Ok Tedi Mining Limited recently handed over keys to a new barracks for single police officers based in Tabubil.
The barracks comprising 18 air-conditioned rooms, with eight (8) self-contained rooms and 10 regular rooms with shared ablution facilities, a kitchen, and a dining area was funded under the Ok Tedi Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme (ITCS) at a cost of K2 million.
The new facility replaces the old police single quarters barracks which was rendered uninhabitable by the Health Inspector in 2018.
Deputy Secretary for Public Investment Program with the Department of National Planning & Monitoring, Mr Roger Kora, commended OTML saying the ITCS funded projects ensured Government programs continued to be implemented.
“At this point in which the country is recovering after the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has largely affected implementation of major Government programs, we are pleased to note that this has had little impact especially on tax credit programs within the areas that we are working in, particularly in the procurement and the development of projects that we have lined up,” said Mr Kora.
Assistant Commissioner Police Border Command, Peter Phillip, described the barracks as world class and similar to police accommodation facilities in other countries he has visited.
“You are fortunate to have a new barracks. This is a modern facility so please look after it.,” said ACP Phillip when addressing the Policemen and women.
OTML Managing Director, Musje Werror, said OTML is a major development partner in the province and acknowledged the National Government’s confidence in OTML to deliver tax credit projects on its behalf. He said OTML had spent over K300 million on ITCS projects since the public private partnership program was initiated in 1997.
He added that the National Government had also approved the increase in the Ok Tedi ITCS rate from 0.75% to 2% which will enable OTML to deliver more impact projects throughout the province in accordance with the Government’s development program.
“We will be focusing on roads, health, education, law and order and justice sectors and have identified a number of projects which include the upgrading of the Kiunga Courthouse and the Kiunga Hospital,” said Mr Werror.
He added that works on the sealing of the Tabubil Kiunga Highway will commence shortly while the Tabubil to Telefomin and Olsobip Road project is progressing as per schedule.