Provincial police commander Chief Superintendent Fred Yakasa issued the safety alert at the weekend Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
Papua New Guinea - unsafe
Papua New Guinea police have declared the Enga Highway unsafe for both vehicles and commuters.
Provincial police commander Chief Superintendent Fred Yakasa issued the safety alert at the weekend, covering all parts of the province, including Wabag and Porgera.
Yakasa warned commuters travelling to Wabag, Porgera, and other parts of the province, to be safety-conscious, as police cannot guarantee any safety.
Ten people died last month in a series of violent "revenge killings" along the Laiagam-Sirunki Highway in Enga Province.
Vanuatu - health
Three MPs have written to Prime Minister Charlot Salwai expressing serious concerns about the country's healthcare system.
In the letter, they call for immediate government action.
While the MPs say they usually support the government, they stated that they are speaking out because they can no longer ignore significant gaps in resource distribution.
Local media report that the MPs claim the government cannot find extra funds for healthcare workers, such as doctors and nurses, who are facing tough conditions with limited resources.
Fiji - rehab
A new drug rehabilitation center has opened in Lautoka, Fiji, to support those battling addiction.
fijivillage.com reported the facility can accommodate up to 12 residents at a time, and participation is voluntary, requiring applicants to demonstrate a genuine commitment to recovery.
Executive Director Reverend Hemraj Mangal is working toward the construction of two more facilities, each able to host 80 people: a men's centre and a women's and children's centre.
The rehabilitation program includes skills training in areas such as using electric tools and small farm equipment, as well as carpentry, joinery, and agriculture-based practices.
This initiative aims to empower individuals in their journey toward recovery and self-sufficiency.
Vanuatu - passport
A new immigration office with an advanced e-passport system has been opened in Vanuatu's Torba province.
With the ability to print up to 60 passports in an hour, the upgraded passport machine will streamline issuance and reduce wait times from months to mere hours.
The Vanuatu Daily Post reported that the passports feature a microchip for secure information storage.
Vanuatu's Internal Affairs Minister Andrew Napuat said it is a significant achievement for both the province and the nation, and bridges the gap between Vanuatu's remote areas and urban centers.
Fiji - politics
Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says his party remains strong, despite troublemakers trying to stir up problems from within.
Rabuka told local media that his Peoples Alliance Party MPs remain solid following the nomination and appointment of Fiji's new President, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, last week.
When questioned who these troublemakers are, Rabuka did not mention any names, instead saying people are confident in his leadership team.
Meanwhile, Rabuka says it was his decision to bring the impending investigation by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) to the attention of the former President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere.
The controversial 10-minute meeting between Ratu Wiliame and the Prime Minister took place in New Zealand last month.
Ratu Wiliame withdrew his presidential nomination after the meeting.
Tonga - fuel
Petroleum prices in Tonga have decreased for the third consecutive month and are expected drop throughout November.
The Tonga Competent Authority said the average product prices dropped by eight percent in September.
Local media report retail prices for petrol have reduced by 10 seniti per litre, and diesel and kerosene prices decreased by 15 seniti per litre.
Tonga's Ministry of Trade and Economic Development attributed these reductions to falling international oil prices and lower freight costs.
Northern Marianas - water
Recent water quality tests in Saipan have revealed the presence of human and animal waste in west coast beaches and storm drains.
The Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality is advising the public to avoid fishing or swimming within 300 feet of affected locations until further notice.
The Marianas Variety reported that high levels of fecal indicator bacteria, surpassing Northern Mariana Islands marine water quality standards, were discovered in the Bureau's weekly tests.
While stormwater runoff in tropical regions may contribute to these bacteria without posing direct public health risks, the Bureau has issued a red flag for eleven locations.
Northern Marianas - bird
The sighting of a glossy ibis, a bird rarely seen in Micronesia, has been officially recorded for the first time in Saipan.
The Marianas Variety reported that the migratory bird has only been recorded in the region three other times, all in Palau.
Henry Fandel from the Division of Fish and Wildlife said the sighting was initially reported by a local resident who said the bird "looked different".
His team investigated and confirmed the sighting.
While glossy ibises are typically found in regions like Europe and Central America, their presence in Saipan may be linked to recent storms that could have disrupted their migratory path.
Fandel described the sighting as a "cool anomaly" and noted that such occurrences may become more common as extreme weather patterns continue.