New buses for Lihir Island

COOPERATION and good working relationship between a local level government ward member and the Lihir Mining Area Landowners Association (LMALA) on Lihir Island, New Ireland province, has resulted in the delivery of two brand new 25-seater buses to a group of villagers on Sunday.
Nimamar LLG ward 11 member Albert Bungim and his Zuen villagers celebrated their acquisition with a dedication service and a small feast in the presence of LMALA officials, Lihir Gold Limited (LGL) transport and Lihir Auto Services (Ela Motors) representatives.
The buses, bought from a loan of about K347,000 each obtained from the Nationwide Micro Bank Lihir branch, would be contracted to LGL to service its workforce and that of its contractors on the gold mining island under a three-year operational agreement.  The vehicles were part of the ward 11’s commercial projects initiative and will be managed by Kunaye Investments Limited.
The buses come complete with a K30,000 comprehensive insurance cover, are air-conditioned and rust-proof.
Applauding his people and the ward 11 development committee for the purchase, Mr Bungim said that the new buses replace an earlier route 20 vehicle that was contracted out to LGL and used for the past five years.
“While I am happy with the purchase, the challenge is now upon us as a village community to ensure the buses remain operational to benefit our people holistically,” Mr Bungim said.
Ela Motors Lihir branch manager Jerry Tiso encouraged the people to maintain the strong business mentality that had taken root among them.