Achieving selfreliance, health and quality of life in Papua New Guinea’s Western Province communities
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Kwiroknai Village Receives Coaster Bus to Ease Transport Challenges
Residents of Kwiroknai Village have welcomed a major boost to mobility and access to essential services following the handover of a 26 Seat Coaster Bus to the community on Tuesday, 16 December 2025. The vehicle was officially received by the Chairman Nowa Dem of Kwiroknai Village Planning Committee (VPC).
Speaking on behalf of the community, Mr Dem described the bus as a lifeline that will significantly improve daily life in the village.
“I wish to thank the Trust Administration for following through on the villages’ request to have a community bus purchased from the Village Development Funds (VDF).
“This bus will help our people travel safely and with certainty,” he said. “Our mothers will no longer have to wait by the roadside in bad weather, our children can attend school activities more easily, and those who are sick can reach health services without delay.”
The bus was formally presented to the community by Mr Raphael Nali, Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) Finance Manager and Acting Executive Manager Corporate Services (EMCS), during a handover ceremony attended by community leaders and OTDF staff.
In presenting the bus, Mr Nali encouraged the community to see the vehicle not only as a transport solution but also as an opportunity to create sustainable income. He urged the VPC to manage the asset responsibly and explore income-generating uses to support its ongoing maintenance.
Mr. Nali said: “This bus belongs to the community, use it wisely, it can generate income to cover fuel, servicing and repairs, ensuring it continues to benefit the people of Kwiroknai in the long term. I encourage the VPC to manage it properly and purchase a new one and fleet of buses in many years to come.”
OTDF Regional Development Coordinator for North Fly, Mr Andrew Baine, also addressed the gathering and apologised to the community for delays experienced in receiving the bus. He explained that documentation processes and shipment of such assets often take time and are factors beyond OTDF’s direct control.
“We understand the community’s expectations,” Mr Baine said. “While delays can be frustrating, processes such as documentation and shipment are necessary and sometimes unavoidable. We appreciate your patience and thank you for your continued cooperation.”
The VPC Chairman confirmed the bus will be managed under the VPC framework to ensure transparency, accountability and fair access. Priority use will be given to medical emergencies, school and church activities, and essential travel to government offices, while commercial use will help sustain upkeep costs.
As the Coaster Bus begins operation, Kwiroknai Village looks forward to improved access to services, stronger social and economic connections, and new opportunities that support health, education and law and order across the North Fly District.
Moian School Opens New Double Classroom
Moian Village in the Upper Middle Fly has marked an important milestone with the opening of a new double classroom at St Rita Moian Primary School, officially handed over on 11 December 2025.
The classroom, fully furnished with 20 student desks, was completed at a cost of over PGK120,000 through combined support from the Middle Fly CMCA Regional Development Trust Fund, managed by the Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) Trust Administration, with additional contributions from the OTDF CEO’s Office and the Middle Fly Women and Children Association.
The Board of Management of St Rita Moian Primary School expressed its appreciation to all partners involved, noting that the new infrastructure will greatly improve the learning environment and help address long-standing classroom shortages.
Community leaders praised the strong partnership between the community and key stakeholders, highlighting the project as an excellent example of what can be accomplished through collaboration. During the handover ceremony, Mr. Xaviour Wembut, the Board Chairman and Youth President, expressed his gratitude to the stakeholders and urged the community to take full ownership of the new facilities. He emphasised the importance of caring for and protecting these facilities to benefit future generations. Moian Village Planning Committee Chairman, Francis Kumin, thanked the CMCA Trust, OTDF, local contractors, and community members for their collective effort.
“This classroom shows what we can achieve when leadership, trust approval, and community support come together,” Mr Kumin said.
OTDF Manager Program Services Sustainable Development, Moses Kalup, said the project reflected a community-driven approach under CMCA trust processes.
“This classroom was initiated by the community and approved through the trust to ensure it is sustainable and delivers long-term benefits,” Mr Kalup said.
OTDF Acting Executive Manager Program Services, Mr. Philemon Nahuet, reaffirmed OTDF’s commitment to education beyond infrastructure, including adult matriculation and second-chance education.
Students and community members celebrate the opening of the fully kitted double classroom
“Our support for education goes beyond buildings. We are creating pathways for children, especially girls and vulnerable students, to reach their full potential,” Mr Nahuet said.
The new classroom is expected to reduce overcrowding and improve learning conditions for students both in Moian and the nearby villages of Kawok and Erecta.
Zibo Zonga Fishing company deliver 5th order for OTML catering
The Middle Fly section of PNG’s Fly River boasts some of its finest fishing spots. This potential has been revitalised by the community-owned Zibo Zonga Fishing Company, which operates out of the Obo station.
Building upon Western Province’s legacy of artisanal barramundi fishing—a low-technology commercial practice dating back to the early 1980s—the Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) has now elevated this local industry to new heights. On Monday, December 8, 2025, OTDF’s Business Development team delivered 278.3 kilograms of fresh whole barramundi, barramundi fillets, and prawns valued at over K15,000 to Fubilan Catering Services (FCS). Warehouse Manager Mr. Steve Mipi confirmed the order will be served to mine employees during the festive season, showcasing how traditional fishing heritage continues to nourish and support the regional economy today. FCS storeman Alfie Yet expressed enthusiasm while processing a recent order, noting that after three years of primarily handling imports, receiving consistent local produce from Zibo Zonga Fisheries is a welcome shift. This sentiment aligns with OTDF Business Development Officer Henry John’s report, confirming this as the fifth delivery from Zibo Zonga, featuring reliable volumes of fish fillets and prawns.
The collaboration has proven commercially viable: the 30th October delivery alone supplied 309.85kg of seafood, generating over K17,000.00 for FCS. Zibo Zonga’s capability to meet this demand stems from its full compliance with National Fishing Authority (NFA) standards, having secured critical licenses in 2024 for purchasing, processing, storing, and exporting freezer-grade products.
This partnership marks a major milestone for local enterprise, enabling FCS to source fresh, traceable seafood while strengthening regional economies. OTDF and NFA jointly support the initiative, providing operational guidance and ensuring compliance—including periodic license renewals.
Notably, Zibo Zonga’s NFA licenses authorize trade exclusively in frozen products, limited to: Estuary Fin Fish, Barramundi, Prawns, Swim Bladder, Catfish and Tilapia.
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 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.These villages include Kaviananga, Obo, Owa, Levame, Kasa, Komovai, Aiambak, Wangawanga, Bosset, Manda, Mipan, and Kuem.
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