Agriculture-based landowner group, Laka Forest Limited, recently presented 15 boats to ease transport difficulties for people at the furthest end of Namatanai District in the New Ireland Province.
Laka Chief Executive, Walter Schnaubelt, visited Kandas and Weitin villlages to deliver the boats and engines.
Prior to receiving these boats, people walk for hours because of lack of proper roads.
For most communities, banana boats play a crucial role in helping people access basic services of health and education.
“There is no road for people to move around and access services,” said Karl Camilus a Health Worker at Silur said.
“Boat transport is the only option for our people to move around,” Camilus added.
Speaking during the launch Mr Schnaubelt said the boats purchased and delivered is from the LaKa Forest Development Limited funds.
He said it is his plan and the developer of the recently launched multi-million kina Konoagil oil palm project, Million Plus Corporation Limited to facilitate the needs of the local people with boats and engines.
“This is our short term plan to equip each ward with a banana boat and engine. Four boats are for the wards in Kandas and five for Lak at a total cost of K232,000.
“Our aim is to fulfil the desperate needs of mothers and children to seek basic health services by reducing transport costs using these banana boats and engines. This also applies to community groups such as churches, schools and aid post workers that need transport assistance to and from supply routes.”
Laka Forest Development Limited is the local landowner company at the forefront to establish the Konoagil Oil Palm Project through a partnership with developer Million Plus Corporation.
https://youtu.be/aWguDBq4vYY
