INITIAL consultations have commenced in Gazelle District of East New Britain (ENB) to map out a way forward in the proposed Gazelle Agro Special Economic Zone (GASEZ).
In 2020, the ENB provincial government declared Gazelle district to be the industrial hub of the province. This massive economic impact project will cover the five LLGs (Local Level Governments) in Gazelle.
Commencing initial consultations, Health Minister and Gazelle MP and DDA Board Chairman Jelta Wong and four LLG presidents for Lassul Baining- Bernard Kulap, Inland Baining- Karl Baru, Livuan Reimber-Sam Piniau, Central Gazelle Joe Edo and staff from ENB provincial and district administration visited Inland and Lassul Baining and met with locals over the weekend.
The visit was part of a series of stakeholder consultation and advocacy meetings facilitated by the Gazelle District Administration and the Technical Working Committee tasked by the District Development Authority to do the preparatory work required to realise the Gazelle Agro Special Economic Zone. These stakeholder consultations held on Monday and Tuesday last week culminated in the field visit to the proposed impacted areas over the weekend commencing on Friday. The working committee is led by first secretary to Health Minister and comprised of representatives from relevant central agencies, Gazelle District, ENB provincial administration and the community.
The field visit led by Minister Wong visited the new Open Bay Local Level Government and met with the people, then to Pondo approved growth centre where they also met with the people to gauge their views on their priorities. At Konako, a meeting was convened with the people at Kuridal Plantation.
During consultations, Minister Wong told the people the project would not only generate more economic activities but also to promote exports of value added local goods and services, investments from both domestic and international sources, create employment and develop/improve enablers and other infrastructures.
In January this year, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Commerce and Industry, Sam Basil visited the electorate where an introductory field visit showcasing the proposed impact project was conducted.
The Gazelle DDA Board also recently approved the GASEZ Technical Working Committee and its Terms of Reference.
As Minister responsible for Health, Minister Wong used the opportunity to visit health facilities at Matanakunai aid post, Toriu Health Centre, Pondo aid post, Walmetki aid post, Takis aid post and Lassul Bay Health Centre to see and appreciate the delivery of health services administered under the East New Britain Provincial Health Authority.
