Western Province

This gathering marked the one-year anniversary of the launch of the Western Province Strategy, aimed at fostering progress and development in the region.

Over the past year, significant strides have been taken in implementing the strategy's objectives, with a notable focus on key areas such as health, economic development, food and water security, and law and justice. 

The company is launching its "Preferred Area Work Experience On-The-Job Training" program for the second time in 2023. The program will welcome 20 students from the Kiunga Vocational Training Centre.

Last year, OTML's Major Projects Team initiated this program and accepted seven trade students from Kiunga Vocational for training in fields such as mechanical, electrical, boiler making (welding), and carpentry. Impressively, four of these trainees were retained by OTML and are now progressing through the skills recognition program's second stage.

Australian High Commissioner, Jon Philp, joined Governor of Western Province the Taboi Abi Yoto, National Department of Health Deputy Secretary Ken Wai, along with local MPs and health officials to mark the start of the project, which will be delivered in partnership with Western Provincial Health Authority (WPHA) and the National Department of Health.

Australia has a long-standing and proud connection with the people and communities of Western Province, the largest and most remote Province in Papua New Guinea.

The Samagoes Fly rice factory operated by North Fly Agro Ltd and launched by Member for North Fly District James Donald in 2019, is now gaining momentum.

They plan to distribute throughout the country and overseas, once it reaches its market potential.

In July, Member Donald announced during the launch of the Kiunga Agro-Industrial Centre and Vanilla Project that the next big project will involve vanilla, cocoa, rubber, and the commissioning of the rice project.

These structures have ushered in a new era of safe and clean water access for the local community and their school.

Prior to Australia's support, the 300 residents of Murr village endured the arduous daily task of trekking several kilometres inland to fetch water for their basic needs. This hardship has now become a thing of the past, thanks to the two complete water structures installed in the village.

These structures, comprising a total of eight tanks, include one in the main village and another dedicated to supplying water to the local school.

Kiunga town celebrated PNG’s 48^th Independence over the weekend with no disturbances and no incidents at the Kiunga main oval.

It was an unforgettable turn-out as communities, businesses, and visitors were brought together in the heart of Kiunga.

The day commenced with the solemn flag-raising ceremony however it was the evening that truly lit up Kiunga as thousands of residents and visitors flocked to the Kiunga main oval to partake in the festivities.

Under the auspices of the National Youth Development Authority, and with the generous support of Australia, a transformative leadership workshop recently unfolded.

This workshop brought together 19 delegates representing the North Fly District Youth Development Council (NFDYDC).

Their mission: to equip themselves with indispensable skills in good governance, community engagement, and project management.

Provincial administrator and director for West Agro Holdings and a Vanilla Farmer himself, Robert Kaiyun, Fly Vanilla started buying beans from farmers in mid-2022, paying out in excess of PGK 5,500 to near 100 farmers for 70kg of green and dried vanilla beans. Currently the interest in vanilla farming is increasing.

Starting with vanilla there will be other high value cash crops identified and designed in the West Agro master plan.

Betty Wine, Women and Children’s Representative in the Fly River Provincial Government raised the concern following allegations of sexual abuse and increased unwanted pregnancies involving young local women in Kiunga.

Ms Wine, a member of the provincial executive council representing the health sector, expressed concern that there was rise in illegal activities including prostitution and pornography allegedly involving expatriates and people from other provinces working and living there.

General Manager for Social, Performance and Sustainability and Chairman for Ok Tedi Development Foundation, Jesse Pile, shared the focus on Ok Tedi Mining Ltd’s on assisting environmental impacts in the surrounding communities of the Mine.

Adding that OTML will support farming and agriculture projects in the case of extending mine life in the province. OTML was part of the launch of the Kiunga Agro-Industrial Centre and Vanilla Project last on Friday 30^th of June, 2023 at Samagoes, North Fly District.