District makes millions in venture

Namatanai Advanced Ltd (NAL), the district development authority’s business arm, has been generating K2.4 million annually, according to local MP Walter Schnaubelt’s office.
NAL was established to generate revenue specifically for the district and has been doing well since its establishment two years ago with a number of business initiatives.
Walter’s Farming Association (WFA) Buying Point in the district was set up as one of those initiatives to supply fresh produce from local farmers to Lihir Gold Ltd, with a three-year contract between NAL and Newcrest Catering Services Ltd (NCS).
NCS has been supplying 40 per cent of the customer’s rations.
The WFA Buying Point in Namatanai will celebrate its one-year anniversary next month and Prime Minister James Marape is expected to attend during a two-day visit.
Schnaubelt said: “This is an opportunity for the district to have the presence of the PM where there will be some strategic decisions and judgements made by the PM to develop the district.
“The prime minister will make his first Lihir mine tour and participate in the Lihir Ring Road ground-breaking ceremony on Dec 12 and on the following day witness the first anniversary of the WFA Buying Point in Namatanai town.
“Prime Minister Marape has been vocal about developing the agriculture sector and Namatanai is moving in that direction with the establishment of the WFA Buying Point in Namatanai.
“This is a direct benefit injected into the district’s local economy, thus impacting the lives of many rural people like never before.”