Choiseul Palm Oil Project Begins Ground Work

Development of palm oil in Choiseul Province entered a new phase with the formal appointment of Choiseul Oil Palm Project Manager.

The Project Manager, Mr Eric Djokovic, today signed a contract with the Permanent Secretary of Agriculture and Livestock Edward Kingmele, which will allow initial ground work on the project to begin.

And one of Mr Djokovic's main task is to establish a project office in Choiseul Province which will coordinate the ground work, said Permanent Secretary Special Duties Mr Francis Lomo.

Mr Lomo said the Choiseul Oil Palm Project is being allocated $500,000 on the Government Budget to kick start this year.

Another major task of the Project Manager is to conduct the feasibility study of the proposed areas which is expected to be completed within the next two months.

A major component of the feasibility study is the conducting of awareness programs and discussion with the communities involved as well as the identification of appropriate lands for oil palm development, Mr Lomo said.

Mr Lomo said some of the areas earmarked for the project include Northeast and South Choiseul.