A proposed conservation project in the Salt-Karimui Nomane District was boosted with a K20,000 cheque by the Simbu Provincial Government this week (27 March).
Mt Karimui Conservation Project is located in Chimbu Province and is home to a variety of biodiverse flora and fauna that are worth preserving.
The Governor’s executive officer, Peter Gaimai, upon presenting the cheque to project coordinator John Sethie, stated that Chimbu province is making about K2 million annually in revenue.
This is not enough to cater for development projects thus they rely on Government funding, through Provincial Services Improvement Program funds, to counter fund their provincial programs.
He said this to explain the reason for the delay in fulfilling this commitment made by the provincial government since some years back.
He also stated that Karimui is the economic hub for the province, with potential development in coffee, rice, cocoa and vegetable farming. The challenge is the accessibility via third airliner MAF or Adventist Aviation.
Coordinator Sethie thanked the provincial government and said monies will be put towards fast tracking the gazettal of the project and to assist in providing skills training for locals.