Mine villages seeing fruits of K7 million venture

THE Mount Fubilan egg and poultry project is now producing quality eggs in its first seven months at Tabubil in Western.
The undertaking is the first co-funded, large-scale project for the six mine villages of Atemkit, Finalbin, Bultem, Kavorabip, Migalsimbip and Wangbin.
The villages have begun receiving compensation benefits from the Ok Tedi Mining Limited.
The Mt Fubilan Agro Business poultry project was facilitated by the Ok Tedi Development Foundation and implemented by Israeli agro-business company, Innovative Agro Industries.
The project cost K7 million and was funded by the six village planning committees (60 per cent), Star Mountains Women’s Association (20 per cent) and IAI (20 per cent).
The project is currently producing 2000 eggs per day.
Its first customer, the Mineral Resources Star Mountains, has already purchased 12,000 eggs through its subsidiary company, Fubilan Catering Services.
Association president Clara Fred Dangkim said the project was a huge achievement for the mine villages.
“This is a big achievement and milestone for the six mine villages,” she said.
“We have had many differences and attitude problems over the years.
“We must now work together in one spirit to make the project become fruitful.”