KAYOP INVESTMENT CONTINUES SERVICE DELIVERY TO RURAL PARTS OF WESTERN PROVINCES

BY MARTINA TAKANENG

KAYOP Investment Limited, in partnership with Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML), is fast-tracking an 8.24 km project to connect remote communities in the Olsobip district to essential services in Western Province.

The projected cost is at approximately K37 million which is fully funded by the OTML Tax Credit Scheme.

Kayop Investment Ltd Managing Director Maino Lucas characterized the project as an “emergency road” as for years, the rugged terrain of Western Province has acted as a barrier to basic human services.

He added that their plan is to give to the community by supporting them with programs with sustainable infrastructure that will impact to the people for a long run.

Lucas said this project, which targets a road stretch from the Tabubil-Olsobip Junction to Golgubip Station is currently ahead of schedule with an estimated 40-45% completion rate.

He stressed that the engineering of the route has proven more complex than initial surveys suggested with a study estimated at 9-kilometer stretch but with the “rough and ruggedness” of the terrain it has pushed the actual distance to nearly 13–14 kilometres.

To date, crews have finished 4 km of land clearing and 3 km of advanced preparation with the Kayop survey teams already scouting beyond Golgubip into Marry Valley to map out the next phase of the road network.