The Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) has renewed its three-year vehicle lease agreement with GRE Village Business Group a local company from Tutuwe region, for the continued use of an Isuzu Dyna vehicle.
The lease agreement was formally signed on 31 December at the OTDF Conference Room in Kiunga, marking the continuation of a long-standing working relationship between the two organisations.
The new agreement follows the successful completion and expiry of the previous lease arrangement in November 2025 and reflects OTDF’s ongoing commitment to ensuring uninterrupted logistical support for its operations while strengthening partnerships with locally owned businesses from mine-impacted communities.
Under the agreement, the Isuzu Dyna will be used to support a range of OTDF’s logistical and operational requirements. These include the transportation of equipment, and materials necessary for program delivery, community engagement activities, and other operational functions across OTDF’s areas of responsibility.
The lease arrangement is critical to maintaining operational efficiency, particularly in supporting field-based activities along the Kiunga Tabubil Highway and villages in and around Kiunga.
“The conclusion of the previous lease in November 2025 required a timely replacement to ensure continuity of transport support,” said OTDF Acting CEO Mr. Andrew Mari. “This new three-year agreement enables OTDF to sustainably meet its logistics requirements while reinforcing its commitment to engaging local landowner companies as trusted service providers”. Engaging such local companies aligns with OTDF’s broader mandate to promote local business participation, create economic opportunities for local communities and landowner groups, and ensure benefits flow back to mine-impacted communities.
The lease agreement includes clearly defined terms and conditions covering vehicle use, maintenance responsibilities, and operational requirements. The vehicle will be operated strictly in accordance with OTDF’s internal policies, safety standards, and compliance requirements to ensure reliability and safe usage throughout the lease period.
GRE Village Business Group welcomed the agreement, stating that the lease provides a stable and ongoing commercial opportunity for the company as a community-owned business, while strengthening its partnership with OTDF.
The lease will run for a period of three years, providing certainty for both parties and supporting long-term planning and operational continuity.
OTDF continues to engage CMCA local companies through a range of service arrangements, including transport, logistics, and other operational support services. These engagements form part of the Foundation’s broader strategy to support effective program delivery while promoting sustainable local business development and participation in the mine-affected regions.
