38 new houses built in Kiunga

THE Fly River provincial government was the happy recipient of 38 new permanent houses built under the Ok Tedi Mining Limited Tax Credit Scheme (OTMLTCS) in Kiunga, Western province.
Valued at more than K8 million, the OTMLTCS housing project, known as the Simiduan Estate, was handed over to the newly appointed Western province administrator William Goinau.
OTML corporate relations general manager Musje Werror, when handing over the houses to the Fly River provincial government, said the Simiduan Estate was a great example of public private partnership at work.
“The OTMLTCS, since its inception in 1997, has contributed significantly to the infrastructure development in Western province.
“To date, OTML has spent over K123 million with another K100 million forecasted to be spent between now and 2013.
“Funds have been spent to improve health, education facilities, government houses and offices, water supply, airstrips, wharves and jetties, and road maintenance to name a few,” Mr Werror said.
He also revealed to the provincial government representatives the OTMLTCS projects that were currently underway or were about to commence in Kiunga.
“In Kiunga alone, the OTMLTCS is funding the North Fly complex at a cost of K15.3 million, which is due for completion in May next year, and the water and sewerage upgrade project which is due to start in February.
“These projects, together, with the 38 houses, will cost up to K60 million, which will enable the Fly River provincial government to ensure its employees are provided with the best facilities.
“Hopefully, this will translate to better service delivery to the people of Western province,” Mr Werror said.