Eaglewood will be the next big thing for communities along the South Fly region of Western Province, Papua New Guinea.
Part of Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) Livelihood Development Package, CEO Ian Middleton, said the eaglewood project will help develop growth centres of Western Province as well as sustain livelihoods of locals beyond Ok Tedi’s mining operations.
Middleton said they (OTDF) recognise the impact the copper and gold mine has had on the community and they are obliged to deliver on their aspirations.
“We deliver where we see there is a need. We deliver upon the aspirations of the people because we know the mine has impacted the environment and the people,” Middleton said.
OTDF has invested in over 100,000 eagle wood seedlings where community leader Sam Gamoga believes will go a long way in sustaining communities.
“With this, OTDF is trying to remove that cash-hand out mentality so that our people can work to earn money to support them after the mine is shut down,” Gamoga said.
