By Jim John
The PNG National Government has commended OK Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) for being the first organization in the country to support the Civil Identity Registry’s (PNGCIR) NID project since 2018.
Minister for Internal Security Peter Tsiamalili Jnr thanked OTML for supporting the project after he officially opened the new PNGCIR office in Kiunga on January 9th this year.
The opening of the new NID office has also seen OTML officially handing over the project to North Fly District Development Authority (NFDDA) after successfully implementing the project for nearly five years at a cost of more than 9 million kina.
“Thank you OK Tedi for supporting this project as part of your corporate social responsibility to mine impacted communities including others in Western Province.” said Mr Tsiamalili Jnr.
From 2018 to 2022, OTML commissioned the NID project with two site registrars and a certificate printing machine in Tabubil to assist company’s employees, contractors, public servants and mine impacted villages register.
Through that partnership with PNGCIR, 84,530 were registered and 75,739 birth certificates and NID cards were issued.
Acting General Registrar of PNGCIR Noel Mobiha also thanked OTML for setting the benchmark in assisting PNGCIR.
OTML’s representative Senior Social Impact Assessment (SIA) officer Daniel Tau, during the handover said OTML is pleased and grateful to witness the transition and commissioning of the New NID office for North Fly District.
“Let this positive legacy from OTML be natured and developed further in Western Province.” he said.
