Following a landslide in March that caused significant damage to road infrastructure and homes in Lumi, West Sepik Province, local businesses have stepped forward to support the Sandaun Provincial Administration’s efforts to restore critical services.
In response to an invitation to assist, Frieda River Limited (FRL) has provided vital support to affected communities by supplying clean drinking water infrastructure.
FRL purchased four 5,000-litre Tuffa water tanks to help ensure continued access to safe and reliable drinking water for families impacted by the disaster. Earlier this week, the tanks were formally delivered to the Sandaun Governor’s Office, where they will be distributed to affected communities in Lumi.
The support reflects FRL’s ongoing commitment to strengthening community resilience during times of crisis. In 2023 and 2024, the company similarly responded to the Mid-Sepik earthquakes, when damage and contamination rendered local water sources unsafe. On both occasions, FRL supplied water tanks to help communities maintain access to clean water while recovery efforts were underway.
With the situation in Lumi presenting similar challenges, FRL has once again extended its support, working alongside government and community partners to address urgent needs and contribute to recovery efforts.
FRL Country Manager Dr Joel Hamago said access to clean water is one of the most immediate and critical needs following a disaster.
“When we saw the impact of the landslide in Lumi and the challenges facing local communities, it was important for FRL to step in and provide practical support. This mirrors our response during the Mid-Sepik earthquakes in 2023 and 2024. Where we can, we will provide support and stand with communities in times of need, particularly during recovery and rebuilding,” Dr Hamago said.
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FRL remains committed to supporting provincial and national efforts to strengthen community resilience and contribute positively to the wellbeing of Papua New Guinea’s people.
Frieda River Limited is the proponent of the Sepik Development Project (SDP) in Papua New Guinea. The project comprises four integrated components: the Sepik Infrastructure Project (SIP), the Frieda River Copper-Gold Project (FRCGP), the Frieda River Hydroelectric Project (FRHEP) and the Sepik Power Grid Project (SPGP).
The project is designed to deliver enabling infrastructure, including power generation and transmission, road access, airport and port facilities, supported through private investment. During operations, the SDP is expected to create approximately 2,500 direct jobs, with a target of 93 per cent national employment, and generate more than 30,000 indirect employment opportunities.
The project incorporates engineered tailings and water management systems, alongside a hydroelectric power solution intended to reduce operational emissions and support environmental management objectives, including the protection of the Sepik River system.
Frieda River Limited is a significant subsidiary of PanAust Limited. In addition to its Papua New Guinea operations, PanAust owns Phu Bia Mining, an award-winning dual operation in Laos, and has development opportunities in Chile.
An Australian-incorporated company, PanAust is owned by Guangdong Rising H.K. (Holding) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Guangdong Rising Holding Group Co., Ltd. (GDRH). GDRH is a Chinese state-owned enterprise regulated by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the People’s Government of Guangdong Province.
