K20mil for road upgrade good for oil palm business

By ALEX UMARI
UPNG Journalism Student
The K20 million funding from the Government for upkeep of oil palm access roads is much needed, West New Britain Governor Sasindran Muthuvel, pictured, says.
He said this was the first time the Government had given money to upgrade and maintain oil palm access roads from the National Budget.
Muthuvel said good roads and bridges were vital in transporting oil palm nuts from growers in the blocks to the mill, and finally, to the wharf.
He said this would support and grow the industry.
Muthuvel said the oil palm industry would continue to benefit the people and support the Government through tax revenue.
He said West New Britain was known for oil palm and added that New Britain Palm Oil Ltd (NBPOL) had expanded to New Ireland, Milne Bay, Northern, Madang, Morobe and the Solomon Islands.
Muthuvel urged the Government to continue its support for the industry.
He also called for the two oil palm plantation companies – NBPOL and Hargy Oil Palm Ltd – to be sustainable in their growth.
Muthuvel also revealed that NBPOL was interested in coconut oil production.