Issue 01, January 2017

Page 2 Page 3

PORGERAJOINT VENTURE PORGERA POSITIVE

Porgera WiB and IPI sign deal

PJV delivers walking aids for PDPA

PJV donates building materials to Tipinini

Page 4

In this issue...

‘Let’s work together in 2017’By Sophia Magi

Porgera miner Barrick (Niugi-ni) Limited (“BNL”) has met

with local leaders and stakehold-ers thanking them for their sup-port in 2016.

On the same token the com-pany called for support, stronger relationship, and co-operation for a successful 2017 for all.

Many who gathered spoke very highly of the company’s sup-port over the years.

Corporate Social Responsibil-ity (CSR) Manager Timothy An-dambo said the gathering on 5 January this year was to acknowl-edge community leaders and stakeholders that stood out for their communities and also sup-ported the Porgera Joint Venture (PJV) in 2016.

“The theme for this gather-ing is let’s work together in 2017.

“At the end of the day, PJV, PDA, national government, provincial government, disability group, se-curity operations, youth…we are all serving the same community”, he told the gathering.

He also highlighted some chal-lenges that PJV and the commu-nity experienced last year. These included the Lukulama landslip, Yarik sinkhole, and transition of the Paiam hospital from private to public, closure of the Paiam (Town) Management Company (PMC), and issues affecting PDA, the Highlands Highway, as well as vandalism of communication towers.

“Thank you to all who had supported the business during these times. PJV will now manage the Paiam water and sewerage ser-vices using funds under PDA

Community Land Access Agreements Senior Officer Luitha William (right) working with locals at Maipangi, near Porgera station. Picture by Sheila Lasibori.Continued on page 2

‘Compass has taught me a lot’ - Hasimani

By Sophia Magi

“Compass gives you an oppor-tunity to move and learn and

Porgera alone presents a lot of opportunity for development”, Underground Geologist Daniel Hasimani said.

Daniel is the third to complete Level One (1) under the Compass Professional Development Pro-gram.

On 10 December last year at the 28 level, Daniel received a Statement of Completion from the Investing in People and Sys-tems – Employee Development (IPS-ED) team for completing the Compass Level 1 Program in Ge-ology.

IPS-ED Senior Advisor for Leadership Development Xavier Jetson said in the past, there were not much development or pro-gress with Compass but there has been good participation in profes-sional development from Geology.

“Compass helps to guide you through those formative years in your field but as you become pro-fessionals in your field, we look to you as a compass to direct the company.

“We want to deliver quality ge-ologists who are able to deliver to standards anywhere in the world”, he said.

Daniel joined the Porgera operation in 2011 and getting

through to complete Level 1 in Geology, he admitted was chal-lenging and he even contemplated giving up then.

Senior geologist Bradley Park-er congratulated Daniel for his ef-forts in completing the Technical Learning Objectives (TLOs).

“…it demonstrates to others what can be achieved with focus and persistence”, he said.

Daniel thanked his geology seniors and colleagues for their understanding and support for him to get through the program.

“If you have the desire to learn, the opportunities are available. Compass is a key driver to learn and develop in all facets of geol-ogy.

“The opportunities for pro-fessional development in Porgera with the Open Pit, Underground and Minex I think is something you won’t find in a lot of sites around the world”, Daniel said.

He also encouraged others still on the program to get an inti-mate knowledge of what they have learnt and not just have the TLOs signed off for the sake of complet-

ing the program.When the program was in-

troduced in 2012, there were 32 graduates in the technical fields of engineering, geology, mine engi-neering, metallurgy and geotech-nical engineering. There are cur-rently 60 employees undertaking the program.

The other two who have com-pleted Level 1 in their respective fields are: Senior Mine Engineer Adrian Gereg for the Mining En-gineers Module in August 2015, and Senior Geotechnical Engineer Sylvester Martin for the Geotech-nical Engineers Module in July last year.

