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MAPAI Transport Steps Up Vital Logistical Support

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MAPAI Transport Steps Up Vital Logistical Support

In the heart of remote Bundi, Madang Province, a beacon of community-driven progress shines brightly as the Kumura Foundation extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Board and Management of MAPAI Transport Limited. Their invaluable support comes in the form of a crucial logistical vehicle, aiding in the realization of impactful community projects.

Since June 2023, and spanning the next two years, the Kumura Foundation, in partnership with the Sir Brian Bell Foundation, has embarked on transformative initiatives. These include the construction of a dormitory for 70 students and the establishment of 10 essential community health posts.

Vincent Kumura, Director of the Kumura Foundation, acknowledges the significance of these endeavors, stating, “Despite our limited resources, these projects are vital for our community’s growth. We reached out to MAPAI Transport for assistance, and their response has been instrumental.”

The logistical support provided by MAPAI Transport’s vehicle, labeled ‘099’, has been nothing short of indispensable.

From transporting machinery for timber milling to ferrying construction materials for the dormitory at the Gembogl Orphan Resource Centre ACE School in Simbu Province, ‘099’ has been a lifeline for the foundation’s operations.

Moreover, ‘099’ has played a pivotal role in the construction of four community health posts in Upper Bundi, alongside bridge maintenance in Gembogl, connecting the region. Its versatility extends to facilitating the transportation of medical supplies and volunteers for the annual ‘Travel2Change’ medical patrol, where hundreds of patients receive vital care and referrals to appropriate health facilities.

The impact of ‘099’ extends beyond infrastructure development. On December 25th, the vehicle facilitated the delivery of donated bedding to the in-patient ward at the Denglagu Catholic Sub-Health Centre in Simbu, catering to patients from Bundi. Additionally, it aided in the transportation of reading books donated by the Rotary Club of Eastern Highlands, enriching educational opportunities in Bundi and Gembogl.

Mr. Kumura highlights the crucial role of ‘099’ in supporting vulnerable children from Bundi attending schools in Gembogl as boarding students. Weekly food ration deliveries from Kundiawa and Jiwaka are made possible through the vehicle, alleviating logistical challenges for the foundation.

As an emblem of community service, ‘099’ embodies the legacy of the late Chief Jacob Luke and his commitment to serving others. Since June 2023, it has traversed the Northern Corridor of Simbu, contributing to rural health, education, and community services.

The collaboration between the Kumura Foundation and MAPAI Transport exemplifies the power of community partnerships in driving positive change. Mr. Kumura reflects, “The impact of ‘099’ goes beyond measure. Late Chief Luke’s vision lives on through its service to the Northern Corridor of Simbu. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Board and Management Team of MAPAI Transport for their unwavering support.”

In the journey towards community empowerment, the partnership between the Kumura Foundation and MAPAI Transport stands as a testament to the transformative potential of collective action and shared commitment to progress.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/usino-bundi-building-a-solid-financial-foundation/

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Government assistance needed for Bundi-Simbu road

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A local team of youths from Bundi and Simbu cleared up piles of dirt and debris blocking off the road from Simbu to Upper Bundi.

The blockage resulted from six landslides caused by continuous rainfall along the area two months ago.

Piles of logs and huge rocks completely covered the road making it impassable, blocking off all services into Bundi.

One local SME Owner, Nelson Gandai, led a team of 22 boys in the clearing exercise two weeks ago.

Using a chainsaw and bush knives, they hacked away at the logs and sticks and dug through dirt piles with sticks, crowbars and spades.

Founder of a local Community Based Organization, Kumura Foundation, Vincent Kumura in a statement, said it was a very daunting task.

Mr Kumura said the Kumura Foundation has gathered 16 youths from Pomie in the upper Bundi area and partnered with Mr Gandai and his team, along with a second team of nine (9) boys led by David Monguma from Simbu to continue the work of clearing debris just to create a pathway for four-wheeled-drive vehicles to pass through.

The youths camped out at Mondia Pass for two weeks at a height of 2,900m under freezing conditions at night to fix the road.

While it is somewhat accessible now, persisting damp conditions still beg for proper work to be done on the road.

Last Friday, 12 youths assisted an ambulance vehicle with wheels stuck in the mud.

The whole exercise of digging, pushing and pulling through piles of debris took them three hours before the vehicle arrived in Simbu.

Mr Kumura says fortunately, there weren’t any emergency passengers onboard the ambulance.

He stated that the 32km stretch from Simbu to Snow Pass and Yandera in Upper Bundi is badly deteriorated and needs urgent government assistance.

“We have three Primary Schools (Bundi, Yandera and Snow Pass), the Snow Pass Eco-lodge, the Snow Pass Medical Dispensary, Kumura Foundation, proposed Yandera Mining, SMEs, coffee farmers and the 20,000 people of Bundi including sick patients affected from these bad road conditions.”

Furthermore, the 2023 ‘Bundi Komba Festival’ will be held from April 17-19. The festival is a recognized event by the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority and the National Cultural Commission of Papua New Guinea.”

Therefore, the foundation is calling for respective government authorities to respond quickly in clearing up the landslides and maintain the road link to Bundi,” stated Kumura.  

Mr Kumura said the Kumura Foundation is prepared to work with local and provincial government authorities to serve the people of Bundi.

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Health

Rural Road Link Vital for Services

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A woman was forced to give birth in a makeshift shelter in remote upper Bundi after a landslide blocked road access for an ambulance to reach her on time.

The Kumura Foundation Ambulance was responding to the emergency when it came across the massive landslide that completely blocked off the road in the Pomie Village area. However, the woman was able to give birth without major complications.

Heavy rainfalls last Monday caused multiple landslides, cutting off road access to Bundi Station from Chimbu Province.

Work on removing the debris left by the landslide started last Tuesday, with the Foundation donating funds to rally locals to clear the road passage.

Locals clearing the debris from the landslide.

Under its Community Service Obligation, the Kumura Foundation will continue to serve the people of remote Bundi with its ambulance service.

“Christmas is approaching, and we have three primary schools in Bundi, SMEs, farmers, and the Kumura foundation’s activities such as the ambulance service and PMVs from Simbu that access this vital road link must continue to deliver its services,” said Foundation Director, Vincent Kumara.

People in remote upper Bundi rely on this road access to get basic services in Kundiawa Town.

Mr. Kumura appealed to the MPs of Usino-Bundi and Chimbu provinces to assist the foundation as well as other service providers in maintaining this rural road access.

The Kumura Foundation Ambulance is stuck in a ditch outside Pomie Village in remote Bundi. The vehicle was donated by the Sir Brian Bell Foundaiton.
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