Japan pays K33m for Alotau market, fisheries project

THE Japanese government yesterday handed over the keys to the new Alotau market to the PNG Government in a ceremony in Milne Bay.
According to the National Fisheries Authority (NFA), the event was the handover of the grant component of the Alotau town market and fisheries facilities project from Japan to PNG.
The grand component valued at K33 million was funded by Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica).
NFA’s managing director John Kasu said the “one-stop shop” facility would cater for the agriculture, tourism and fisheries sectors.
“The general objective is to create a safe and conducive environment where trading and exchange can take place to achieve the Government’s call for empowering Papua New Guineans through income generation, food and livelihood security, and poverty alleviation.”
He said the project should be completed by May 2020.
“The National Fisheries Authority will continue to collaborate with government agencies, Jica and the Milne Bay government to expedite the outstanding work that the Government needs to do so that the project can be commissioned,” he said.