Ok Tedi Mining Limited (“OTML”) has donated K1 million to two provinces heavily affected by last month’s natural disasters.
OTML presented to East Sepik and Chimbu Provinces K500, 000 each to assist with relief and recovery efforts which are currently ongoing.
In East Sepik, persistent heavy rainfall led to flooding and widespread destruction in communities along the Sepik River, and was compounded by a 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck the province.
In Chimbu, heavy rains and the earthquake triggered floods and landslides, destroyed communities’ food and cash crops and homes.
These disasters in both provinces have resulted in deaths, with many others unaccounted for, rendered thousands homeless, deprived them of food sources, safe drinking water, shelter, and severed access routes, making it challenging to reach affected communities.
On Thursday 24th April OTML Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Kedi Ilimbit, travelled to Wewak to present the funding to Acting Provincial Administrator, Alphonse Kami, in the presence of the Provincial Disaster Manager Mr Derek Warakai and others.
On Friday 25th April, OTML General Manager Social Performance & Sustainability, Jesse Pile, presented to the Chimbu Provincial Government the Company’s assistance to the provinces relief and recovery efforts. Present to receive the funding were Governor, Noah Kool, Deputy Governor, Anton Kua, Provincial Administrator, John Punde, District Administrators, and impacted communities’ representatives from the six districts of the province.
Mr Ilimbit said “As a 100% PNG owned mine, we believe we have a corporate social responsibility to provide support towards relief and recovery of our people and communities from East Sepik and Chimbu provinces.
“When disaster strikes, be it natural or manmade, lives are shattered, homes destroyed, and communities left reeling in the wake of devastation. The need for immediate aid is paramount and it is during these critical moments that our compassion and generosity provide hope to those in despair.
He added “Through this gesture we would like to see relief and aid delivered swiftly and effectively to those in need and for communities severely affected to be rebuilt.”
