The team led by Assistant Secretary Jenny Tumun in close collaboration with Livestock Development Corporation visited the sites to evaluate key government funded projects.

During the visit to the rundown Baiyer livestock station last week, Ms Tumun said their visit aims to assess whether the allocated funds have been effectively utilized.

“Significant capital investment funds were disbursed between 2022 and 2024 to sub-national government agencies for project implementation. LDC is one of the recipients under the National Livestock Development Program in the MTDP IV 2023 – 2027”, she said.

LDC Operations Manager Steven Yangis in welcoming the DNPM team, noted that LDC has been tirelessly effecting this program despite having access to limited funds, and even while receiving no PIP funding at all in 2024.

He said, despite minor setbacks in key project delivery due to access to its PIP funds approved under the National Budget, LDC is making steady progress through strategic planning and utilizing other limited resources to support its capacity building projects under the National Livestock Development Program.

He further stated however that while the Government has given LDC its full support to proceed with its development plan, all actions must follow the correct procedures, particularly through the project management committee meetings, in which the Managing Director (MD) is fully informed about.

He further emphasized that any documents or submissions prepared are done in close consultation with the MD.

He said he would be formally briefing the MD on the need to initiate a roundtable discussion with appropriate authorities including the respective DDA’s and the Provincial Governments to ensure alignment among all relevant stakeholders.

He acknowledged the Marape government for appointing the current Board and MD, who are credited for the ongoing transformation in LDC, and this team is also providing leadership in developing the National Livestock Policy in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture as directed by the Prime Minister. “LDC remains focused on achieving tangible outcomes for the country”, Mr Yangis added.

He believes that through proper coordination, transparency, and partnerships, LDC can deliver meaningful and lasting impact in the Livestock Industry per its mandate.

Ends…//

PC. Members from DNPM and LDC taking a breather during the visit to Baiyer cattle ranch in Western Highlands province.