MORE than 10,000 people in the Kavorabip and Atemkit area of Western Province will now have easy access to basic services – courtesy of Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML).
The company recently conducted a groundbreaking ceremony to start work on the Kavorabip-Atemkit Road Project at Mt. Bini in the Star Mountains of Western Province.
This K36.1 million road project is funded through OTML’s Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme and the PNG Government, with the construction contract awarded to Fly Engineering & Asset Management Limited. The road will link Kavorabip and Atemkit to Tabubil and Indonesia.
Manager Community Relations and Sustainability, Jeffery Tom said during the launch on May 9th that OTML’s support towards the Kavorabip-Atemkit road project demonstrates the company’s continued commitment towards sustainable development of the local communities in Western Province.
“The Kavorabip-Atemkit road project aims to improve road connectivity in the area, making it easier for residents to access essential services including schools, healthcare facilities, and markets. The project will also strengthen community relations between the Kavorabip and Atemkit villages and OTML,” said Mr Tom.
He also urged the communities to continue fostering and maintaining an amicable relationship with OTML to ensure safe and successful operations of the Company which will in turn garner further community benefits through its various compensation packages.
Joel Dangkim, Managing Director of Fly Engineering & Asset Management Limited and a local leader from Kavorabip, said the project will enhance the living standards of the community members and create economic opportunities for local businesses.
“I really appreciate and thank the OTML Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kedi Ilimbit for getting this vital and life-changing project approved and for having trust in a local landowner company with the awarding of the contract to us. This aligns with OTML’s new direction of promoting local content in the business,” said Mr Dangkim.
Mr Dangkim urged the villagers of Kavorabip and Atemkit to take ownership of the services provided by OTML and to maintain them.
Kavorabip Ward Councillor Absen Buretam also acknowledged Mr Ilimbit and OTML’s continued support.
“This road project is a long-awaited dream for our community. We will now have access to education, healthcare, and economic activities, services that were previously inaccessible to us. We are grateful for OTML’s support and hopeful for the future,” said Mr Buretam,
OTML Manager Tax Credit Scheme Jacinta Rato-Maniat said: “We are looking forward to working with the Contractor to deliver this project safely and successfully in the next 30 months to the people of Atemkit and Kavorabip so they can have link to vital services in Western Province and Indonesia.”
OTML is a responsible miner with a long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship, community engagement, and social responsibility. The company’s support for the Kavorabip-Atemkit road project is an example of its ongoing efforts to create positive change in its impact areas.