K6 million in infrastructure projects have been carried out in New Ireland Province in the last quarter of this year.
These projects have resulted in better school infrastructure, health facilities, and the upgrading of key roads, creating better access to services for locals.
The Nokon, Kabil and Huris Communities in Namatanai District, as well as Madina Secondary School in Kavieng District, are recipients of the projects.
Madina Secondary School had renovation and construction work on 11 staff houses and an update on its power reticulation.
In Kabil, 64 ventilated pit latrines were constructed, while 12 rainwater catchments systems with a tank capacity of 108,000 litres was constructed in Nokon.
The projects were funded under the Tax Credit Scheme (TCS) implemented by Newcrest Mining Limited (NML) and working in partnership with the New Ireland Provincial Government.
“Our focus is on building and maintaining enduring relationships based on mutual respect, active partnership and a long-term commitment,” said Newcrest PNG Country Manager, Peter Aitsi, in a media statement.
“This approach is best reflected in the way we have implemented and delivered Tax Credit funded projects in New Ireland, working in partnership with the New Ireland Provincial Government.”
NML is one of five resource companies working with the PNG Government to implement various infrastructure projects under the TCS.
Since 2013 until July 2016, NML has invested K48.41m in the New Ireland Province, focusing on education and health, transport and utility projects.
Under the TCS, which was first introduced in 1992, the State uses mining and petroleum and gas, and agriculture companies, as contractors to build infrastructure without the need for an appropriation from Treasury Department.
(Power reticulation update at Madina Secondary School. Credit: Newcrest Mining Limited.