Ramu NiCo Management (MCC) Limited (RNML) has continuously been stretching its hands to assist in infrastructure pro grams along the project footprint. The company not only always provides business spin-off opportunities for local companies, but also promotes the lives of the communities along its project footprint.
On the 15th of this month, the Chinese Nickel and Cobalt mine in Madang province opens a new double classroom for Sakwanam Junior Primary School located in Ward 3 of Raicoast District in Madang province.
Rai Coast District MP and minister for Labor Hon. Kessy Sawang who was there to open the building made a commitment to assist in the perching of the indoor furniture and interior of the new double classroom.
The minister also thanked and appreciated Ramu NiCo for being a good partner for the development of her district.
The classroom material was funded by Ramu NiCo’s Community Development Fund Program that was proposed by the Coastal Pipeline Landowner Association of the Ramu Nickel and Cobalt Project.
Rai Coast District covers the length of the coast south of Madang that shares boarders with Usino Bundi District to the West and Morobe Province to the South of Raicoast District, consisting of a dense forest and mountains that makes up the Finisterre Range. This gives birth to countless rivers flowing to the sea, making road access on land very challenging.
It also includes the volcanic Long Island. Rai Coast has four LLGs and 84 wards. The district has 35 elementary schools, 41 primary Schools.
Ramu NiCo has been an agent of educational support and courier development for the district since the Ramu Nickel and Cobalt project first set foot into the district that is referred as “Good Night” by fellow Madang people.
In spite of the district having a portion of the project, Ramu NiCo has been working closely with its project Landowner Association to invest in the future for the district by focusing more in education.
Ramu NiCo Community Affairs Department (CA) General Manager Mr. Eric Kuman said the district consists of one of the good performing Landowner Association ( LoA) that is truly a beacon in the Ramu Nickel and Cobalt Project.
Kuman said Ramu NiCo’s Community Affairs Department has been working closely with respective landowner association committee members to better equip the communities during the lifespan of the mine, however the Coastal Pipeline LoA along the Astrolabe Bay LLG of Rai Coast District is an association that is fruitful with funding and infrastructure assistance that is seen and heard in countless media articles.
He said the classroom building is just a building, however the result of what is to be conveyed into the learning of the children that will pass out of it will impact the community, district, province and nation a lifetime.
The building project was funded this year through the careful assessment and vetting from the LoA Committee Member for funding to Ramu NiCo in early this year and is now the first modern classroom for the government owned school.
The new Double Classroom that was funded by Ramu NiCo through the CDF Program
Rai Coast District MP and Labour Minister Hon. Ms. Kessy Sawang and RNML CA GM Mr. Eric Kuman ( centre ) cutting the ribbon for the new classroom building