Construction of access roads leading intothe Sepik Plains for the proposed multi-million kina oil palm project will begin following an injection of K5 million fromthe National Government.
Funding for the roads inthe Yangoru-Saussia District of East Sepik Province will commence immediately after a cheque was presented tothe Department of Works by local MP and Minister for Trade, Commerce andIndustry, Richard Maru.
Minister Maru’saidthe road is also paramount in light ofthe remoteness ofthe Sepik Plains.
The construction ofthe access road will begin at Nagam Village inthe Saussia LLG.
This will bethe gateway intothe one million plus hectare of prime land, which will bethe centre ofthe single largest agricultural project in Papua New Guinea
Minister Maru’saidthe Sepik Plains representthe biggest land asset inthe country and its potential has never been harnessed by past lLeaders
The National Executive Council approverd a submission two weeks ago to kick startthe projectowhich has a potential initial investment of US$3 billion bythe developer WilmaInternational Limited.
Minister Maru’said many international agriculture companies were screened, but it was WilmaInternational Limited’s Environmental Policy that wonthem over.
This development will see pockets of forests withinthe plains remain untouched to maintain a large portion ofthe natural habitat and ecosystem.
The developer, National GovernmentoEast Sepik Provincial Governmentoandthe Yangoru-Saussia Districtoand its people will be shareholders inthe project.
The construction ofthe roads is also paramount tothe people of Saussia LLG who have been deprived of proper road access for years.
This will make accessibility and mobility easier for many ofthe people who depend on basic home gardening for income and sustenance.
The development ofthe oil palm project is also expected to provide many spin off benefits for the people by creating local markets or trade stores, turning it into an economic hub.
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