Two mine villages in the Western province will finally be connected to the rest of the province thanks to a new road link that is currently in the works. The funding of this road link project is facilitated by Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML), through the National Government’s Tax Credit Scheme (TCS) and OTML has already awarded the road construction contract worth K36.1 million from Atemkit to Kavorabip in North Fly district. The 28.74 km road will serve as a critical link for the two villages of Atemkit and Kavorabip, whose people include the principal landowners of the Ok Tedi Mine operation. Currently, the two villages are only accessible by helicopter. “The people of Atemkit and Kavorabip are principal landowners just like the people of Finalbin and Bultem. Unfortunately, it took Ok Tedi and the Government too long to recognise them through such infrastructure projects,” said OTML Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer Mr. Kedi Ilimbit. “Today we are witnessing the signing of a road construction project that will link these very people to the rest of Western Province,” added Mr Ilimbit. Fly Engineering & Asset Management Limited (FEAML) a local company was awarded the project, which is expected to be completed within 30 months. FEAML Managing Director Joel Dangkim, expressed his sincere appreciation to OTML for being the successful bidder and committed to completing the project to expectations. Meantime, the member for North Fly district, James Donald thanked OTML and the National Government for their collaboration in having the project approved for delivery. “Though this has taken a long time, we are thankful and grateful for this project to finally begin,” said Mr. Donald. Also present at the signing was Western Governor, Taboi Awi Yoto, who thanked the landowners and people for supporting the mine over the years despite the challenges faced.