People living in villages near remote Teapopo, on the Fly River, will no longer have to travel for hours to Daru or Balimo to access basic medical services, thanks to a newly constructed health centre, supported by Kumul Petroleum in partnership with the provincial government.
The opening was officiated by Kumul Petroleum’s External Affairs Executive General Manager, Luke Liria, and attended by senior provincial and government ministers.
During the opening, Dr Liria stated, “Investing in healthcare facilities such as the Teapopo health centre improves the livelihoods of community members and contributes to the development and prosperity of the nation. Kumul Petroleum Holdings is always ready to support the healthcare system in Papua New Guinea."
“The Teapopo health facility is fully equipped and includes staff housing. It features six in-patient wards, an antenatal clinic, and a month’s supply of medication. The facility is solar-powered, has rainwater collection and storage, and includes a septic system—making it self-sufficient, which is essential in this remote location.”
Mr Liria noted that the health centre will serve people in eight villages along the north bank of the Fly River delta, significantly reducing the need for long boat journeys to Daru or Balimo for basic medical services.
“Our support for the construction of this health facility totals K4 million, aligning with our broader commitment to major health infrastructure in Port Moresby and other regions across the country.”
The successful construction and fit-out of the Teapopo health facility resulted from a partnership between Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited, Member for South Fly, Hon. Sekie Agisa, the Fly River Provincial Government, and the Western Province Health Authority. The project was also supported by Provincial Improvement Program funds from the Department of National Planning and Monitoring. The building components were supplied by Rhodes, with construction carried out by Dokana Papua Construction Limited.