Barrick Gold Corp designed the program to provide new grad-uates or employees entering the industry with a development pro-gram that provides both a solid foundation of technical and or professional knowledge coupled with leadership skill development.

Barrick Gold and Zijin Min-ing Group Co. are equal own-ers of Barrick (Niugini) Lim-ited (“BNL”) which operates the Porgera gold mine in Enga.

Daniel with his Compass certificate. Picture by Steven Kaikai.

Porgera Positive, January 20172

PJV delivers walking aids for PDPA

By Sophia Magi

Porgera Joint Venture (PJV) will support persons living with

disability in Porgera District who are currently in school or pursue further education.

Corporate Social Responsibil-ity (CSR) Manager Timothy An-dambo revealed this to members of the Porgera Disabled Persons Association (PDPA) in December

PDPA recipients of crutches with CR staff in a group photo at the Suyan Recreation Hall. Picture by Steven Kaikai.

last year, when PJV delivered as-sistive devices as walking aids to some members of the Association.

The walking aids consisted of auxiliary crutches, elbow crutches and walking sticks.

The Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) had donated the walking aids to the PNG Na-tional Board for Disabled Per-sons through the Strongim Pipol,

Strongim Nesen (strengthen peo-ple, strengthen nation) Program.

The Board then through its networks with non-government organisations (NGOs) needed to distribute the aids across the country.

The National Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (NOPS) is such organisation and through its working network with PJV through the Corporate Social Re-

sponsibility (CSR) Community Development Section (CDS), at least 18 of the total 27 recom-mended PDPA members received the aids. The other nine received theirs after the presentation.

CDS facilitated the delivery on 28 December after it received 12 boxes from NOPS. These were six boxes of 18 auxiliary crutches, four with 18 elbow crutches, one box with 18 walking sticks and

the last box contained over 100 pieces of rubber tips. The 18 items distributed were according to the individual need following NOPS’ assessment on PDPA members last year.

Senior Manager for CSR and Asset Protection Department (APD) Bruce Morton witnessed the distribution exercise at the Suyan Recreation Hall.

He said the company was only happy to assist where it can for members of the community in which the mine operates.

“In community development we can have a lot of plans or pro-grams but what we really want is to find out who in the community we should really help”, Bruce said.

Timothy said the most impor-tant thing was that PJV recognised PDPA as a stakeholder.

He acknowledged the efforts of those involved in bringing the de-vices to Porgera for PDPA mem-bers and also challenged PDPA to practice accountability.

“To the PDPA, put in proper reports…transparency in man-agement of these things is impor-tant. If there is accountability and transparency, donor organisations will be happy to continue to as-sist.”

PDPA President and PJV em-ployee Thomas Petale thanked AusAID for the devices and also CDS for recognising and support-ing the disability population in the district through the PDPA.

PDPA member Injipen Yambu from Panadaka thanked the PJV team for considering the needs of people living with disability.

“We were not like this before. Now we have a good group of people and we are seeing assis-tance for our people. Thank you PJV for taking care of us and may God bless you”.

In June last year, PJV assisted NOPS and facilitated the delivery of 10 new wheelchairs to some PDPA members. The wheelchairs were donated by the Church of Je-sus Christ of the Latter Day Saints through a project funded by the Australian Government.

In March this year, CDS will facilitate a strategy development workshop for PDPA to enable the group to do proper plans and programs for its ongoing progress and development.

‘Let’s work together in 2017’

From page 1 for upgrading and maintenance”, Timothy said.

He also told of new projects that included the construction and upgrade of Paiam High School through a K9.5 million – K1.1m from BNL and K8.4m from the Government-owned Tax Credit Scheme (TCS) – and the transition of the Paiam hospi-tal, among others.

PJV representatives at the gathering were: Occupational Health and Safety Manager Robin Sheahan, Manager Environment Charlie Ross and Senior Manager for Human Resource (HR) and Employee Development (ED) David Lilley.

David talked on the success of

the Job Ready Program (JRP) in 2016 and the program’s focus for this year.

