Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) has signed a road construction contract worth K18.1 million for the Alice Pit to the Border Post Road Project in North Fly District.
Funded through the Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme (ITCS), the 14.55km road will serve as a critical link, connecting local communities to a key PNG-Indonesian border post at Yetetkun in the Ningerum LLG.
The new infrastructure is expected to transform the lives of locals, providing them with better access to cheaper goods and services that foster social and economic growth.
OTML Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Kedi Ilimbit, said this is one of two roads strategically planned to be constructed to the border.
“There is a reason why we are leading the roads to the border, and it’s because we want to get goods and services from across the border rather than our local communities waiting for weeks for services to be delivered from Port Moresby,” said Mr Ilimbit.
Mr Ilimbit further added that OTML is committed to support the setting up of a border facility at Yetekun.
He further commended and thanked the Western Provincial Government and Administration team for attending the signing event and importantly for their continuous support towards the OTML ITCS projects by ensuring due processes are followed prior to contract being awarded and implemented.
Western Province leaders present at the signing included Governor, Taboi Awi Yoto, North Fly MP James Donald, Middle Fly MP, Maso Hewabi, and Provincial Administrator, Robert Kayun.
The leaders said the Alice Pit to Border Post Road has been a dream for their people for so many years and the ground breaking is marking the start of this dream becoming a reality.
They thanked OTML and the National Government for their cooperation in having the project approved for delivery.
China Railway Construction Engineering Group Co, has been awarded the project and are expected to complete the task in 12 months.
OTML is a 100% PNG-owned mine and is committed to mining responsibly, while delivering sustainable economic developments to its impacted communities and PNG.
