Authority funds sealing of Bulolo roads

By JEFFREY ELAPA
The PNG Forest Authority (PNGFA) has for the first time funded infrastructure development of a logging area in the country.
The PNGFA, through the PNG Forest Tender Board, has approved K4.75 million for contractor Kaia Works Civil Energy Contractors to seal Bulolo town roads in Morobe.
Minister for Forest Douglas Tomuriesa, who delivered the K4.75 million to Bulolo MP Sam Basil, said the money was from the Bulolo Plantation Revenue Account.
He said the account received K5million annually from levies from PNG Forest Products.
It was decided through an agreement with Government that part of the revenue be used to fund roads in the district.
Tomuriesa said it was a “very special moment” for the NFA to come out and help in the development of the district, thanks to Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill.
He said the idea would now a precedent for future forest projects in the country, with infrastructure development to be factored as corporate social responsibilities and also in agreements.
“We are now venturing out of our normal operations and looking at infrastructure developments,” Tomuriesa said.