“Thank you to the commu-nity. It’s your focus on getting your children educated that has allowed us to put together the JRP and the first 100 for 2016 are changing perception of locals at the workplace.

“We are optimistic to put through another 100 for 2017…the support has been excellent from the community, Corporate Social Responsibility, Asset Pro-tection Department, and opera-tions.

“We hope to work together in 2017 and have the same level of success for the recruitment pro-gram”, he said.

Charlie spoke of the conser-

David gave a review of the JRP. Picture by Judith Mameri.

vation work on Mt Kaijende and the Forest Stewards project em-phasising the need for commu-nity support for these programs.

Also present was Lagaip-Porgera Member of Parliament (MP) Nixon Koeka Mangape.

He acknowledged the com-pany for supporting the Porgera Development Authority (PDA), Porgera local level government (LLG) and establishment of the Job Ready Program (JRP).

He also supported the Mt Kaijende conservation project.

LLG president Leo Kuala thanked PJV for meeting with the leaders and stakeholders and also committed to support PJV initia-tives, and he was also thankful for JRP.

Porgera branch of Women in Business (WiB) President Eliza-beth Iarume said Porgera will not progress unless people changed their attitudes.

“A lot of infrastructure within Porgera is continuously being de-stroyed and vandalised because of attitude problems.

“This is not a sign of existing leadership…leaders, you have to take a look at your own backyard before we start talking about col-laboration and progress.

“PJV is here to do business but is also being a service pro-vider.

“We have to fix ourselves first and then PJV will assist us”, Mrs Iarume said.

The Lukulama landslip was a challenge for everyone. File picture.

The different crutches received from NOPS. Picture by Steven Kaikai.

Porgera Positive, January 2017 3

Porgera WiB and IPI sign deal

Mr Buckland (left) and Mrs Iarume with the signed contract.

The Porgera branch of Women in Business (WiB) has signed

a five-year contract with Ipili Porgera Investments (IPI) Group of Company

Under the contract with IPI Catering Limited (IPI), the WiB group will supply 23 varieties of vegetables to the IPI kitchens to meet the caterer’s weekly demand for fresh vegetables to serve at least 4,800 meals per day.

IPI is the caterer for the Porgera gold mine.

IPI Porgera Project Manager Mark Buckland said WiB’s pro-posal in May last year was ap-proved to support and work with the local business entity and to grow IPI’s ties with the local com-munity, while offering employ-ment opportunities to future gen-erations.

“Six months ago…Porgera women in business approached IPI to see if we could help in de-veloping the community spirit within Porgera. To do this, they asked us if they could produce vegetables from the community.

“So today I stand here with a contract to be signed by IPI and WiB”, Mr Buckland said prior to

Story & Picture by Elise Anga

the official signing of the contract by the parties.

Mr Buckland and Porgera WiB president Elizabeth Iarume signed the contract.

“Porgera women in business want to serve the women. We want to assist the women to embark on agriculture…we already have the market.

“It is now time for us to plough the land. We do not need to go to

tertiary institutions to learn about farming. It is part of our tradition and culture”, Mrs Iarume said.

She also encouraged the wom-en to take up agriculture activities now that they had the opportunity to receive assistance from IPI, the Porgera Joint Venture (PJV), and the local Member of Parliament (MP).

In August last year WiB started supplying vegetables to the MC

kitchens at the time part of the Highlands Highway in Enga was cut off when the Kera Bridge at Laiagam was destroyed by some disgruntled locals that reportedly had issues with the Department of Works (DoW).

Mr Buckland said IPI was hap-py with the WiB’s performance so far on the delivery of vegetables.

“The quality is the standard we require. Initially we set annual

incremental volume targets for the WiB and judging by current de-liveries, they will reach their first targets ahead of schedule”, a very positive Mr Buckland said.

But he cautioned that the big-gest challenge was continuity of the supply. He said previously lo-cal suppliers who had ventured into the same project had fallen over due to the interference of supply issues.

