MORE than 500 rice farmers in the Kotec LLG, Finschhafen, are still waiting for the repayment of K4,000 allocated for the purchase of a micro rice mill in 2006.
The money was borrowed from the Kotec LLG president’s unconditional grant by Kotec human development programme (KHDP) upon agreement to repay it, executive officer of Kotec LLG Ricky Seske said yesterday in Lae.
Mr Seske said on Aug 22, 2006, KHDP – a pilot programme aimed at taking development to rural people of Kotec area – requested for financial assistance to freight 210 coffee bags to Lae with assurance to repay after sales.
The money was initially allocated for Uruo village, which had about 110 farmers but would also serve rice farmers from surrounding villages.
Kotec LLG president Mictine Kemung approved the release of the money with direction to be repaid no later than 30 calendar days after the sale of coffee.
A cheque number 161 valued at K4,000 was released to KHDP coordinator Heni Hesingut on Sept 6, 2006.
Mr Seske said he had approached Mr Hesingut on numerous occasions.
Mr Seske had now filed a complaint with the Lae District Court on behalf of the Kotec LLG.
The Kotec KHDP acts as a freighter to drive farmers to coffee mills to ensure they get maximum benefit from their coffee.
It serves the people of the Kotec LLG and Sialum.