Story from:
16 Dec 2022
Project Key Personnels travels to Ihu to familiarise locals about project plans going forward.
After previous awareness visit from Ihu Special Economic Zone Land Mobilisation Team Members during late November till early December last year throughout Ihu LLG, another team consisting of the ISEZ Managing Director, senior team members and other stakeholders travelled to the project site in Ihu mid-December last year. The aim of the trip is for the ISEZ team to familiarize the government, local people and stakeholders with their project plans going forward.
Flying in from Port Moresby, the ISEZ senior team members visited two sites (Hobo Youth Camp and Mereke Market) in Ihu LLG after meeting up with Charles Maiu (Ihu LLG President and Acting Deputy Governor for Gulf Province), Tony Auvita (ISEZ Land Mobilization and Monitoring and Evaluation Team Lead) and Tars Sauka (Kikori District Administrator) at Kerema airport.
Upon arrival at the first location (Hobo Youth Camp) the team had a warm welcome from the local leader in his speech, he then further spoke about the youth’s appreciation of ISEZs work. Also, he added that they will continue to work with ISEZ to advance their current living conditions going forward.
Furthermore, few main points were highlighted by Joshua Eapa (Ward 5 member), and Steven Ilave (First Secretary to the Minister, Office of the Minister for Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs) was about, wanting more assistance from the Government, Project Developers and ISEZ, and also maintaining the momentum on what the youths are doing for the good of future generations. In addition, ISEZ Managing Director (MD), Peter Kengemar, explained about the ISEZ project plans that will be happening within Ihu.
For their second visit to Mareke Market the team was welcomed by Kikori District Development Authority Board Member, David Lia. Then, MD Mr. Kengemar basically gave a similar speech about the ISEZ project plans within the districts.
In addition, a key point was highlighted as well during both trips, President of Ihu LLG and Acting Deputy Governor for Gulf Province, Charles Maiu, spoke about the splitting of Ihu LLG in the next LLG election in 2024, he stated that Ihu will split into East Ihu LLG and West Ihu LLG. Moreover, Mr. Maiu assured the people that the two LLG will still work together as Ihu LLG going forward.
The trip was initially planned to involve other key members as well that includes, Honorable Richard Maru, Minister for International Trade and Investments, PNG Government and CEO, Chairman & Chief Economist, Japan Development Institute Limited (JDIL), Dr. Shoichi Kobayashi. However, with their absence during the trip, the team notified the people that they will return the following week.