Achieving selfreliance, health and quality of life in Papua New Guinea’s Western Province communities

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OTML and Nine Women & Children Associations Unveil Major Investment with New Campsite

Economic Development, Women & Youth Development

The nine Women & Children Associations (W&CA) of the Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) region (W&C) invested K5.2 million towards the development of the newly named Kedi Illimbet Donga. The facility named after the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer will house 150 workers at the OTML Bige operational site along the Ok Tedi River in North Fly.

This initiative marks a pioneering business venture by the Women & Children Association (W&CA) with Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) and reinforces a long-term commitment to economic empowerment and sustainable growth under the Women & Children Association Revised five year strategic plan.

The project, a collaborative effort between W&CA, the LMP 79 landowners, and the Alice River Trust (ATR), was successfully managed and delivered by OTML Bige Operations in partnership with local contractor LBL. The newly constructed Kedi Illimbet Donga is a vital infrastructure development that facilitates investment opportunities and strengthens business ties between the community and OTML.

Speaking at the official opening ceremony, President for Middle Fly Women & Children Association (MFWCA) Ms. Charlotte Matthews highlighted the importance of this milestone:

“The completion and opening of the 150 men Donga is a proud moment for the Women & Children Associations. This is our first investment with OTML, and I stand here representing nine W&C investment companies that have collectively contributed to this achievement. We look forward to further investment opportunities that will drive economic growth and empower our communities.”

L-R: Mr Naimen Kepan OTML Bige Operations Manager, Mr. Kedi Illimbit OTML CEO/MD cutting the ribbon to reveal the 150men donga, looking on is Mr. Jesse Pile OTML General Manager Social Performance and Sustainability

Ms. Matthews reaffirmed the association’s commitment to fostering sustainable development. Ms. Bala Tedumo, representing the LMP79 landowners, emphasised the significance of this initiative, stating that it represents a strong and evolving partnership with OTML, paving the way for broader economic participation by local stakeholders.

Alice River Trust representative Mr. Isaiah Maun further acknowledged the indirect benefits of such projects, reinforcing the association’s support for OTML’s business operations and its role in advancing community led development.

Mr. Andrew Mari OTDF Executive Manager Programs Services and Acting Chief Executive Officer expressed gratitude to OTML Bige Operations for their committed support in delivering the project, stating, “The right leadership at the right time has turned this vision into reality. True leadership and commitment have been instrumental in achieving this milestone.”

Similarly, Mr. Jesse Pile OTML General Manager Social Performance and Sustainability highlighted the importance of continued collaboration: “This marks the beginning of many promising developments. By working together under the leadership of Kedi OTML Managing Director / Chief Executive Office , we are opening doors to increased investment and economic resilience.”

Interior of the rooms in the new Illimbit donga, modelling the new era, 2025 & beyond

Mr. Steve Hoap OTML Manager Economic Programs mentioned that the need for ongoing advocacy for sustainable initiatives that ensure long-term community prosperity.

Kedi Illimbit OTML MD/ CEO in his keynote speech encouraged local companies to explore investment opportunities with OTML:

“We want revenue to circulate back to our communities. Today, we see the construction of dongas; tomorrow, we envision power lines and broader infrastructure development. I urge local businesses to consider investing with OTML, if you take the initiative, I will meet you halfway.”

This project underscores OTML’s commitment to inclusivity and the economic advancement of CMCA communities. OTML representatives reiterated their dedication to fostering sustainable business opportunities that benefit local stakeholders.

“When OTML supports its people and communities, we encourage everyone to rally behind these efforts to create lasting impact. We sincerely thank the three investing entities—W&C Association, LMP 79 landowners, and Alice River Trust—for their contribution to this landmark initiative,” Illimbet stated.

The Women & Children Association and its partners have set a precedent for strategic, community-led investment. This achievement signals the beginning of broader economic opportunities that will drive sustainable growth and prosperity for future generations.

This investment opportunity involves a 50 percent stake valued at K5.3 million in OTML’s 150-men accommodation project at its Bige Operations.

