Mine starts second phase of project

THE OK Tedi Mining Ltd has started the second phase of the tax credit scheme-funded Oksapmin Secondary School development project.
Hausman Building Solutions was awarded the contract to build dormitories, ablution blocks and a mess hall.
According to a statement from OTML, the project is expected to cost K36 million.
Learning facilities and infrastructure completed in the first phase included two classrooms, an administration building, science laboratory, library and seven teachers’ quarters.
The project which started in 2008 was affected by logistics issues, weather and disputes with landowners.
OTML economic programmes manager Steve Hoap urged the people to allow the contractor to complete the work without disruptions.
“This project is important to us as education is our means to development and improved living standards,” Hoap said.
“We must cooperate with the contractor and not disrupt the completion of this project.”
Telefomin MP Solan Mirisim thanked OTML, the Ok Tedi Development Foundation and the contractor.
The school recently was upgraded to secondary school level and set to recruit between 40 and 60 intakes for Grade 11 next year.
“I appeal to the people of Oksapmin to stop disrupting the project’s progress and support stakeholders to ensure the project is completed in a timely manner,” Mirisim said.
“This school will bring big changes to Oksapmin. We will have more students continuing their education right at their doorstep, and they will have further chance at their education development and can bring back a lot to the community if they are educated,” he said.