PNG Village health, safety hailed

INSPECTOR of Mines Simon Gena has hailed the successful concept of healthy living and safe community through people’s participation.
Gena, who spent a week in Goilala at the Tolukuma Gold Mine (TGM) during his visit to the mining communities, said he was impressed with the concept of community cooperation.
He was at the mining district last week to celebrate the national mine safety week with the villagers.
Gena said: “It is the first of its kind to see a mining company or mine operator expanding its mining environment, health, safety and awareness programmes to the communities.
“It’s good to see Tolukuma Gold Mines led the way in involving the communities to ensure safety in all aspects of life is observed.”
Gena, who represented the Mineral Resources Authority’s mines safety inspectorate, also praised TGM for promoting healthy community and safe living around the mine-impacted areas.
He told the communities that one way or the other, everyone living within the vicinity of TGM was affected and when an emergency occurred, it was important for the people to participate in insuring a safe working and living environment.
Gena’s key message to the TGM workforce was “mines safety is a personal responsibility”.
He said when individuals took responsibility over safety and well-being of their fellow workmates, it would create a safe environment for the entire working team.
TGM chief executive Sam Inguba commended his workforce for making the third national mining safety week a success.
General manager Sarimu Kanu said the involvement of communities in promoting health and safe living was a new concept being undertaken by his management.
The weeklong celebrations ended yesterday.