Development partners satisfied with outcome of funds

A delegation from the World Bank group and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) was satisfied to see firsthand outcome of some coffee rehabilitation work in the country.
The coffee development work which they financed under a loan agreement with the Government included construction and improvement of nine coffee economic roads in main Arabica coffee growing provinces.
Last Thursday, the team visited a 4km Avi market to Kamdika road in Anglimp-South Waghi, Jiwaka, which has been improved.
The once abandoned road which was completed in August 2019 serves between 6,000 and 7,000 coffee growers and others in the Avi market and Kamdika area.
The World Bank group led by country director for PNG and Pacific Islands Michel Kerf included country manager for PNG Stefano Mocci and International Finance Cooperation country manager for Pacific Tom Jacobs.
“We’re pleased to see the outcome of what we have done,” Kerf said.
“We’re also here to learn from you so we can do better next time.”
A coffee farmer Dorris Pais shared with the delegation the struggles womenfolk in the area faced.
“We used to carry our coffee and other garden produce and walk to the main Highlands Highway,” she said.
“We do the same with our sick children.
“PMVs come in now and we’re very thankful.
“We pray that you will continue the same work with other communities.”
An official, on behalf of the provincial government, thanked the various agencies involved in bring the infrastructure.