Achieving selfreliance, health and quality of life in Papua New Guinea’s Western Province communities
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Zibo Zonga fishing company make sale of barramundi fillets
Steve Mipi, Warehouse Manager for Fubilan Catering Service (middle) and OTDF Business Development staff during the presentation
Zibo Zonga Fishing Company Limited, a local fishing enterprise based at Obo,made a remarkable sale of 264kg barramundi fillets to Fubilan Catering Services (FCS) over the weekend. The fillets were delivered to Fubialn Catering Service (FCS) warehouse on Saturday, 28th September, in Tabubil.
The substantial sale underscores a notable achievement for the local fishing company, marking one of its largest orders to date. The company’s efforts to supply, fresh fish have been well received by local businesses.
Steve Mipi, Warehouse Manager for Fubilan Catering Service, expressed his satisfaction, highlighting the importance of sourcing fresh, locally caught barramundi. “We are delighted to finally have found a local company that sells fresh barramundi.” Mipi said. It is hard to find barramundi in whole and fillets for catering. We can now add to our catering menu and. He added.
The delivery of the fillets by Ok Tedi Development Foundation officers’ further strengths the collaboration between local businesses and community focused organisations. This will add on to the growing potential of local businesses to meet commercial demands, supporting the region’s economy and promoting sustainable practices along the CMCA corridors.
This sale reflects a positive development for the fishing industry in Western Province, CMCA corridors and signals promising opportunities for future collaborations between local businesses and service providers in the region.
OTDF Board establishes relations with ATCDI in Lae
Aligned with the 69th Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) Board Meeting, OTDF Board of Directors and Executive Management Team visited the Appropriate Technology & Community Development Institute (ATCDI) at the PNG University of Technology (UNITECH) in Lae on October 3, 2024.
The Program and visit were aimed to explore innovative and sustainable technologies developed by students and staff, with the potential for application in the Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) Trust regions in Western Province. Initiative between OTDF and ATCDI presents a unique opportunity to further develop the livelihoods of CMCA communities by integrating appropriate, student-designed technologies into ongoing development projects.
Various technologies were demonstrated at ATCDI, including charcoal stoves, water supply systems, and rice mills made from locally available materials, showcasing the potential to meet the needs of rural communities in Western Province. ATCDI plays a pivotal role in creating sustainable, community-driven solutions that are both practical and cost-effective, aligning with OTDF’s mission to empower communities impacted by mining activities.
OTDF CEO Havini Vira states that OTDF, apart from delivering projects funded by the CMCA Trusts, also reaches out to service providers in the development circle who provide innovative ideas for development and one such institution he pointed out was the ATCDI.
ATCDI Council Chairman Mr. David Masani saw the visit as an opportunity for partnership and potential avenue for them to showcase their ability to provide innovative and appropriate technology tailored to the geography and liking of the requesting community. He thanked the OTDF team and encouraged for the visit to have long lasting partnership and service provision to the CMCA communities.
Highlights of technology on show were;
Food processing of spices and health supplements, brick manufacturing from locally sourced sand, heat energy sources for cooking & drying, fuel extraction from plastics, bio technology and agricultural innovations, innovation in WaSH programs, water supply and soil testing in specialised laboratories.
Simple machines made from scrap metal and everyday home devices;
Daniel Kale, third year Mechanical Engineering student unveils a simple rice mill made from scrap metal
Portable Rice Mill
Daniel Kale a third-year Mechanical Engineering student at Lae University of Technology (UNITECH) has unveiled an inventive mini portable rice mill, poised to revolutionize small-scale farming at the village level. Powered by an old washing machine motor, the device requires electricity but can alternatively run on solar power, offering flexibility for off-grid communities. Constructed from scrap metal, the mill provides farmers with an affordable, efficient solution for uniform rice milling. Lightweight and easy to operate, it features adjustable settings for precise results. This student-driven innovation highlights the potential of appropriate technology to boost rural agricultural productivity while embracing sustainable energy options.