He added Porgera WiB had been the first to be able to suc-cessfully meet the challenge and IPI was proud to have been able to assist the group in its journey toward business success.

The contract signing cer-emony on 11 January this year coincided with the opening of WiB’s K80,000 nursery at Anawe, which was constructed following the positive feedback from the IPI Group.

The nursery houses a vari-ety of vegetable seedlings which include lettuce, spring and bulb onions, broccoli, and a variety of cabbage, among others. WiB has 1,157 registered members from 32 affiliated women groups within Porgera. The 32 have been divided into eight groups with each group scheduled to supply selected veg-etables weekly to the IPI kitchens.

Porgera WiB has a nursery

Story & Picture by Elise Anga

The Porgera branch of Women in Business (WiB) established in 2014 now has a nursery construct-ed at the value of K80,000.

The nursery at Anawe houses

a variety of vegetable seedlings which include lettuce, spring and bulb onions, broccoli, and a vari-ety of cabbage, among others.

The Lagaip-Porgera Member of Parliament (MP) Nixon Koeka Mangape, who has been very sup-portive of the group, officiated at

the opening on 11 January this year.

He spoke highly of the women for establishing such a group, add-ing that Porgera miner Barrick (Niugini) Limited (“BNL”) and the government would support groups that were able to initiate

such projects.“When you organise your-

selves, Porgera Joint Venture will provide assistance as well as the provincial and the local govern-ment…and I thank PJV for the assistance it provided”, a very ap-preciative Mr Mangape said.

BNL supported the nursery through the provision of a 9,000 litre water tank, seedling trays and barrels for the nursery centre.

Corporate Social Responsibil-ity (CSR) Resettlement Project Manager John Gillman said the company assists women through established groups such as the WiB.

“…this looks like a very excit-ing and a great project and I wish you all the best and Porgera Joint Venture supports you all in mak-ing this a success”, he said.

The company had also engaged a village agriculture extension of-ficer to provide hands-on training in farming with assistance from officers within the CSR Commu-nity Development Section.

Porgera WiB president Eliza-beth Iarume said the nursery was constructed after the group received positive feedback on its business proposal to the Ipili Porgera Investments (iPi) Group of Company.

The nursery is roofed with clear corrugated polycarbonate sheets – a building material suit-able for greenhouse environment (http://www.greenhousemegastore.com).

Ruth Kutato and Yaswan Saka-ris are WiB members from Mun-gulep village who had transplant-ed seedlings onto the group’s trial garden located at the back of the nursery.

The duo said they had utilised the skills they acquired from their own gardens and were now able to provide surplus food for their families.

“So we have used the produce at home and also shared with other people…and now am happy that we’ve gathered here to take these seedlings”, Ms Sakaris said.

Kutato was happy with such initiative and said she was only happy to assist in the work and provide for her family.

A total of 32 bags of 40kg ferti-lisers were given to the 32 women-groups that are affiliated to the Porgera WiB, and some groups also received gardening tools.

The Porgera District Women’s Association (PDWA) also assisted with K2,200 worth of vegetable seedlings and three watering cans.

Mrs Iarume (left) takes John on a tour of the nursery centre at Anawe.

Porgera Positive, January 20174

SAFETY Column

Life Saving BehavioursLife Saving Behaviour - No. 6 I will always report injuries, incidents or any near miss I am involved in or witness. Employees, Contractors and Visitors are responsible for:

• Taking immediate action to eliminate or reduce any further risk to people or equipment immediately following an in-cident,

• Securing the incident scene to ensure protection of evidence. • Verbally reporting the incident to his/her supervisor as soon

as practical following an incident,• Recording the appropriate incident information on an Inci-

dent Report Form or directly into the Responsibility Infor-mation Management System (RIMS),

• Participating in incident investigations, and • Near-miss reporting,• Providing open and honest information if involved in an in-

vestigation so as to ensure the best opportunity to prevent a reoccurrence of the unwanted event.

