A World Bank delegation is in Papua New Guinea for a two-week Implementation Support Mission (ISM) to evaluate the progress of the PNG Agriculture Commercialization and Diversification (PACD) Project.
Running from November 10–25, 2024, the mission aims to review key project components and address any challenges hindering the project’s objectives.
The mission is led by Allan Oliver Balbal, Senior Agriculture Specialist and PACD team leader, and focuses on two critical components: Agriculture Feeder Roads (Component Two) and Productive Partnerships (Component Three).
During the mission, the delegation has engaged with the National Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) in Port Moresby, visited project sites in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) and East New Britain (ENB), and met with key stakeholders involved in the PACD Cocoa Component.
“These support missions are undertaken twice a year to evaluate project progress and address issues,” Mr Balbal said.
“This is our final mission for 2024, focusing on the Cocoa Component. We’re pleased to see partnerships mobilizing and engaging with farmers to ensure they are receiving the necessary support.”
The delegation’s visit to AROB coincided with the ground-breaking ceremony for the Teo-Buin Sipotavai Road in Tinputz. Despite heavy rain on November 13, the mission officiated the milestone project, which was awarded last month.
In East New Britain, the team assessed two road projects: the 4km Ivon-Kulungere Road in Sinivit LLG, Pomio District, and the 3.2km Vunapalading-Burit Road in Inland Baining LLG, Gazelle District.
Discussions were held with the Cocoa Board and the PACD Cocoa Project Management Unit (PMU) to evaluate progress and challenges.
Representing the PNG Government, Juanita Sundie, Principal Aid Coordinator from the Department of Planning and Monitoring, emphasized the need for collaboration among development partners and implementation agencies.
“With National Planning, we aim to ensure that loans are used effectively to benefit our people sustainably,” Sundie said.
“We are also working with the Cocoa Board to ensure a seamless transition once the project concludes.”
The mission will conclude in Port Moresby this week with discussions focused on the coffee component of the PACD project.
The PACD project is funded through a Government of PNG (GoPNG) loan from the World Bank and is implemented by the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, with the Cocoa Board managing the Cocoa Component.
