Land secured for Jiwaka hospital

Traditional landowners of Fatima in North Waghi have handed over a 90-hectare piece of land to the Jiwaka Provincial Health Authority [JPHA] for the construction of the new level-five provincial hospital.

The land was presented by Andngbang community spokesman Rex Kati to JPHA chief executive officer Thaddeus Turi and deputy board chairman Andrew Tants at Fatima.

The presentation was witnessed by Jiwaka Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector Laimo Asi and other local leaders.

Turi thanked the Andngbang landowners of the Fatima Catholic Parish area for making the critical decision to allocate the land for the massive development.

"It is an impact project that will come about with collective decisions from the National Government, Department of Health and the district development authority," he said.

"The project is valued between K60 million and K70 million, and traditional landowners must take ownership. Their involvement in the development stages will provide employment opportunities and boost local cash flow."

Turi said communities across the Kilip, Fatima and Banz areas would benefit from economic spin-offs during the construction phase and beyond.

PPC Asi assured that police and defense force personnel in Jiwaka would provide ongoing security within the vicinity of the project site to ensure the safety of workers.

The initial contract for ground clearance and perimeter fencing has been awarded to Taire Engineering and Construction Limited, a local firm based in Jiwaka.