Achieving selfreliance, health and quality of life in Papua New Guinea’s Western Province communities
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Bore Water Project Launched in Mutam village in South Fly
Sam Gomoga (L) a local representative and Mr Vira OTDF CEO (R) with a traditional handshake mark the launch of the project, looking on are the Mutam community and staff from OTML and OTDF.
Official launching of the Mutam Village Bore Water Project on 05 November 2024 marks a significant step toward improving access to clean water in the remote South Fly Delta region of Western Province.
Designed to benefit local communities, this initiative is the first of several major bore water installations planned for the mine impact communities in the Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) region.
The newly installed bore pump is set to serve an immediate population of 470 residents, with an additional 1,500 people from nearby villages expected to benefit from the improved water supply. The project is part of a larger effort to address water scarcity and to improve living conditions for the people of the Dudi Trust region in Delta Fly, an area faced with limited access to clean water due to its geographical challenges.
The Mutam Village Bore Water Project is a collaboration between Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) and the people of Dudi Trust region. It aims to provide the villagers and surrounding communities in the area with a reliable source of fresh water, significantly reduce the distance people need to travel to collect water, and minimize the risks of waterborne diseases.
Mr. Havini Vira, the CEO of OTDF, expressed the importance of community ownership in ensuring the sustainability of the Bore Water Project. He encouraged the community take ownership of the project to ensure water sources are properly maintained and protected and to promote hygiene, and work together as a community to care for the infrastructure installed.
Mrs. Anna Sumai, President of the Dudi Women & Children Association, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to OTDF for the Bore Water Project. “On behalf of the women and children in Mutam, I want to thank OTDF for this significant step in improving our lives,” she said. “Access to clean water is not just a matter of convenience; it’s a matter of life and health. This project will help us reduce waterborne diseases and provide our children with a healthier future. We will do everything we can to make sure this project remains sustainable for many years.”
Michael Koini, OTDF WaSH Team Leader who has been instrumental in the project, reflected on its significance: “This is not just about providing water—it’s about changing lives. The Bore Water Project in Mutam is a symbol of what happens when communities come together to make positive changes. It’s about giving people the tools to improve their own health and environment, and we hope the example set here will spread to other communities across the region.”
The Bore Water Project in Mutam is an initiative by OTDF, in the South Fly region and is gradually moving into the Middle and North Fly districts. With each village that is reached.
Damera Village celebrates the opening of their Community Learning Center
CLC handover ceremony attended by Damera community and nearby delta villages
On 4 November 2024, the Damera Village Community Learning Center (CLC) was officially handed over by Ok Tedi Development Foundation in South Fly, Western Province. This major infrastructure project will serve over 700 villagers in Damera and 25,000 people across the surrounding Manawete Trust Region.
The CLC is an outcome of the Manawete Women & Children’s Association’s Action Plan (2019-2024), with support from Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) through Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF).
The CLC will be used to provide essential educational and life skills programs to empower local villagers. The facility is strategically located on school grounds, a neutral space within the village, to ensure accessibility for all community members.
Ms. Philma Bulima, President of the Manawete Women & Children’s Association, thanked OTML and OTDF for their commitment to overcoming logistical challenges to deliver this project in the lower Manawete Trust region. She also acknowledged the contribution of local men, who decided to allocate 12 percent of compensation payments to women, children, and youth.
“This building is like our child, we must care for it as it will nurture us with the skills we need to use to progress,” said Ms. Bulima.
The project is a legacy of the Community Mine Continuation Agreements (CMCA), which allowed compensation funds to be shared with women and children in the region. Havini Vira, CEO of OTDF, emphasised that the CLC is a direct result of this decision, helping to drive development across the Manawete Trust Region.
The CLC opening marks a significant milestone for the community, fostering collaboration and creating lasting impact through education and shared growth.
Zibo Zonga fishing company make sale of barramundi fillets
Steve Mipi, Warehouse Manager for Fubilan Catering Service (middle) and OTDF Business Development staff during the presentation
Zibo Zonga Fishing Company Limited, a local fishing enterprise based at Obo,made a remarkable sale of 264kg barramundi fillets to Fubilan Catering Services (FCS) over the weekend. The fillets were delivered to Fubialn Catering Service (FCS) warehouse on Saturday, 28th September, in Tabubil.
The substantial sale underscores a notable achievement for the local fishing company, marking one of its largest orders to date. The company’s efforts to supply, fresh fish have been well received by local businesses.
Steve Mipi, Warehouse Manager for Fubilan Catering Service, expressed his satisfaction, highlighting the importance of sourcing fresh, locally caught barramundi. “We are delighted to finally have found a local company that sells fresh barramundi.” Mipi said. It is hard to find barramundi in whole and fillets for catering. We can now add to our catering menu and. He added.
The delivery of the fillets by Ok Tedi Development Foundation officers’ further strengths the collaboration between local businesses and community focused organisations. This will add on to the growing potential of local businesses to meet commercial demands, supporting the region’s economy and promoting sustainable practices along the CMCA corridors.
This sale reflects a positive development for the fishing industry in Western Province, CMCA corridors and signals promising opportunities for future collaborations between local businesses and service providers in the region.
Who We Are
Each executive and board member, team and individual involved with OTDF is an essential part of achieving the goal of allowing the residents of Western Province to have greater choices in mapping out their own direction to live better lives.
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What We Do
Operating independently of OTML since 2009, we are proud to have 50 full-time staff, 60 part-time staff, and committed volunteers throughout Western Province dedicated to ensuring our objectives and goals are aligned with those of the communities for which we serve.
To date, we have achieved significant outcomes across our investment portfolio and all five pillars of CMCA community development.
Economic Development
From inception as an independent organisation in 2010, OTDF has worked tirelessly with the CMCA communities to establish family and village-based economic and food production options.
Women's & Youth Development
Developing women and youth aspirations following the intensive consultative community engagement in the communities and mine villages.
Infrastructure Development
OTDF continues to focus on infrastructure delivery for communities to gain easier access to regional centres and government services, and to get produce to markets.
Community Health
The OTDF Strategic 5-year plan goal for the Health Sector is the CMCA primary health care service delivery strengthened and in line with the Western Province & National Health Plans.
Community Education
The OTDF Education Sector goals are to improve to quality education services, improve teacher education and training.
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South Fly District
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