Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) has signed two project agreements to commence Phase Two of the upgrading and sealing of the Kiunga-Tabubil Highway and the rehabilitation and sealing of the Daru Town Roads.
The agreement was signed on the 06th of July 2023 in Port Moresby between OTML and China Railway Construction Engineering Group Co. Limited for Phase Two of the Tabubil-Kiunga Road Sealing Project, and Leon Enterprise Limited for Daru Town Roads Rehabilitation Sealing and Upgrade.
The projects are funded under the Government’s Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme (ITCS) program.
Phase One of the Tabubil-Kiunga Highway sealing from Kiunga to Kilometre (KM) 26 is well underway, and Phase Two will commence soon. Phases 3 will follow once further funding is available through the ITCS.
OTML Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kedi Ilimbit, when speaking at the signing said Western Province will continue to see more changes before mine closure.
Mr Ilimbit said, “Since 1997 OTML has spent over PGK600 million on ITCS projects in Western Province and Telefomin District in Sandaun Province. These include high impact priority projects in Health, Education, Law and Justice and Transport Infrastructure and Utilities.”
He further added that OTML is also eyeing potential projects in Daru as it is the provincial capital of Western Province where the provincial government headquarters is located.
He extended a word of appreciation to the National Government for increasing the Tax Credit Scheme (TCS) ceiling from 0.75% to 2% as announced in the 2022 National Budget that will boost the completion of current projects and also provide an opportunity for OTML to commence new projects in its impact communities. The new DNPM guidelines as 1% for WP and another 1% for other parts of PNG.
Other major projects being considered include the construction of a new District Court House in Kiunga, the General Hospital in Kiunga, a road link to Kiunga and Nomad, the construction of Atemkit/Kavorabip road and the construction of the road from Alice Pit to the PNG-Indonesian border.
OTML is committed to deliver sustainable economic and social benefits to its communities and the people of PNG.
