Achieving selfreliance, health and quality of life in Papua New Guinea’s Western Province communities
Latest News
Kokonda Village Community Water Catchment Project delivered
Kokonda children enjoying a drink from the water catchment
Kokonda village, located in the North Fly District of Western Province, celebrated the successful completion of their community water catchment project on 6th June. This was made possible through their Village Development Funds (VDF) under the Wai Tri CMCA Trust. The project was supported by OTDF, and the villagers expressed their gratitude for the efforts and logistical support provided.
Mr. Soke (L) and the CMCA Trust Administrator (R) try the ingenuity of the gravity supply water tap
Mr. Adam Soke, a dedicated community representative, conveyed his appreciation on behalf of the villagers. He acknowledged the challenges they faced in initiating the project, stating that it was not an easy task. “I am representing the community not as an elected leader or councillor but as a youth who has witnessed the dire needs of our people in our village,” he explained. Currently, only six families reside in Kokonda village, and Mr. Soke expressed his hopes that the water catchment project would serve as an incentive for others to come back.
Mr. Johanis Saferius, the CMCA Trust Administrator, echoed Mr. Soke’s sentiments and affirmed the Trust Administration’s commitment to delivering all pending projects. He assured the Kokonda village community that more projects were in the pipeline, not only for the North Fly CMCA region but also for the Middle and South Fly communities. Mr. Saferius praised his dedicated team for their unwavering efforts and acknowledged the contractor responsible for constructing the building and installing the tanks.
Mr. Havini Vira, the CEO of OTDF, emphasized the significance of such legacy projects. He pointed out that the progress of such projects was often hindered by the limitations of community funds, which could secure materials but not cover the costs of transportation. Mr. Vira stressed the importance of community ownership and urged the villagers to take care of the facility. The presence of the minority, who attended the program, was as a positive sign of change and patience within the Kokonda community.
The completion of the community water catchment project in Kokonda village has brought newfound hope and enthusiasm to the residents. It stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of the community, OTDF, and the Trust Administration, with the ultimate goal of improving the lives of the villagers. The success of this project is the basis for future endeavours aimed at improving communities throughout the region through the compensation benefits from OTML operations.
Empowering Communities for Sustainable Livelihood
Milled rice packed and weighed for data collection and quality checks
The village of Sapuka in the South Fly District of Western Province has embarked on a remarkable journey towards food security with the rapid growth of rice farming. Sapuka villagers have embraced agriculture with great enthusiasm and are eager to secure their livelihoods through this activity.
On May 24th of this year, the community proudly bore witness to the official launch of a food security program, aimed at empowering the people to cultivate rice and drought tolerant crops at the village level. This initiative has gained momentum, with more than 100 farmers producing milled rice at the Community Seed Bank Centre (CSBC) since November 2022.
Igu Kisua, a community representative, expressed the villagers’ shift in focus from hunting and gathering to agriculture. He stated, “The villagers used to rely on the forest for sustenance, but with the advent of rice farming, their lives have been transformed.”
Rice Farming Flourishes in Sapuka Village, Western Province
Sapuka Village has already yielded an impressive 1.5 tonnes of rice this year. The locally produced rice has not only met the needs of the village, but it has also contributed to feeding nearby villages on the Fly River.
However, Kisua highlighted a persistent challenge faced by the farmers – the limited capacity of the milling equipment, resulting in delays. He emphasized the urgent need for a larger and more robust milling machine and emphasized that downstream processing plays a pivotal role motivating farmers.
Mr. Igu Kisua, a community representative (L) and Mr. Havini Vira OTDF CEO display the Sapuka rice, farmed, harvested, processed and packed locally for display.
During the launch, John Kewa, Executive Manager of Fresh Produce Development Agency, praised the farmers’ achievements, acknowledging the contribution of farming to improving livelihoods. Kewa also expressed his anticipation to support food security through a collaborative partnership with the Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF). He added, “We are actively working towards deploying our officers to Sapuka Village this year to provide technical assistance on the ground.”
Chief Executive Officer Havini Vira conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to the Sapuka community for taking ownership of the food security program which would be rolled out across the province. He emphasized the significance of such community-driven initiatives as a pathway to sustainable community development.
As rice farming trade continues to blossom in Sapuka Village, the future looks promising for the community who are determined to improve their livelihoods. With ongoing support from the OTDF, FPDA and various stakeholders, Sapuka’s remarkable journey stands as an inspiring example for other communities..
OTDF and P&O Maritime Logistics continue program for aspiring cadets
[L-R] Andrew Mari, OTDF Program Services Sustainable Manager; John Connor, Head of P&O Maritime Logistics for Australia and PNG; Dominic Thyssen, General Manager PNG P&O; and OTDF CEO Havini Vira with the signed documents.
The Maritime Cadet Scholarship (MCS) program managed by the Ok Tedi Development Foundation’s (OTDFs) Education Division, renewed its partnership with P&O Maritime Logistics to extend its joint program for aspiring cadets.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on April 26th between P&O Maritime Logistics (PNG) Limited, a leading provider of maritime services globally, and OTDF.
Initially launched to alleviate the challenges faced by maritime students and their families in securing appropriate vessels to fulfill their practical training requirements for graduation, the program now creates new avenues for employment with P&O Maritime Logistics upon meeting maritime compliance standards.
Speaking about the signing, John Connor, Head of Australia and PNG at P&O Maritime Logistics, said:
“At P&O Maritime Logistics we want to make a lasting impact on the communities we operate in. The cadet program is therefore very important for us and we are pleased to continue our relationship with OTDF. Together we aim to produce highly skilled seafarers and positively impact their lives by offering employment opportunities. We look forward to the sustained mutual benefits that this partnership will continue to bring.”
Partnership promotes sustainable development
Andrew Mari, OTDF Program Services Sustainable Manager (R) presents the successful candidate with her acceptance letter
The partnership has been instrumental in promoting sustainable development and fostering positive change in the region. Mr. Connor has expressed his gratitude for the collaboration with OTDF via the cadet’s program and other community initiatives in the Western Province. Through this latest MoU, maritime cadets who are recipients of the OTDF Maritime Scholarship are eligible to complete their 24-month sea-time experience on-board P&O Maritime Logistics vessels. The renewed agreement maps out the respective roles and responsibilities of OTDF and P&O Maritime Logistics for the implementation of the training that commenced this month.
Equally pleased about the partnership, Havini Vira, Chief Executive Officer at OTDF, said:
“This partnership is an investment in young people from Western Province to make strong and positive contributions to their families, their community, the province and the country.”
Andrew Mari, Manager Program Services & Sustainable Development at OTDF, said:
“Thank you for the partnership and we look forward to continue this good working relationship.”
Captain Mark Saukeng (seated) from Olsobip in Star Mountains LLG of Western Province, is one of the first maritime cadets to complete training under the Maritime Scholarship program
In 2019, four successful candidates, two deck and two engineering cadets started their sea time training under the first agreement (MoU), and so far, 20 cadets have been trained since the inception of the program in 2013.
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.
View
Executive Management
View
Board Members
View
Our Partners
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.
Our Communities
Western Province
North Fly District
Middle Fly District
South Fly District
Annual Reports
Our latest Annual Report is a comprehensive report of what OTDF has achieved and defines/outlines our ongoing priorities and goals going forward.
Newsletters
Each month, our OTDF media team creates a PDF newsletter that encapsulates the many activities and achievements by OTDF, partners and communities.
Contact Us
OTDF is committed to cooperation and integration of ideas from our community, therefore, we are always interested in what you have to say.