Bruce Kuweng Yokmot (L) receives the fuel line from Mrs Ukins (R) at the Kiunga waterfront, witnessed by the community and OTDF Management.
The Western Province, characterised by its extensive waterways, presents unique transport challenges for development partners delivering essential services. Addressing these challenges, the Nima Ara Women and Children’s Association of the Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA), recently received crucial support to enhance their service delivery capabilities.
On 22 May, the association’s executives were delighted to receive from Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) a new administration dinghy with 60-horsepower outboard motor engine that the women funded. The village of Atkamba also received a dinghy with a 40-horsepower outboard motor engine, presented to the landowners who generously donated land for the construction of a community-learning centre.
During the handover ceremony, association President Mrs. Ruth Ukins highlighted the significant challenges faced when accessing remote river communities to deliver impactful projects. She noted: “Recognizing the importance of reliable transportation, our association prioritised and budgeted for a dinghy and outboard motor to enhance our operations.”
Mrs. Ukins expressed gratitude on behalf of the association members to both the Trust Administration team and OTDF for delivering the dinghies. She stated, “In addition to OTDF’s support, I want to acknowledge my dedicated women executives who tirelessly support our development initiatives. We also extend our deepest thanks to the Atkamba landowners for their generosity in providing land for our learning centre. As a token of our appreciation, we present this dinghy and motor to Bruce Kuweng Yokmot and his clan for their invaluable contribution.”
OTDF Trust Administration Manager Mr. Johanis Saferius congratulated the association’s women leaders for spearheading development efforts within their Wai Tri communities. He remarked, “Projects are selected and approved for specific reasons, and it is vital to follow this process. I encourage you to take good care of this asset to ensure it serves the community effectively for many years to come.”
Mr Philemon Nahuet OTDF Regional Development Coordinator (L) presents the fuel line and engine safety key of the women’s association administration dinghy to Mrs Ukins (R) at the Kiunga waterfront, witnessed by the OTDF PSSD Manager Moses Kalup and the Atkamba community members.
The handover ceremony, held at the Kiunga waterfront, was attended by association executives, community members, and OTDF staff and management, marking a significant milestone in the association’s ongoing development efforts.