Province to open new project

 By TONY PALME KIP
A MULTI-million kina agro industrial project will be built at  Talum in Surunki valley, Enga by agronomists from Israel.
Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas, Wabag MP Robert Ganim, deputy provincial administrator Sandis Tsaka, staff from the provincial administration, leaders and hundreds of people witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony of the K23 million Enga Agro Industrial Centre on Tuesday.
Sir Peter described the occasion as one that could change Enga forever. He hopes it would stop tribal fights and boost development.
The project was made possible through the initiative of Tsaka who arranged with the Israelis to partner with the Enga provincial administration.
Innovative Agro Industry Ltd chairman Ilan Weiss said the construction phase should start next week.
“We already have the equipment in the country and the facilities are on site so it will be built immediately,” Weiss said.
He said crops such as potato, carrots, onions, garlic, strawberries, different kinds of berries and other vegetables would be grown.
“We will bring the produce in sealed containers and supply them to markets in Lae and Port Moresby.”
Weiss said the construction phase would see 300 locals employed.
This will increase in the latter stages.
He said they would set up a diesel energy source to power the station as construction progressed.
He said locals would be trained to work on the farm.
Weiss thanked Sir Peter and the provincial government for their vision to develop agriculture in the province.
Sir Peter urged the people to embrace the new development and refrain from fighting.
“Put down your guns, take up yours spades,” he said.