Redeveloping Voco Point

By GLORIA BAUAI
THE National Fisheries Authority (NFA) will redevelop the Voco Point waterfront in Lae, Morobe, into a K105 million coastal fisheries hub, NFA managing director John Kasu says.
Kasu said the facility would be the central point for fish landing, processing and distribution, for Morobe and nearby provinces.
“The development will comprise a waterfront facility for landing and unloading and sale of fresh fish, a facility for receiving, processing and distribution of frozen fish, steaks and loins and the National Fisheries Authorities regional office complex,” Kasu said.
He said fish caught from neighbouring provinces of Northern, Manus, East and West New Britain would be channelled to Voco Point and then redistributed to business houses, small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) and residents of Morobe and the Highlands.
“This is a key initiative of NFA’s larger agenda to contribute to the welfare and participation of our coastal communities in nation building and growing the economy through a greater improved supply chain and distribution network for fisheries and marine products,” he said.
“This is captured in the PNG Fisheries Strategic Plan 2021-2030 on the need to develop enabling infrastructure and improve operating environment and also to optimise the participation of our PNG citizens.”
Kasu expressed confidence in the timing of the event, especially when the world was changing its way of doing business due to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, along with the country’s unique challenges.
He said this big impact project was feasible in terms of the return on investment to NFA, province and country’s economy.
During the launch on Friday, Kasu called on fishing groups and communities to start preparing themselves to participate in this project.
Kasu said the facility would be developed over an 18-month period and expected to open for operation by next October.