Province access basic goods and services Ok Tedi has signed three (3) road construction contracts worth over K390 million to improve road infrastructure connectivity within the Western Province while ensuring accessibility to basic goods and services.
These three projects include the construction of the Kiunga – Nomad Road worth K294, 702,331 Million; the construction of the Balimo – Kawiyapo/Wasua Road in the Delta Fly District worth K55, 187, 770 Million and the upgrading and sealing of the Balimo Town Road worth K44, 919, 600 Million. These total up to K394, 809, 701 Million worth of road projects.
The 150 km Kiunga – Nomad Road will serve as a critical link, connecting local communities in Middle Fly District to basic services accessible in Kiunga in the North Fly District. The new infrastructure is expected to transform the lives of locals, providing them with better access to cheaper goods and services that foster social and economic growth. The same sentiments apply to the other two road projects.
OTML Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Kedi Ilimbit, said these road links and upgrades are important for our people to ensure they come to town to see what the town is like and importantly access the basic goods and services that other people in the province are already accessing.
Mr. Ilimibit thanked the Western Provincial Government and Administration team for attending the signing event and for their continuous support towards the OTML ITCS projects by ensuring due processes are followed prior to contracts being awarded and implemented.
He took the opportunity to challenge the leaders attending to ensure they counter fund sustainable impact projects in the province that will positively impact the livelihoods of the people and aptly highlighted the Impact Project Agreement that Ok Tedi is currently proposing to the stakeholders to consider as part of the current Community & Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) review.
He said, “I believe the IPA will become a good vehicle for us to deliver sustainable impact projects for our people.”
Western Province leaders present at the signing included Governor, Taboi Awi Yoto, North Fly MP James Donald, Middle Fly MP, Maso Hewabi, Delta Fly MP, Agena Gamai, Provincial Administrator, Robert Kayun and Minister for Works & Transport Hon. Solan Mirisim.
The leaders said the three road projects have long been dreamt of by their people for so many years and this announcement marks the start of this dream becoming a reality.
They thanked OTML and the National Government for their cooperation in having the project approved for delivery.
China Railway Construction Engineering Group Co, has been awarded the projects and are expected to commence mobilisation in September.
OTML is a 100% PNG-owned mine and is committed to mining responsibly, while delivering sustainable economic developments to its impact communities and PNG.