Cannery awaits environmental plan approval
Copyright 2000 The National (PNG)
December 21, 2000
By JOHN APAMI
THE ENVIRONMENTAL plan for the multi-million kina tuna processing plant in East Sepik province has yet to be presented to the Environment and Conservation office.
Excavation near the Wewak wharf has started with construction to start as soon as the environmental plans are presented and approved by the Environment and Conservation Minister.
The project coordinator Joachim Nianguma said the US$23 million (K50 million) cannery is the largest single investment in the province since 1975.
Mr Nianguma agreed that the Sepik people must swallow some pride and make sacrifices to allow development for the province.
"We are obviously concerned with the environmental effects but something will be done to ensure minimal effects," he said.
Mr Nianguma said that development often comes with sacrifice and some provinces have made great sacrifices for development in the interest of the country.
He said the people and leaders of the province have to make certain sacrifices in order to bring development into the province.
The project is anticipated to revive the hopes of the people for more development and boost their standard of living.
It will encourage employment and other spin-off businesses for the people and the province.
Mr Nianguma said the lining plant would be located near the main wharf while the processing plant will be constructed a few kilometres out of Wewak.
Todd Construction of California has been assigned to carry out the constructions.
Two local companies have also been engaged to assist in earth moving and drainage work.
PNG currently has tuna processing factories both in Madang and Lae.