THE construction of the Wewak fish market and jetty is expected to kick-start late this year or early 2009.
National Fisheries Authority acting managing director Sylvester Pokajam, Japanese International Co-operation Agency (JICA) team leader Ichiro Mimura and Aid Policy and Coordination director of the Department of National Planning and Monitoring Mosilayola Kwayaila signed the minutes of discussion on the project’s basic design study.
The cost of the project had not been disclosed.
“We really want the project to kick-start this year and this is our commitment,” Mr Pokajam said yesterday at the signing of the minutes.
He said NFA would continue to work closely with JICA and East Sepik provincial government to ensure the project’s success.
Mr Pokajam said since it was an important fisheries project, NFA had met all its cost.
He thanked the government of Japan and JICA’s basic design study team for taking this important project into PNG.
Mr Pokajam also thanked the Department of National Planning and Monitoring for facilitating the project for the agency.
Mr Kwayaila thanked the government of Japan for continuously supporting the Government’s development initiatives.
He said this project would not only benefit the entrepreneurs but also the surrounding communities of East Sepik and the fish vendors.
He said land issue was a big obstacle that they encountered and that they will ensure this project to smoothly progress well with the people of East Sepik.
Meanwhile, Mr Mimura thanked NFA for its co-operation in fulfilling the development of the project.