Wheel planter made from old washing machine parts and scrap metal
10 seed 3 wheel planter
An innovative 10-seed, three-wheel peanut and corn planter, made old washing machine parts and scrap metal designed to improve small-scale farming efficiency. The manually operated device is built to plant up to 10 seeds at a time, offering farmers a simple and affordable solution for planting peanuts and corn more uniformly. Its lightweight, three-wheel structure ensures ease of use, while adjustable settings allow for precise seed depth and spacing. This student-led invention highlights the potential of appropriate technology to enhance productivity in rural agricultural communities.
Solar powered Cocoa Drier
Final- year Civil Engineering students introducing the mini portable cocoa drier
Charley Avediba a final-year Civil Engineer student at Lae University of Technology (UNITECH) has introduced an innovative mini portable cocoa drier, designed to transform small-scale cocoa farming in rural areas. Powered by solar energy through mounted panels, the device is ideal for off-grid cocoa farming communities, offering a sustainable and practical solution. Made from scrap metal, the drier provides an affordable and efficient way for farmers to ensure uniform cocoa drying. Its lightweight, easy-to-use design includes adjustable settings, functioning similarly to a conventional oven for precise control. This student-led creation showcases how sustainable technology can enhance agricultural productivity in rural communities, paving the way for more resilient, eco-friendly farming methods.
RAM Pump
Robert Kipong Lead Engineer for the Appropriate Technology explained how the ramp pump worked which the ATCDI has installed in several locations nationwide. The hydraulic ram pump, also known as a ram pump, is an innovative device that uses the energy of flowing water to pump a portion of it to higher elevations without the need for external power. Kipong told OTDF Board and executives that this makes it an ideal solution for off-grid locations, particularly in rural or agricultural areas. The pump operates by channeling water from a higher source through a drive pipe, where the flow opens a waste valve. As the water accelerates, the valve closes, causing a pressure surge that forces some of the water into a delivery pipe, which pumps it to a higher point, such as a storage tank. With minimal moving parts and low maintenance, ram pumps offer a sustainable, efficient method for water distribution in areas with no access to electricity. They are especially useful in agriculture and rural water supply systems, providing a reliable, long-term solution for water needs in remote regions.
About ATCDI
Appropriate Technology and Community Development Institute (ATCDI)
Since its establishment in 1978, ATCDI has served as the vital bridge between the PNG University of Technology and the wider Papua New Guinea community. Our central mission is to transform the academic knowledge of the university into tangible technological solutions that create a positive impact on community life. In this pursuit, the institute wholeheartedly embraces sustainable rural development, striving to usher in progress while safeguarding the rich cultural values and traditions of our people.
Mine village children to benefit from school bus
OTMVWCA president Alice Mumuyong (R) receives the keys to the bus from OTDF CEO Havini Vira (L), looking on are OTDF staff and association executives.
A 15-seat school bus was handed over to the Ok Tedi Mine Village Women and Children Association (OTMVWCA) for transport support to students from mine villages mainly: Kavorabip, Bultem, Fianlbin & Atemkit.
The bus procured under Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) was presented to the association on 27th September at the Brown House 2 car park in Kiunga.
Alice Mumuyong association president was given the keys by OTDF CEO, Mr. Havini Vira.
Mine Village W&C President Alice Mumuyong thanked OTDF for its continuous support to the North Fly communities: “We thank OTDF for the continuous support and delivery of the necessary services that contribute towards our community development. This bus delivered today will be used for transporting our children to and from school. Many a times our children walk miles in the heavy rain, other times covered in dust from vehicle movement on the road. So, we are grateful for this asset. Thank you OTDF.”
Mr. Vira commended the mothers for addressing such an issue that is mostly seen as less important. “I want to thank you mothers for seeing this as a need and taking action. You value our children and look into the little things that may seem minor but contribute a lot to the well being of the community.” He remarked.
The 15-seat school bus handed over to the Ok Tedi Mine Village Women and Children Association (OTMVWCA) for transport support to students from mine villages.
The new school bus will serve as a reliable mode of transport, ensuring children from the Mine villages can access educational facilities with greater ease, reflecting OTDF’s broader objective of community development and sustainability.
Beyond its immediate impact on school transport, the new bus is seen as a way forward for the communities receiving it. By providing an asset like this, OTDF aims to empower these villages to take greater ownership of their children’s educational future.
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.
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Executive Management
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Board Members
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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.