The national government will be funding the construction of two bridges and the upgrading of Kiunga Hospital in the North Fly District of Western Province.
This was announced by Works and Implementation Minister, Francis Awesa, during a visit to Western Province recently.
The visit was purposely for Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, however, Minister Awesa attended on prime minister’s behalf.
Minister Awesa assured the Western people and the levels of government that the projects will be tendered and first phase of construction should commence.
An initial funding of K300 million will cover the construction of Ningerum Ok Tedi bridge, Drimgas Fly River bridge and the upgrade of Kiunga District Hospital.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill will be visiting Kiunga soon for the groundbreaking ceremony for the three projects.
Meanwhile, landowners in the impacted area of Ok Tedi Mine welcomed the government’s announcement of the 33% direct shareholding in the Ok Tedi Mine.
President of Ok Tedi Mine Impacted Area Association, Nick Bunn, said this will see the direct participation by landowners in deciding which projects can be funded through the 33 per cent shares.
Bunn said for many years, mine villages have been left out in vital decision making.
He called on Western Province and the North Fly DDA to work closely with the landowners.
