Achieving selfreliance, health and quality of life in Papua New Guinea’s Western Province communities
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OTDF Delivers 15 Infrastructure Projects to Mine Villages
The total number of completed infrastructure projects across the mine- villages has reached 15, following the official handover of two new houses in Wangbin village on Friday, 13 June.
These projects were funded using their Village Development Funds (VDFs) administered under a special mine agreement by the Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) and managed by the Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF).
The event in Wangbin marked a continuing milestone in OTDF’s commitment to improving living standards in the mine-impacted communities.
Wangbin Councillor Mr. Samuel Mereng, speaking on behalf of the community and new homeowners, thanked OTDF for its consistent support.
“The standard upheld by OTDF in delivering projects, especially in financial management, sets a benchmark for transparency,” he said. “Despite delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and logistical challenges, OTDF has delivered. We ask for continued partnership and cooperation from all stakeholders.”
Mr. Mereng also encouraged the Wangbin community to support OTDF by engaging constructively in development processes.
“Let’s stop relying on handouts and start taking ownership of our future. The VDFs are here to help us, and OTDF is the vehicle to deliver. Let’s use it wisely.”
OTDF Acting CEO, Mr. Andrew Mari, acknowledged community concerns and reaffirmed OTDF’s commitment to working closely with local leaders.
“While we cannot meet every expectation at once, we can address key priorities through proper planning,” Mr. Mari said. “I urge Wangbin leaders to develop a five-year community development plan. This plan will be a roadmap to guide the implementation of projects in Wangbin village. Having a shared vision and well-coordinated approach is essential for meaningful progress.”
He praised the leadership within Wangbin, saying their unity and cooperation are helping drive visible improvements. Mr. Mari also encouraged homeowners to take responsibility for maintaining their new houses and highlighted the need for stronger investment in education.
“Education is the key to long-term development,” he said. “We urge communities to consider using VDFs to support students pursuing higher and technical education.”
According to OTDF infrastructure records, 15 projects have now been delivered across the mine villages: Finalbin (5 houses), Atemkit (2 houses), Kavorabip (5 houses), Wangbin (2 houses), and Migalsim (a 3-in-1 classroom).
Three additional houses have already been approved for Wangbin, along with the construction of a perimeter fence for Wangbin Primary School, which is set to begin in the coming months.
CMCA Trusts Secure Professional Fund Management with Signing of Investment Management Agreement
Signing Ceremony of the IMA document – Hilton Hotel, Port Moresby
Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) as Statutory Manager of the future generation funds for the eight Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) Trust regions facilitated the signing of the Investment Management Agreement (IMA) between the leaders representing the 8 CMCA Trust and Kina Wealth Management Limited (KWML).
The Agreement, signed in Port Moresby, formalizes the appointment of Kina Wealth Management Limited as the exclusive Investment Manager of the CMCA Trust Investment Portfolios. Kina Nominees Limited will act as Custodian, safeguarding assets in accordance with the Trusts’ investment objectives.
The IMA outlines a conservative, transparent, and compliance-focused investment strategy aimed at delivering sustainable returns to the beneficiary communities of the CMCA regions of Western Province. The portfolios will be directed toward investment into secured assets such as Government Bonds and Bills, and high-performing blue-chip equities on the PNG and Australian stock exchange, with strong governance and reporting mechanism through quarterly and annual reporting.
Mr. Ivan Vidovich, Group CEO & Managing Director of Kina Securities Limited, remarked: “We are honoured to be entrusted with managing the CMCA Trusts investment portfolios. At Kina, we are committed to delivering professional fund management that aligns with the Trusts’ values and objectives. This agreement reflects our shared commitment to building lasting economic value for the CMCA communities through disciplined and transparent investment practices.”
Mr. Jesse Pile, Chairman of the OTDF Board, said: “Today’s signing is a pivotal milestone for the CMCA Trusts. This agreement strengthens the governance and integrity of how these community assets are managed. It is a demonstration of OTDF’s commitment to ensuring that every kina is accounted and better managed for the future of the mine associated communities of Western Province.”
Mr. Andrew Mari, Acting CEO of OTDF, added: “This partnership ensures a professionally managed, well-diversified investment approach that aligns with the aspirations of our CMCA beneficiaries. It is a critical step towards achieving long-term sustainability and growth of the trust funds under OTDF’s management.”
The IMA is effective from 30 April 2025 and remains in place unless terminated by mutual agreement or under specific provisions outlined in the Agreement.
This strategic collaboration marks a new chapter in the management of the CMCA Trust portfolios and ensures that the communities of Western Province continue to benefit from prudent, secure, and future-focused investment of their trust funds.
OTDF signs vehicle lease with local women investment company
In a simple but momentous program for a women-led enterprise in the Western Province, Suki Fly Gogo Women & Children’s Investment Limited (SFGWCI LTD) presented a new 5-door Toyota Land Cruiser to Ok Tedi Development Foundation on 13 May in Kiunga.
Following the presentation and handover of keys, the Vehicle Lease Agreement was signed between Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) and the women investment company for OTDF to use the vehicle for its operations.
The leased vehicle will support operational mobility in delivering community programs in Kiunga. This lease agreement signifies OTDF’s partnership reflecting the ongoing collaboration between OTDF and community-based investment companies to empower women and foster sustainable local enterprise for community for growth and development.
The handover and signing were witnessed by the four women presidents of the South Fly trust regions, the staff and a/ CEO of Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF), President for Suki Fly Gogo Women Association, Saridu Saudi thanked OTDF Trust Administration and Business Development team for their dedication and effort to seeing the company grow.
She said “It has been a journey to get our investments in place. I am proud to see this investment come through. I also want to thank OTDF Business Development Team for their guidance and perseverance in seeing this investment through.”
This marks the third major investment milestone for the Suki Fly Gogo Women & Children’s Investment Limited, reaffirming the company’s growing presence and confidence in local economic development initiatives.
External Director to the investment company, Mr. Raphael Nali, also expressed his excitement during the signing:
“I am so proud to see what we discussed at meetings become a reality. As Directors, we understand the capabilities of the company. That’s why we push for the manifestation of decisions made at the board level.”
OTDF a/CEO commended the leadership and determination shown by the women of Suki Fly Gogo, noting this as a model for other regional groups aiming to harness their collective strength for tangible, long-term benefits. Mr. Andrew Mari in his keynote speech says:
“It is a proud moment to see board decisions and discussions translate into tangible projects. Your investments add value to decision making process in the future. With the limitation in funding, you have done extremely well, and I acknowledge my hard working staff for their endless commitment to serve the communities, especially the effort of the Trust and BD Team in facilitating this investment.”
Official handover of the keys to a/CEO Mr. Mari at the OTDF Office car park, brown house 2
OTDF a/CEO commended the leadership and determination shown by the women of Suki Fly Gogo, noting this as a model for other regional groups aiming to harness their collective strength for tangible, long-term benefits. Mr. Andrew Mari in his keynote speech says:
“It is a proud moment to see board decisions and discussions translate into tangible projects. Your investments add value to decision making process in the future. With the limitation in funding, you have done extremely well, and I acknowledge my hard working staff for their endless commitment to serve the communities, especially the effort of the Trust and BD Team in facilitating this investment.”
The event ended with the handover of the car keys to the OTDF a/CEO and signing of the lease agreement at the OTDF carpark, brown house 2.
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