Importance of Reporting

Reporting of report injuries, incidents or any near miss helps cre-ate a culture that seeks:• To identify and control hazards, which will reduce risks and

the potential for harm in the future,• It is your duty of care to ensure you report,• Investigation has to commence and controls put in place to

prevent future reoccurrence,• It is a company Policy and Legislative Requirement that all

accident and incident must be recorded,• All accident and incident must be reported within 24hrs.

EVERY PERSON GOING HOME SAFE AND HEALTHY EVERYDAY

PJV donates building materials to Tipinini

Tipinini is a community ris-ing from the rubbles of tribal

warfare and while progress has been slow, people are settling back in and change is happening.

Story & Pictures by Sophia Magi

The truckload of building materials being delivered at Tipinini.

In January, Porgera miner Bar-rick (Niugini) Limited (“BNL”) donated K16,800 worth of build-ing materials to Tipinini for the construction of the Catholic Church building, after the struc-ture burnt down.

Corporate Social Responsibil-

ity (CSR) Community Relations and Engagement (CR&E) Super-intendent Bernard Philipae in the company of CR Officer (CRO) Malip Maiapu delivered the truck-load of materials on 10 January this year.

The materials were: 40 20foot roofing iron sheets, 30 4m com-mon plywood, 10 mesh wires, 60 9ft V-Crimp metal panels, 16 cu-bic metre of builders mix and 30 40kg cement bags.

Bernard said the donation was a response to an initial request by the Tipinini community for assis-tance to re-build the structure.

“The PJV operation is encour-aged to see the community take initiative to re-establish itself for change and PJV will assist when it can.”

Bernard said it was anticipated that the already established peace efforts can be further cemented through the establishment of the church building where the com-munity can gather.

Porgera Catholic Priest Fa-ther (Fr) Tarsi who witnessed the delivery of the building materials thanked PJV for supporting God’s work.

“You will be rewarded for sup-porting God’s work…thank you for helping”, he said.

There has been more evidence of good progress at Tipinini. Re-cently the Primary School had its structures rebuilt through assis-tance from the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), Porgera Develop-ment Authority (PDA) and PJV through the Government-owned Tax Credit Scheme (TCS).

ABOVE: Fr Tarsi with the Tipinini community thanking PJV. BELOW:The site where the Catholic church building will stand.

DO NOT WASTE FOODPLEASE ONLY TAKE WHAT YOU NEED.

Porgera Positive, January 2017 5

PJV hands over TCS renovated houses

By Sophia Magi

Naomi Parakis, Robert Ame and Daniel Aremo, staff of

Porgera District Administration are the latest recipients of reno-vated houses, thanks to Porgera Joint Venture (PJV).

The trio – community health officer, district health inspec-tor and the acting deputy district mining coordinator – received the keys to their ‘new look’ houses at Paiam town and Porgera station respectively on 14 December, last year.

Porgera miner Barrick (Ni-ugini) Limited (“BNL”) renovated the houses under Stage Two (2) of the public service housing main-tenance program funded through

Mrs Parakis opens the door to her renovated unit. Watching closely is contractor Robert Romas while TCS Supervisor Tom Emmanuel (back) looks on. Picture by Sophia Magi.

the Government-owned Tax Credit Scheme (TCS).

The three completed houses now bring to five of the total nine for maintenance under Stage 2 of the maintenance program.

Community Land Access Agreements Manager John Liston and Community Projects Man-ager Kila Kilaverave were on hand to pass on the keys to Parakis, Ame and Aremo.

Also present was acting Porgera District Administrator George Poio and BNL Commu-nity Projects staff as well as repre-sentatives of local contractors.

BNL through the PJV Local Procurement Policy engaged Rob-ert Romas Contractors (RRC) and Alupai Paiela Investments Limited

(APIL) to renovate the L40 duplex at Porgera station and a H65 type house at Paiam.

The duplex tenanted by Pa-rakis and Ame was renovated by RRC while APIL worked on the H65 type house for Aremo.

“...these houses constitute completion of a further three of the total nine houses completed within the maintenance program.

