Miner boosts City Mission with K306,000

 NEWCREST Mining Ltd, developer of the Lihir open pit mine in New Ireland, has given A$150,000 (K306,000) to City Mission to support its work in the country.

With the donation from Newcrest in 2013, work will commence on a new vocational manual arts classroom in Port Moresby and the completion of a new staff duplex in Lae.

The assistance provided in 2012 helped complete new dormitories, staff housing, expansion of a mechanical workshop and kitchen, and screen printing facilities at the City Missions in Lae and Port Moresby.

A two-storey complex was completed, which includes sleeping quarters and ablution facilities on the top floor and a classroom on the bottom floor. 

The City Mission used the facilities to deliver its outreach programmes at the Mirigeda farm, outside Port Moresby.

Newcrest’s funding was used to repair Mirigeda farm’s water pump plus 100m of piping, allowing water to flow again to a 35,000-litre tank. 

The water is used to supply the farm and irrigate the crops on the 38ha property.

“Over the years with the long dry spells, it has been difficult to cultivate regularly. Without the support from Newcrest, we would have continued to struggle,” City Mission general manager, Pr Ron Brown said.