Ferry point to boost activities

PEOPLE on the west coast of Namatanai, New Ireland, will have the opportunity to venture into economic activities through the establishment of a ferry point service at the old Matakan plantation.
The old plantation station is set to become the central point of transit for passengers travelling to Kokopo in East New Britain and Namatanai, while the chances of participating in economic activities by locals in the area is expected to increase.
Local MP Walter Schnaubelt selected Matakan plantation as the ideal ferry point to open up business and economic opportunities.
“It’s about bringing change which you have not experienced before,” he said.
“This is an opportunity with the ferry point established here in Matakan and you, the people of West Coast Namatanai will benefit economically from the services that will soon be established here,” Schnaubelt said, while delivering a K1.5million in projects in Matakan on Saturday.
He said the new ferry was part of the K1.5million project package which would provide safer travel option for people to use.
“I secured the land tittle on the old plantation not for my own benefit but for you people to benefit from this service which is now at your door step,” he said.
The MP said there were plans to develop Matakan with other vital services to follow through such as setting up of a supermarket, a jetty and buying point for farmers to have close access to selling their garden produce.
Schnaubelt said the ferry was insured, secured with safety guaranteed and licenced to operate. It would be operated by a certified boat captain.
Schnaubelt said the service offered would be of a different scale compared to other small boat operators.