“PJV is proud to have the op-portunity to partner with the PNG government under the Tax Credit Scheme and together take respon-sibility for completion of the re-pair and maintenance program for these public service houses”, John said.

The project involved full main-tenance and renovation work cov-

ering the interior, exterior, electri-cal, plumbing and finishing works.

Mrs Parakis, who has been liv-ing in one of the duplex units, said over the years there had been a dire need for maintenance.

She was grateful that through TCS her unit had been renovated.

Mr Ame, who had transferred from Wabag to Porgera in 1998, was also grateful for the renova-tion.

“I know the situation with maintenance for housing is simi-lar for most houses in the district. I truly appreciate the work that has been done on my house”, he said.

Kila told the tenants that the most important thing now was to look after the houses.

He said the government-owned TCS provided an oppor-

tunity to do maintenance in the district.

A very appreciative Mr Poio said the national and provincial governments concentrated on bigger impact projects and tend to neglect the people that they em-ploy to serve the people.

“PJV, thank you for focusing on district infrastructure…my de-sire is for district public servants to look after the houses so that those implementing these projects will be convinced to continue to also maintain other houses”, he said.

According to TCS Superinten-dent Derick Kundi, the contrac-tors provided labour while PJV supplied the materials for the 16-week renovation work completed within budget and on time.

1. The H65 type house at Paiam. 2: Kila (right) hands over the keys to Mr Aremo. 3: Happy recipients Mrs Parakis (fourth - left) and Mr Ame (third-left) with their keys in the company of PJV staff and contractors. Mr Poio (second far left) and John (in white hard hat). Pictures by Sophia Magi.

1

2

3

LEFT: The renovated L40 Duplex at Porgera Station. BOTTOM LEFT: The deteriorated L40 Duplex in the early stages of renovation. In the picture is Derick with government departments’ representatives that are on the Project Appraisal Committee (PAC) on Tax Credit Scheme projects who were onsite in September 2016 as part of the annual monitoring visits to see TCS projects. BOTTOM RIGHT: The floor boards had rotted away in most sections of the house. Pictures by Sophia Magi & Sheila Lasibori.

Before & After

Porgera Positive, January 20176

MoU highlights show as PJV continues support

A Memorandum of Under-standing (MoU) has been

signed between the Porgera Chamber of Commerce and In-dustry and the Small and Medium Enterprise Corporation (SMEC).

The MoU was the highlight of the Porgera Agriculture Show on 31 January this year in its second year running where Porgera Joint Venture (PJV) has always sup-ported and this year assisted with

K15,000. Processing Manager Benja-

min Burger speaking on behalf of PJV, told the organisers that it was pleasing to see how they had embraced the training PJV has provided.

“All of us at PJV are very proud when local organisations take ownership of the community de-velopment programs that we run.

“It shows the long-term prom-ise for sustainability and for that as well, all of you need the support of government…and I appreciate

the support from the local govern-ment and also the national gov-ernment programs”, he told those who gathered.

Corporate Social Responsi-bility (CSR) Manager Timothy Andambo said PJV provides assis-tance in the capacity where people are interested in cultivating food, and also encourages the local communities to venture into small to medium business activities.

According to the Porgera chamber chairman Nickson Pa-kea, the MoU aims to promote lo-

cal farmers in the Lagaip-Porgera districts, and also to provide rel-evant training programs for local people to venture into small and medium business enterprises.

“It means that whoever is al-ready in the field to start up a small or medium business enter-prise, we will promote them…and whoever wants to venture into business, we will train them and make them become businessmen or women”, he said.

Apart from the MoU, the other highlight was the display of a vari-

ety of food crops and livestock by local farmers.

Themed Strongim Wok Di-diman Nau na Bihain (strengthen agriculture now and in the future), the annual event aims to encour-age locals to venture into agricul-ture activities to be self-reliant.

SMEC Business Development Services Manager Nathan Timor encouraged the public to embark on agriculture activities and start up businesses to be economically independent to sustain livelihood after the mine closure.

