Local farmers in Poroi 1 village have received a significant boost to their agricultural efforts following the official handover of a newly built Community Nursery by Jerilai Pujari Field Services Limited (JPFSL), a key service provider within the Papua LNG Project area.
The initiative is part of JPFSL’s 2025 commitment to community development, supporting programs in education, livelihood, health, clean water access, and renewable energy across PRL 15 in the Gulf Province.
JPFSL, a joint venture between Jerilai Pujari Holdings Ltd (the landowner company for the PRL 15 license area) and OM Holdings Ltd (Oilmin), is contracted by TotalEnergies to provide camp construction, catering, and management services. The company proudly employs and trains locals from the surrounding project areas.
During the official handover ceremony, JPFSL Director Mr. Declan Leahy emphasized the project’s long-term impact.
“The Community Nursery will greatly improve the yield and variety of crops being produced within the community,” he said. “Beyond daily subsistence, it creates a commercial opportunity for locals to sell excess produce back to JPFSL for use in our Papua LNG camp operations.”
He also revealed that the next phase would explore sustainable cash crops and potential export opportunities, with viability studies currently underway in collaboration with partners.
Local villager Mr. Trevor Simon expressed heartfelt appreciation on behalf of the community.
“Mi laik tok tenkyu lo dispela nursery na lainim mipla lo niupela samtin lo wei blo lukautim ol kaikai lo graun,” he said, committing to maintaining and making the most of the nursery.
JPFSL Board Director and Nemina Clan member, Mr. Jomu Peniai, praised the project’s potential to uplift families and generate long-term economic resilience.
“Dispela kain projek em i nambawan we mipela ol pipol na famili long dispela komuniti ken strongim mipela yet,” he said. “Yumi igat traipela giraun. Sapos yumi wok gut, yumi ken winim gutpela sindaun bilong nau na behain taim.”
Mr. Peniai also thanked the JPFSL board and staff for prioritising projects that directly benefit landowner shareholders.
The project was made possible through strong partnerships. TotalEnergies PNG provided critical logistical support by transporting building materials from Port Moresby and accommodating the construction team.
In addition, Hilans Fres, a division of Tininga Ltd and preferred supplier of fresh produce to JPFSL, played a key role in the project’s agricultural training component. Extension Leader Ms. Jopath Korowa conducted hands-on training with local farmers on seed planting, spacing, watering, and post-germination best practices.
JPFSL says this is only the beginning. The company remains committed to building local capacity, empowering communities, and creating generational prosperity within the Papua LNG project footprint.