Photo credit: Loop PNG (2020)
Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister Dr Lino Tom says the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) and the Fisheries and Marine Resources Department are working on two main fishery ventures in Morobe and Madang.
“The Voco Point facility will cost about K100 million,” he revealed. “Funding for the project is ready. We are just waiting for the final business plan to be completed and other necessary requirements before the project go on tender in August.
“Tender for the Wagang fisheries wharf feasibility studies will be awarded soon while the Pacific Maritime Industrial Zone (PMIZ) project in Madang has been given a ministerial economic committee approval and should start any time after the Treasury approved the loan.”
Tom, who recently visited Lae, Morobe, said that the Voco Point project will serve as a fishery centre for local fish farmers.
“Fishery products in the province will be brought to this facility and, from here, it will facilitate the trade,” he explained.
The NFA and department intend to develop Voco Point as the first such project in the region, with similar projects planned in other maritime provinces.
“The building of such facilities will give much-needed chances for local fish farmers (both in-land and coastal) to market their fishery products and generate income,” he added.
NFA managing director John Kasu also said that jetties will be constructed in the immediate future in Huon Gulf, Finschhafen, and Tewae-Siassi to assist local fish farmers.
Reference:
The National (24 May 2021). “Multi-million kina fishery projects set for Morobe, Madang”.
