Past President Peter Rogers has provided the first update on the PNG Community Piggery Enterprise.     

Key Points

1. Security. On December 1^st, 2022, extreme violence led by non-regional tribal members took place in the region of the Nogoli Piggery Operations. The camps of LLA and TWL, companies owned by the Chairman of Wonderland Agristock Limited, were attacked and burned. Three lives were lost as well as all assets on both camps including approximately 100,000 kina of WAL NPO equipment and tools. The B4D team was evacuated and reconvened for a one week planning meeting with Veterinarian Dr. Ross Cutler in Port Moresby. Security was organised with support for our WAL Board company, HGDC, for a period of six weeks. The security included both the PNG Defense Force and Police. The Chairman of WAL is working with national, local and provincial government to establish a local police force in the area – nothing is confirmed at this time.
   
   
2. Safety of the Pigs. The NPO and pigs have been taken care of by the local landowners hired by WAL. The team have been extraordinary and all animals remain healthy with the exception of two sows who have injuries to their legs. Mating continues and we hope to farrow piglets in the coming months.
   
   
3. Building of the NPO has resumed with the focus on the farrow house. 1 tonne fish meal and 2 tonnes protein premix have been trucked to the NPO from TWL depot in Lae. This feed is being used to feed the pigs with stored kaukau silage.
   
   
4. Kaukau Planting. Our staff have done a wonderful job cutting and transplanting kaukau vines on prepared beds in the NPO. Harvesting will happen around April/May, which will replenish supplies. 

5. Reporting requirements for our Rotary grant. Project must commence within twelve months of 1st August 2022, and be completed within 24 months. This is a training project for Rotary and we receive our District Grant at the completion of the project.
   
   
6. Partnership Arrangements and Signage. Nogoli Womens Group is a partner in the training project. We have been in touch with Clare Matthew, Chairman Nogoli Womens Group, and we intend to establish a Nogoli Satellite Rotary Club as discussed. Need to include signage on the Nogoli Piggery Operations site that identifies grant sponsors including Rotary Melbourne, and Rotary Foundation.
   
   
7. Peace Building opportunities in Hela Province. Ciaran O'Toole from Conciliation Resources spoke to the Club in February on Conflict Challenges and Peacebuilding. His presentation was very well received. Ciaran has followed up by sending their report on the origins of Conflict, and Peace Building opportunities in Hela Province. Members wanting to understand more will find this a useful framework for understanding the unrest in Hela Province where our PNG Piggeries project is located.

Peter Rogers
1^st March 2023

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