New dinghies to ease locals’ travel burden

WOMEN, youth and church groups in Gulf’s Kikori have each been given a new 40-horse-powered dinghies, thanks to Petroleum Resources Kutubu (PRK).
PRK, a subsidiary of the Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC), recently handed over four 40HP dinghies to the three groups.
The fourth dinghy was earmarked for the general use of the Kikori community.
Kikori women’s council president Waro Baigei said: “We have had no support to empower us in our activities.
“The Kikori delta area is quite large.
“It’s a difficult place with transport.
“We have been having great difficulty pursuing SME (small-medium enterprises) activities, participating in church and youth outreach activities.
“Sometimes we hire private dinghies, but it’s very expensive.”
PRK director Abraham Murepe said: “I know they will put it to good use.”
MRDC investment manager Jordan Paul said: “Our focus is on delivering infrastructure and intervening in the community in places like Kikori and other project-impacted areas to lift standard of living and bring change.”
Meanwhile, Murepe has sought help from Santos Ltd to transport the dinghies and outboard motors to Kikori by barge.