Achieving selfreliance, health and quality of life in Papua New Guinea’s Western Province communities
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Local Fishing company launched for river villages of the CMCA
L-R: Waum Elemenop Fisheries Officer Western Province, Robert R Kaiyun Provincial Administrator, Hon. Maso Hewabi Member Elect Middle Fly District, Johanis Saferius Trust Administrator, Andrew Mari OTDF Executive Manger Program Services, Robin Weke MFIL Board Chairman and middle fly locals welcome the new facility at Obo.
In a significant leap towards fostering sustainable development in the Middle Fly region of Western Province, the long-awaited Zibo Zonga Fishing project has achieved a major milestone. The initiative, a collaboration between the local communities, the National Fisheries Authority (NFA), and Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF), recently processed locally caught fish and stored the first 28 kilograms of fillets in cold storage.
The fulfilment of this project can be attributed to the positive partnership and ongoing dialogue between the stakeholders involved.
Mr. Lesley Timothy, team leader of the OTDF Business Development (BD), emphasized the pivotal role played by the NFA in making the project a reality. He revealed that a proposal to revive the project was presented to the NFA in 2019, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. “After initial inspection of the facility, the National Fisheries Authority recognized the significance of the Zibo Zonga Fishing project and designated it as one of its priority undertakings in the country,” said Mr. Timothy.
The official handover of the fish processing facility to the communities took place on November 17. Mr. Timothy further explained that the NFA has advised ensuring that the project’s requirements were meticulously documented during the initial feasibility studies.
Middle Fly Member Hon. Maso Hewabi was on hand to witness the handover ceremony. He apologised to his people for the laid back involvement in the project but assured that the Zibo Zonga project would receive district support. “I apologies for the delay in project delivery but today I commit K150, 000.00 to boost the project”.
Currently, feasibility studies is ongoing in the twelve villages that have ownership of the fishing company. These villages include Kaviananga, Obo, Owa, Levame, Kasa, Komovai, Aiambak, Wangawanga, Bosset, Manda, Mipan, and Kuem. The initial phase involved identifying a neutral area for the factory’s construction now in Obo, which will not only provide a market for local fishing villages but also establish satellite ice machines powered by a hybrid power source in each of the twelve villages, meeting NFA’s requirements for continuous 24-hour cooling systems. Representing the NFA CEO’s office Mr. Geoff Puri NFA Investment Development Manager as the guest of honor informed the community present that NFA was committed to providing an additional 20-foot container cooling system to complement the existing facility.
Mr. Puri encouraged the company to have strong management. “From NFA we request that the company must have very strong management and must understand the rule of the board of directors and management so that we want the project to be sustainable. I can see from here that the project is self-sustaining.”
Reflecting on OTDF’s commitment to enhancing self-sustainability and quality of life in Western Province communities, Acting CEO Mr. Andrew Mari highlighted OTDF’s proven record of accomplishment in effective and efficient implementation of development programs, strengthened partnerships, and open and transparent communications. He acknowledged the presence of Mr. Geoff Puri, and expressed gratitude for the continued support towards the establishment of the locally owned and managed fishing company.
Mr. Mari further emphasized the significance of NFA’s support in acquiring a fishing license, stating, “It’s not easy to get a fishing license, but without that support from NFA, we won’t be able to operate the facility.” He extended sincere thanks to the Managing Director of the National Fisheries Authority and the entire team for their instrumental role in facilitating and providing guidance to meet the criteria for the issuance of the license. As the Zibo Zonga Fishing project continues to unfold, it stands as a beacon of sustainable development and community empowerment in the heart of Western Province.
Acknowledging the crucial financial support, Robin Weke, Chairman of Middle Fly Investment Limited (MFIL), credited Mr. Masola Abilo, the company chairman, for committing K300, 000 from the Middle Fly Village Development Funds (VDF) to kick start the project. Weke expressed gratitude for the progress made by OTDF, stating, “This is the project that the people have been waiting for, and we really appreciate what OTDF is doing in terms of its progress.” The majority of the fish products are slated for export to established domestic and international markets, ensuring that local fishermen reap the full benefits.