The other 50 percent ownership is equally split between the Alice River Trust (15 Beneficiary Villages) and LMP79 (7 Beneficiary Landholding Clans) at 25 percent shares respectively.

OTDF Empowers the Women & Children Associations

Middle Fly, North Fly, Women & Youth Development

The Women and Children Association representatives convened for their annual budget workshop in early February of this year, at the New Century Hotel in Kiunga. This workshop provides an opportunity for women leaders to plan and allocate funds for their respective regions. The workshop fosters inclusive decision-making and strategic financial planning, empowering women to lead community development initiatives. The meeting brought together executive members of the Women and Children Association and community representatives to deliberate on budget allocations for critical projects priorities in education, healthcare, livelihood programs, and capacity-building activities aimed at uplifting women and children in the CMCA communities.

Ms. Bala Tedumo ( Community Dev Officer) guiding the women leader through the budget allocation for 2025

Significant changes to the 2025 Women’s Budget include the introduction of a new Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) component to ensure the effectiveness and accountability of funded projects. Priority areas for this year’s budget include Youth and Leaders Training, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH), and Education. The women have committed to budgeting for water supply and solar lights in 18 villages over the next five years. In 2025, the project will be implemented in three villages: Erecta, Manda, and Owa. In addition to community projects, the women plan to support schools by building libraries and purchasing books for selected schools in the region. Ms. Charlotte Matthew emphasised that all projects are derived from the Women and Children (W&C) Action Plan and are being implemented to promote sustainable development initiatives. OTDF staff provided financial guidance and support to ensure a transparent and accountable budgeting process. Discussions highlighted the importance of strategic investment in economic empowerment programs, infrastructure development, and social welfare initiatives that align with the long-term goals of the Women’s Association.

Speaking during the workshop, Ms. Bala Tedumo, OTDF Community Development Officer, highlighted the importance of financial planning and inclusive decision-making in driving sustainable community development. “This meeting is a crucial step to ensuring that women and children in the CMCA communities receive the support and resources they need to thrive. OTDF remains committed to facilitating such meeting and ensuring that funds are utilised effectively for the benefit of all,” she said. The Women and Children Association expressed gratitude to OTDF for its continued support in facilitating the budget process, emphasising the positive impact of these financial plans on grassroots development. The meeting concluded with a consensus on key budget allocations and strategies for project implementation in 2025, reinforcing the Association’s commitment to empowering women and fostering sustainable development in Western Province.

Communities in Western Province are investing in vanilla

Economic Development, Middle Fly

With the recent launch of West Agro Fly Vanilla Project and Agro Industrial Center in Kiunga, Western Province, there is an opportunity for the local communities and farmers to invest for their future.

Eleven villages in the Middle Fly region received their share certificates from West Agro Holdings Limited in mid-February of this year, at the Cassowary Hotel in Kiunga. The share certificates were received by the village planning committee (VPC) chairmen during their annual meeting.

The share certificates were presented to the 11 VPC’s by Mr. Philemon Nahuet, Program Services Operation Manager. By becoming shareholders of West Agro Holdings, these villages are now actively participating in the agribusiness sector, paving the way for sustainable economic development and community prosperity. The 11 villages are Owa, Levame, Kassa, Yulawas, Aiambak, Erecta, Komovai, Bosset, Manda, Wangawanga & Obo.

Mr. Philemon Nahuet (Manager PSO) presents share certificate to VPC as Chairman Jack Bola looks on

Speaking during the VPC meeting, Mr. Nahuet highlighted the significance of their contributions in the agribusiness sector and explained that their investment will support the operations of Fly Vanilla and yield dividends in the future. He also provided an update on the progress of the vanilla project.

This achievement is an outcome of the WestAgro agribusiness, a strategic initiative that aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices and community-driven economic growth.

Chairman Jack Bola remarked, “This is a proud moment for our communities. By owning shares in WestAgro Holdings, we are not just passive beneficiaries but active participants in driving economic growth and development in our region. This marks the beginning of a new journey towards financial independence and a better future for our people.”

The event concluded with a renewed commitment to fostering agricultural practices for sustainability and growth for a better life after mine closures for the Middle Fly region.