Gulf district prepares to mine new opportunities

By PISAI GUMAR
HUON Gulf district integrated development plan 2018-2022 focuses on preparing its backyard to capture opportunities created by Wafi-Golpu mine.
The district headquarters will be moved from Lae to Nadzab while three services centres at Tsilisili, in Lower Watut, Popdubi, in Salamaua, and Goma-Pema, in Morobe Patrol Post, will be created.
Chief executive Moses Wanga said the Popdubi service centre would later become Salamaua local level government centre due to rising sea levels and limited space for expansion at the current location.
He said Wampar health centre would be improved to rural hospital status to cater for referrals from Morobe and Salamaua.
“Improvements will be done to existing health centres,” he said.
“In human resource development, Salamaua High School will be upgraded to secondary.
“Fisheries will be taught at Morobe High School as a technical institution.
“New institutions to be built include Gabmazung Technical High School, Tsilisili Vocational Centre and Wampar High School.”
The tertiary scholarship scheme was phased in with MP Ross Seymour starting a tertiary students’ allowance scheme.
Wanga said the district would work with Fresh Produce Development Agency to develop horticulture. There will also be improvements in cocoa farming and cattle grazing.
In fisheries, Wanga said the district would work with existing agents to establish ice-making and cold-storage facilities for coastal fishermen.
It will also revive the credit scheme for fisheries businesses.