As part of a concerted effort to enhance healthcare and well-being at the community level, Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) has collaborated with its business partners and the Migalsim Village Councillor and Village Planning Committee (VPC), to deliver and open a Clinic and Staff House.
The official opening on 14th September was attended by OTML Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Kedi Ilimbit, Board Chairman, Jeffrey Innes, Executive Leadership and Management representatives, and Business Partners.
The new clinic will play a pivotal role as one of the catchment clinics for the Tabubil Hospital, providing essential medical services, staff, and a steady supply of medical resources.
Village Ward Councillor, Roy Meki, commended the Migalsim community for collaborating with OTML and landowner companies’ leaders to establish the Clinic and urged them to take ownership of the facility.
“We must now take ownership and look after the clinic and staff house. It took us a lot of hard work and sacrifice to deliver this critical service.”
Reflecting on this milestone, Mr Ilimbit, said, “As long as OTML remains operational, we will continue to work with the landowner representative bodies and companies to maximize benefits to the mine villages and surrounding communities.”
He further added, “We have already held discussions with the (Tabubil) Hospital on how to extend such benefits to other mine villages as well as other local communities.”
The Project was funded at a total cost of K380, 000 through OTML’s Community Relations & Sustainability Department with a commitment of K180,000, the Migalsim Community allocated K100,000 of their dividend payment from Mineral Resources Star Mountain (MRSM) and Milum Group of Companies assisted through the Ok Tedi Landowners Royalty Investment Trust with K100,000.
Starwest Limited implemented the project with construction commencing in 2021.
This collaborative effort between OTML and the Migalsim community underscores the commitment to sustainable development and community well-being in the region. The completion of these projects is a testament to the positive impact that can be achieved when landowner business entities, OTML and local communities unite for a common goal.
Migalsim is one of the six mine villages and hosts the Ok Menga Hydro Power Station which supplies around 75% of power to Tabubil Town, and Ok Tedi’s Mill and Mining operation.