About the Zibo Zonga Fishing Company Limited
Zibo Zonga Fishing Company Limited was incorporated on 24 July 2019. It is a local small scale fishing entity wholly owned by the Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) communities in the Central and Lower Middle Fly Region. The company board comprises of both local landowner representatives and external directors from key stakeholders that includes the Fly River Provincial Fisheries Division and Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF).
The company was purposely established to provide market opportunities for remote fishing communities along the Fly River particularly the Central and Lower Middle Fly villages. The company’s aim is to operate a fish processing facility for local fisherman and women to sell their fish products and earn money to sustain their livelihood.
Project Location
The fish processing facility is located at Obo Government station, Lake Murray LLG, Middle Fly Region. Fish buying points will also be situated in selected villages in the Central and Lower Middle Fly Villages with an estimated population of 12,250 people.
Waitri and Tutuwe Trust support Saint Brigid Parish of Kiunga
Presentation of the dummy cheque at the renovated church site by development partners to the church parishioners
In a move that symbolizes the spirit of collaboration and shared vision for community development, Waitri and Tutuwe Trust have come together to provide a joint funding support of K150,000.00 to complete the Saint Brigid Parish Cathedral in Kiunga, Western Province.
The Saint Brigid Parish Church is a testament to the resilience and faith of the local community. Construction of the new cathedral had financial challenges, affecting the spiritual and communal life of its congregation.
Ms Julieth Hmentori Local Trustee Wai Tri and Chair Lady said this was a first for the Trusts to invest such an amount towards the church. She said: “Throughout history in Western Province, we the Wai Tri trust have been supporting church projects, but this is the first time such sum of money has been given. Where there is church there is service. Historically, the North Fly and the Western Province has been supported by mainline churches in education and health.” She said the trust board was happy to approve the funds. “As we give this support, it will come back in the service provided to our families especially in education and health. All sectors need to work together in collaboration to provide service and Church based organisations are a major development agent to partner with.”
The K150,000.00 joint funding from both Waitri and Tutuwe Trust is a catalyst for progress. This generous contribution will enable the timely completion of the cathedral, providing a focal point for unity, prayer, and communal gatherings.
Waitri and Tutuwe, two of the eight CMCA Trust entities, committed to fostering growth and prosperity in their regions, recognise the significance of investing in community infrastructure.
OTDF and Middle Fly DDA sign MoA for Project delivery
L-R OTDF CEO Havini Vira receives the cheque from Hon. Maso Hewabi Member elect for Middle Fly District looking on are OTDF management team and Middle Fly DDA team.
A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Middle Fly District Development Authority (MFDDA) and Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) is a milestone achievement and way forward in strengthening the Public and Private Partnership program in Western Province.
Member for Middle Fly District Hon. Maso Hewabi Chairman of the MFDDA, reached out to OTDF to partner in service delivery to Middle Fly communities. This arrangement was formalised with the singing of an MOA on Tuesday 21 November at the OTDF office in Kiunga.
The signing ceremony was complimented by the presentation of PGK 500,000 to OTDF to manage on behalf of the Middle Fly communities. This funds will specifically be used for education support.
The partnership is a culmination of dialogues, which resulted in the MOA and the huge funding allocation primarily allocated for education support.
A further PGK 500, 000.00 will be provided in early 2025 to fulfil a one million kina funding arrangement approved by the Middle Fly DDA board, for projects in key focus areas of health, education, livelihood and agriculture, WaSH, Infrastructure development and Economic and Social programs in the district.
MP Hewabi expressed his determination to make a difference, highlighting key priorities in his district. MP Hewabi stated, “OTDF is a reputable organisation that our government wants to partner with to deliver services to the Middle Fly communities.”
Additionally, the government member shared his plans for the newly established Middle Fly District and outlined the constraints and challenges faced by his government. The partnership with OTDF is a means to address these challenges and effectively deliver much-needed services to the communities.
OTDF CEO Havini Vira expressed appreciation for a DDA other than the North Fly, partnering with OTDF. “It’s a milestone recognition for OTDF as a development stakeholder in the province.”
The usage of funds received will be governed by a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Middle Fly District Development Authority (DDA) and OTDF.
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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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