Villagers get free service to transport produce

 VILLAGERS in Middle Fly, Western, will be provided proper boats to transport their farm produce to the markets – for free.

Following an agreement signed between the PNG Sustainable Development Program (PNGSDP) and the Middle Fly Development Trust, K900,000 will be released to the Middle Fly Community Mine Continuation Agreement Trust to buy the boats and outboard engines.

Chief executive officer of PNGSDP David Sode said: “The equipment will enable the villagers to get their vegetables and cup rubber to the market quickly and safely and increase their income.”

He said the dinghy-like vessels would be owned and operated by the various communities. 

“They are more efficient, reliable and safer than the canoes they are using,” Sode said.

“These dinghies are designed and built specifically for long trips carrying substantial amount of cargo.

“Our estimates show that not only will life be made easier for them but they can also expect to benefit from the cheaper transport costs.”

He said because their produce would be in a fresher and better condition when they arrived at the market, the farmers could get more income from their sales.