UNRE to assist in Kurakakaul Abattoir rehabilitation

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Rabaul MP Dr Allan Marat (right) presents the cheque to Acting VC Dr Francis Essacu while
UNRE Farm Manager Alex Nugi looks on.

MEMBER for Rabaul Dr Allan Marat has urged officers from the district including stakeholders to be accountable, transparent and honest when dealing with funded projects.

The Member made the remark on Thursday (March 18) during the launching of District Agriculture and Livestock Projects under the Public Investment Program (PIP). Rabaul District Administration has been awarded K1.5million, particularly for the agriculture and livestock sector.

Dr Allan Marat told District officers and the stakeholders that the launching of any project signifies that the organisation is organised, has complied with government policies and that there is a plan in place for the implementation of the project. 

He said it is vital in the  planning stage that there is: 
• availability of land, land ownership must be clarified to avoid land dispute. 
• sufficient labour,
• human capital; qualified people to implement the project.  
• Physical capital (money) provided to implement the project
• Skilled people (professionals) to ensure that the project is implemented effectively.
 
Dr Marat said many funded projects in the country failed to meet their objectives because they were awarded to wantoks and friends who did not deliver the project successfully. 

The project was given to seven stakeholders: PNG University of Natural Resources and Environment; Barlow Industries; OISCA; Kokonas Indastri Koporesen (KIK); Farmset Limited and two cocoa seedlings suppliers. The stakeholders received their cheques on Thursday to begin the project.

UNRE is expected to receive K335,600 in total, however, it only received K201,360 on Thursday. The balance of K134,240 will be paid upon meeting requirements set by the District.

On behalf of the University, acting Vice-Chancellor Dr Francis Essacu Dr Marat and the district for involving UNRE in its development. 

He said PNG UNRE boasts of being the only university in the country and most possibly the region in advocating for Sustainable Agriculture and Livestock practices that not only benefit the country’s population but are environmentally friendly and economically viable. 
“We offer curriculum in Animal Science, Business and Agriculture that closely resonates with the overall Government’s plans for how the Agriculture and Livestock sectors ought to be for Papua New Guinea in spite of the inherent challenges,” said Dr Essacu.
He said UNRE’s immediate contribution to this current project roll-outs will be in the major rehabilitation of the Kurakakaul Abattoir under the guidance of NAQIA; and the redesigning of the stockyards and holding yards.  

Dr Essacu further explained that the University’s long term support will be in sending out well-equipped graduates who will be the driving force in realising this dream. 

“Our extension programs will also incorporate the training of our local farmers in areas of sustainable livestock production and agricultural farming methods. We look to partner with the Provincial and District governments in the long term in this regard with curriculum rollouts, training and assistance and furthermore,” said Dr Essacu.

He said UNRE stands steadfast with Agriculture and Livestock Minister Honourable John Simon; Dr Allan Marat; National Planning and Monitoring Department; and Provincial and District Administrators to ensure successful delivery of the project.

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