COCOA farmers along the Teo-Buin to Sipotavai feeder roads in the Tinputz area of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) will soon benefit from improved transportation for their cocoa and other agricultural products to markets, thanks to an infrastructure upgrade.
Road infrastructure plays a critical role in connecting communities with essential services, goods, and markets, and the Teo-Buin Sipotavai 5.80km upgrade and sealing project is a priority in this regard. The project, valued at K6.9 million, is funded under the World Bank’s Papua New Guinea Agriculture Commercialization and Diversification (PACD) Project Management Unit – Cocoa Component, which operates under the Cocoa Board of PNG.
The official contract for the road project was awarded and signed on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at a ceremony held at the Technical Services Conference in Tinputz, AROB.
Raibro Construction Limited was awarded the contract through the ABG Tendering Board.
The contract was signed between the Cocoa Board of PNG, represented by PACD Project Manager Roland Kerina, and Raibro Construction Limited, represented by Ralito Mitra.
ABG Chief Secretary Keanerth Nanai also participated in the event.
During the signing, PACD PMU Cocoa Project Manager Roland Kerina emphasized that improving feeder roads is a key component of the PACD project.
The goal is to enhance access to markets and value chains for farmers through the rehabilitation and maintenance of key transport infrastructure.
This will directly benefit more than 800 farmers in the Tinputz area by enabling easier transportation of cocoa and other produce to markets.
Mr. Kerina also highlighted that, beyond the road project, the PACD initiative is supporting 1,500 cocoa farmers in AROB through partnerships that provide funding for cocoa seedlings, tools, and training.
These resources aim to empower farmers to grow and sell cocoa, ultimately improving their livelihoods.
ABG Chief Secretary Keanerth Nanai expressed gratitude to the World Bank, PACD PMU, and the Cocoa Board of PNG for their efforts in making the road project a reality.
He noted that the project would address a critical need for improved feeder roads in AROB, which will significantly benefit farmers by facilitating easier access to markets for their commodities.
“Cocoa is an important cash crop in AROB, and this year alone, farmers have reaped significant benefits from cocoa production. This feeder road, funded by the World Bank, complements the efforts of cocoa farmers, ensuring they can bring their produce to market more efficiently,” Mr. Nanai said
He also congratulated Raibro Construction Limited for securing the contract, praising the company’s track record of delivering quality work across AROB.
