Multi-million kina fishery projects set for Morobe, Madang

Business

THE National Fisheries Authority (NFA) and Fisheries and Marine Resources Department are developing two major fishery projects in Morobe and Madang, Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister Dr Lino Tom says.
“The Voco Point facility will cost about K100 million,” he revealed.
“Funding for the project is ready.
“We are just waiting for the final business plan to be completed and other necessary requirements before the before the project goes on tender in August.
“Tender for the Wagang fisheries wharf feasibility studies will be awarded soon while the Pacific Maritime Industrial Zone (PMIZ) project in Madang has been given a ministerial economic committee approval and should start any time after the Treasury approved the loan.”
Tom, who visited Lae, Morobe, on Thursday, said the Voco Point project would be the fishery hub to provide facilities for local fish farmers.
“Fishery products in the province will be brought to this facility and, from here, it will facilitate the trade,” he explained.
Voco Point will be the first such project that the NFA and department were be building in the country and similar projects would also be planned in other maritime provinces.
“The building of such facilities will give much needed chances for local fish farmers (both in-land and coastal) to market their fishery products and generate income,” he added.
Meanwhile, NFA managing director John Kasu said Huon Gulf, Finschhafen and Tewae-Siassi would have jetties built in the near future to help local fish farmers.