Construction of new education facilities at Omati Primary School in Kikori District, Gulf Province, is near completion, bringing improved learning infrastructure to one of the district’s remote riverine communities.
The project comprises two double classrooms, two staff houses, and full solar power installations to support reliable energy supply.
The development is funded by Gas Resources Pipeline Limited (GRPL) through its Community Investment Trust Fund (CITF) and implemented by the Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC), with construction works led by MRDC CITF engineers and supported by local labour from Kikori and Omati.
Omati village is located within the Kikori River delta, a vast network of waterways and dense rainforest where road access is extremely limited and river transport remains the primary means of travel.
Although Omati is only about 30 kilometres west of Kikori in straight-line distance, the journey requires navigating winding river channels and typically takes around two hours by boat.
All construction materials for the school were transported by boat from Kikori station to Omati, highlighting the logistical challenges of delivering infrastructure to communities that are accessible only by river.
Omati is home to an estimated population of around 2,000 people, with the primary school serving approximately 130 students.
The new classrooms and teacher housing will improve the learning environment for students, provide accommodation to attract and retain teachers, and support future growth in student enrolment. The inclusion of solar-powered systems will also ensure consistent access to lighting and basic power, enhancing both teaching and learning outcomes.
MRDC Managing Director Mr Augustine Mano said the project reflects the company’s commitment to ensuring resource benefits reach even the most isolated communities that have historically had limited access to basic services.
“Many of our pipeline communities are in areas that are extremely remote and difficult to access, often only reachable by boat through challenging river systems. These are places where government services and infrastructure have been limited in the past, and MRDC is stepping in to help bridge that gap,” Mr Mano said.
“We are committed to ensuring that the benefits from resource projects are not only distributed but are translated into real development outcomes for our people, no matter how remote their location.”
Gas Resources Pipeline (Segment 7) Director Mr Wauro Oumabe said the Omati project highlights the difficulty of reaching these areas.
“Transporting materials, mobilising teams and delivering projects in riverine environments like Kikori is extremely demanding, but these are the communities that need support the most. Our focus is on ensuring that no community is left behind simply because it is difficult to reach,” Mr Oumabe said.
This year, MRDC and GR Pipeline has commenced construction on three schools along Segment 7 of the PNG LNG pipeline and one school in Segment 6 at Gobe in Baina. Last year, MRDC together with GRPL successfully completed and commissioned education facilities in four schools in Kikori district.
