Ramu NiCo has successfully completed a water project for the Kurumbukari people residing in Danagari in Usino Bundi District, Madang.
The project, which took just two months to finish, was officially launched on Thursday, May 8, 2025, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by community leaders and representatives from the mining company.
For years, the Kurumbukari community faced the daily challenge of walking over a kilometer to fetch clean drinking water from distant streams and creeks.
David Kaman a village leader said people, especially women and children walked very long distances to fetch water.
“This difficult long walks often consumed valuable time and energy, particularly for women and children,” Mr Kaman said.
The newly installed water system, funded by Ramu NiCo Mine, includes pipes and water taps that have been connected directly to the village, providing residents with easy access to safe drinking water.
During the ceremony, Ramu NiCo Mine’s Community Affairs Manager Erick Kuman expressed the company’s commitment to supporting local communities and improving their quality of life.
“We are proud to have completed this water project, which is a vital resource for the Kurumbukari people,” Mr Kuman said.
“Access to clean water is fundamental to health and well-being, and we hope this initiative will make a positive impact on the community,” he said.
Local leaders expressed their gratitude for the project, highlighting the importance of clean water in promoting health and reducing the burden on families.
“This project is a blessing for our community,” John Arua, the Kurumbukari Landowner Association Chairman said. “We are thankful to Ramu NiCo Mine for its support and for attending to our needs.”
The completion of the water project marks a significant milestone in the partnership between Ramu NiCo Mine and the local community, showcasing the potential for sustainable development initiatives that benefit both the mining operation and the residents of the area.
As the Kurumbukari people celebrate this achievement, the Ramu NiCo Mine continues to explore further opportunities to enhance the lives of those living in proximity to its operations, reaffirming its commitment to corporate social responsibility and community engagement.
Ramu NiCo Community Affairs Deputy Manager Yang Bing announced to the locals the next project Ramu NiCo would do for the village is to construct a bridge across Mangea River which usually difficult to cross during floods.
