the Businesses for Health: TB and HIV project has made significant strides in mitigating the impact of these diseases through workplace education efforts. Despite the increasing burden of TB on PNG's economy, the effort has preserved lives and jobs.
However, the reality on the ground falls short of B4H’s ambitions, with an expected 5,000 TB deaths and at least 40,000 new TB cases this year alone, Dr. Clarke noted.
“We celebrate the ongoing support from many businesses in PNG's private sector. Together, we've led awareness campaigns and saved lives despite setbacks caused by COVID-19 and nationwide social and economic challenges,” she said.
Through the B4H "End TB" radio campaign, TB messages are broadcast across PNG in both English and Tok Pidgin, engaging communities and encouraging early detection and treatment.
“Together, #YesWeCanEndTB. Let's continue our efforts to cover your cough and prevent the spread of TB, saving lives and building a healthier future for all,” Dr. Clarke added.
Here's how businesses can get involved, per Dr. Clarke:
1. Invest in B4H workplace TB training to cultivate a health-seeking culture and implement comprehensive TB management programs within your business. Sign up now for workshops in June and September by emailing lorrie@businesses4health.com.
2. Partner with B4H to amplify efforts in ending TB. Whether through financial support, in-kind contributions, or expertise sharing, your involvement is crucial in improving access to TB information and services. Contact annmclarke@businesses4health.com to get involved.
3. Leverage your influence to advocate for improved healthcare policies and infrastructure. Encourage government action to address the root causes of TB, such as poverty and inadequate housing. Reach out to your MP, the PM, and Health Minister to drive sustainable change.

Wan PNG Expands Reach with Launch of iOS App
In a strategic move towards increasing accessibility and inclusivity, Wan PNG is pleased to announce the launch of its iOS app. Complementing the existing Android app, this development is a significant step forward in ensuring that Wan PNG's services are available to all users, regardless of their mobile device preferences.
Closing the Mobile Market Gap
Wan PNG recognises the importance of catering to the diverse mobile landscape in Papua New Guinea. With Android dominating over 96% of the market, the addition of the iOS app addresses the remaining 3% of users who prefer Apple devices. This strategic move aims to ensure that the Wan PNG platform is universally accessible, closing the small but significant gap in mobile market coverage.
Understanding the Local Dynamics
The decision to initially focus on Android aligns with the predominant user preferences in Papua New Guinea. Unlike countries such as Australia, where over 50% of users opt for iOS, the Papua New Guinean market exhibits a distinct pattern. The vast majority of users favor Android devices, making it the logical starting point for Wan PNG's mobile app development.
A Comprehensive Mobile Solution
With the introduction of the iOS app, Wan PNG now offers a comprehensive mobile solution, encompassing both major platforms. This marks a critical milestone in making the platform universally accessible to all Papua New Guineans, regardless of their choice of mobile device. The app is designed to provide a seamless and consistent experience, ensuring that users can leverage Wan PNG's features effortlessly, whether they are on Android or iOS.
User-Centric Development
The decision to launch an iOS app is rooted in Wan PNG's commitment to being user-centric. Recognising the diversity in device preferences among our users, we understand the importance of providing choices that align with their preferences. This development ensures that every user can engage with Wan PNG's services through their preferred mobile platform.
Enhanced Features for iOS Users
The iOS app brings with it all the features and functionalities that users have come to appreciate on the Android platform. From streamlined job searches to intelligent skills management, Wan PNG on iOS mirrors the Android experience, creating a cohesive and unified user interface.
Looking Ahead
As Wan PNG continues to evolve, this expansion into the iOS market is a natural progression. It not only reflects the platform's commitment to inclusivity but also positions Wan PNG as a versatile and responsive tool for the Papua New Guinean workforce. Looking ahead, Wan PNG remains dedicated to ongoing improvements and innovations that enhance the user experience and contribute to the professional growth of our community.
Conclusion
The launch of the iOS app is a significant step towards ensuring that Wan PNG is a platform for all. By addressing the specific dynamics of the Papua New Guinean mobile market, Wan PNG strives to provide a universally accessible solution for job seekers, employers, and educational institutions. This development underscores Wan PNG's commitment to being a reliable and inclusive partner in the professional journeys of Papua New Guineans.
Wan PNG is a Kumul Petroleum initiative and thanks its platform partner Papua LNG for its continuing support.

Monier Limited: Providing Quality High-Standard Development Products and Services in the Construction Industry for Over 60 Years
When it comes to producing, supplying and distribution of high-quality construction materials and project construction, look no further, as Monier Limited provides internationally recognized standards of services, contributing to the development of Papua New Guinea over the past 60 years.
What sets Monier apart in PNG is its growth, experience, and expertise in the manufacturering of construction materials direct to its customers, providing safety and mobility of its genuine quality products and services including corporate and government clients of major multi-billion-kina projects.
The company operates a materials testing laboratory that has been independently accredited by the Papua New Guinea Laborer Accreditation Scheme (PNGLAS).
In April 2019, Monier achieved the 3rd Party Certification to its Quality, Environment and Safety Management Systems, Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems against International Standards AS/NZS ISO09001:2016, AS/NZ ISO45001:2018.
These are independent certified management systems to give assurance to all their stakeholders that all processes, products, and services delivered by Monier are of highest order.
Business Development Manager Mr. Geno Uve, who has been working for Monier Limited for over 35 years, said working for the company has been an evolving journey and loves the good and safe working environment along with the expertise and experience the company has to offer with high quality of services to Papua New Guineans.
"We pride ourselves in providing high quality building materials and are capable to meet international standards of services to our customers and corporate clients.”
"For instance, we were able to meet the American standard of building material specifications for the construction of the American Embassy in Konedobu Port Moresby providing quality standard to the building project,” said Mr. Uve.
Both customers and corporate clients have a wide range of opportunity to purchase various building material products and services including the newly introduced department of mobility services where transportation of building materials are set up on the location of the construction area.
A new inclusion in services provided by Monier is laboratory and technical mobile services that can conduct tests on construction materials and provide technical advice on the type of product as required.
Monier has a new range of mobile batching plants and mobile crushers available for hire that can produce high volumes of concrete in-situ and mobile plant that allows us to set up on site, with machines in sequence to produce concrete aggregates, road base and sub bases such as filter rocks and select fills.
With the establishment of the new mobile department; corporate clients can receive complete package of construction materials on site to suit their individual requirements.
For more information and contact on Monier Limited their head office is located at Saraga Street 6Mile phone: 675 325 3344/71111674 email: admin@monier.com.pg web: www.monier.com.pg












