Zibo Zonga Fishing company deliver 5th order for OTML catering

L-R: OTDF Trust Administration BD officer John Henry weighing the packaged fish fillets while Alfie Yet FCS storeman stacks the boxes and looking on is Junior Kirinam BD assistant staff.

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.

L-R: Business Development Officer Mr John Henry doing a Barramundi purchase at the facility site in Obo Middle Fly Region as fisherman Ano Ricky left from Kaviananga awaits his catches to be weigh and receives cash whilst VPC Chairman Mr Tera Moisu center looks on during the 4^th FCS order collection in Obo over the month of October – November.

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.