“The mine will close one day and PJV will pack up and leave. The government houses here, the institutions, and the hospital can be closed after the mine and how will you people survive when such happen in Porgera?

“It is time to think seriously about venturing into genuine businesses so that you can be able to earn an income and sustain yourself”, Mr Timor said.

The local farming groups were awarded gardening tools and other basic farming tools to assist them in their agriculture activities.

Benjamin also acknowledged Ipili Porgera Investments (IPI) Limited Group of Company for being a co-sponsor of the event.

A good number of PJV staffs accompanied Benjamin to Porgera station for the show and joined the guests on the day to receive string bags (bilums) filled with a variety of vegetables.

Mr Pakea (right) showing Senior Manager Human Resources & Employee Development David Lilley the food items that were on display during the show.

Story & Pictures by Elise Anga

Every Person Going Home

Safe & Healthy Everyday

PLEASE EAT

HEALTHY

Coffee growers display dry coffee beans at the show.

Porgera Positive, January 2017 7

Porgera Agriculture

ShowPictures by Elise Anga

Porgera Positive, January 2017 8

Porgera Positive is a monthly e-newsletter produced by the Barrick (Niugini) Limited (“BNL”) Media and Communications Section of the Strategy and Organisational Effectiveness (SOE) Department. It is disseminated to the BNL employees and contractors, relevant recipients within Barrick Gold Corporation and Zijin Mining Group Company Limited, and external stakeholder partners.

MEDIA CONTACT DETAILS LAYOUT & DESIGNSteven Kaikai Judith Mameri

EDITORSSheila Lasibori Sophia Magi

Email: PJVMedia@porgerajv.comTelephone Number: (+675) 547 8200Extension No: 4497, 3077, 4215 & 4177

MANAGING EDITORWayne Furler

General Manager - SOE

EXECUTIVE EDITORRichmond Fenn

Executive Managing DirectorAustralia/Pacific Portfolio GM

In December last year, Porgera Joint Venture (PJV) donated

sporting goods and equipment to local villages in Porgera valley.

Apalaka and Mungulep re-ceived the items on 26 December on behalf of the neighbouring Ke-wainda, Waiwanda, Yarik, Panada-ka, Pakien Camp, and Kakadaka.

Corporate Social Responsibil-ity (CSR) Community Develop-ment Section (CDS) and Commu-nity Relations and Engagement (CR&E) teams dropped off two cartons containing balls for bas-ketball, rugby, volleyball with nets, whistles and hand pumps to the sports club captains of Apalaka and Mungulep.

CDS Superintendent Fred Tieng told the villagers that the sporting items were donated with the aim that members of their communities would get together through sports during the festive period.

He called on the community to look after the sporting goods, adding PJV was also looking for-ward to continue working with the community in the years ahead.

Community leaders thanked the company for the donation and

PJV prepares locals for 2017 sporting season

called on their members to look after the goods.

A very appreciative Porep Len-gan, a community leader at Mun-gulep thanked the PJV teams that visited Mungulep with the dona-tion, and challenged his commu-

nity to look at opportunities that were available through sports.

“There are a lot of young peo-ple around here who can play sports but they get involved in il-legal activities when such sporting activities are not initiated.

“We will organise the com-munity to play sports. Sport also provides the opportunity to travel to other places. So it is good that such equipment is provided so we engage in sporting activities”, Mr Lengan said.

The donation was also timely to assist these communities pre-pare for the 2017 sporting season at the Kulapi sports field, where the company had also done some renovation work on the deterio-rating facility in July last year.

Mungulep representatives (first and second from right) receive the sporting goods from CDS Officer John Yanguan (third from right) and Fred as others look on.

CDS Officer John Yanguan (left) and local sports club captains at Apalaka display some of the goods.

PORGERAROUND-UP

Sundays: 8pm - 8.30pmMondays: 7:30am - 8am

Story & Pictures by Elise Anga