Mile 6 Cattle Project progressing well

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Mile 6 Cattle Project in Gizo, Western Province, is making steady progress under a new partnership between the Western Provincial Government (WPG) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL).

Chief Field Officer for Western Province, Sipuru Rove, recently confirmed that his office received 1,500-star pickets and 100 rolls of barbed wire from MAL as part of the initiative’s support package.

He said the materials were transported to Gizo last week, noting that freight costs totalling SBD$11,000 will be paid by WPG as agreed.

“Under the arrangement, MAL will provide the materials and WPG will meet the freight, labour costs, and posts for the fence,” Rove explained.

He further revealed that the provincial government has already allocated SBD$377,040 towards the project to support ongoing work at the site.

According to Rove, the newly received fencing materials will cover 32 hectares of the 70 hectares set aside for the livestock development program.

He said the Mile 6 Cattle Project aims to establish a breeding facility before distributing improved cattle breeds to smallholder farmers across Western Province and other provinces.

Rove also highlighted the need to introduce new cattle breeds to boost livestock quality and productivity.

“Currently, the herds are in-breeding – mating of individuals that are related. We are waiting for the facility to be completed before bringing in new breeds to improve production. This will be done once the new facility is ready,” he said.

He acknowledged MAL and WPG for their continued support in driving livestock development in the province.

“We want to thank Dr. Samson Viulu and the Minister for their support towards this project,” he said.

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