Work starts on centre to get cocoa back on its feet

THREE new cocoa resources centres will be built in Talasea to help rehabilitate the industry in the district after it was hit by the cocoa pod borer pest in 2006.
A ground-breaking ceremony was held last week to start the construction work.
The cocoa rehabilitation project will cost K1.7 million and will be co-funded by the Australian government and the Talasea district in support of its five-year district development plan.
The construction of the centre is expected to be completed in May next year.
The ceremony was attended by local MP Francis Galia Maneke, West New Britain administrator Robert Dau, Department for Provincial and Local Government Affairs deputy director for capacity development Ray Kala and the Australian High Commission’s minister counsellor Andrew Egan.
In a press statement, Maneke said: “I am very pleased to partner the Australian government to deliver local priorities for the benefit of Talasea. I am committed to improving governance in my district, and Australia is helping to build local capacity to manage and implement local development projects that benefit the community.” Egan said Australia was working with the district to support the revival of the cocoa industry to diversify economic opportunities and provide livelihood for local farmers, including women and their families.
“Cocoa can provide a sustainable income for local farmers and their families to improve livelihood in the community, particularly for women,” he said. Egan said the resource centres would be a hub for the local people, including women, to be trained in cocoa production techniques and how to access markets.
The Australian government said it was pleased to work in partnership with the district development authority to build its capacity and improve local governance. Egan said the programme would help empower communities to address local challenges using local solutions.
He said Australia was working with districts and provinces to improve the lives of their communities and make commitment to improve governance.