Porgera-Paela District
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Porgera-Paela District | |
|---|---|
 Location of Enga Province | |
  Porgera-Paela District Location within Papua New Guinea | |
| Coordinates: 5°28′S 143°18′E / 5.467°S 143.300°E | |
| Country | Papua New Guinea |
| Province | Enga Province |
| Capital | Porgera |
| LLGs | |
| Population (2011 census) | |
• Total | 65,000 |
| Time zone | UTC+10 (AEST) |
Porgera-Paela District is one of the six districts of Enga Province in Papua New Guinea. Located in the westernmost part of the province, it is renowned for the Porgera Gold Mine, one of the largest gold mines in the country. The district headquarters is located in Porgera.
Geography
[edit]Porgera-Paela District features rugged highlands and deep valleys, with elevations that contribute to its cool climate. The district is home to the Strickland River system, which supports local agriculture and fishing activities.
Administration
[edit]Porgera-Paela District is divided into two Local-Level Government (LLG) areas:
The district headquarters in Porgera serves as the administrative center, with government offices and facilities.
Economy
[edit]The economy of Porgera-Paela District is driven by the Porgera Gold Mine:
- Mining: The gold mine employs many locals and generates significant revenue for Papua New Guinea. However, it has also faced environmental and social challenges, including displacement of local communities.
- Agriculture: Subsistence farming remains a livelihood for many, with crops like sweet potatoes and vegetables being cultivated.
- Livestock: Pigs are culturally and economically significant, used in traditional ceremonies and as a source of income.
Infrastructure
[edit]Porgera-Paela faces challenges in infrastructure development due to its remote and rugged terrain:
- Road access: The Highlands Highway connects Porgera to other parts of Enga Province, though frequent landslides can disrupt travel.
- Air transport: The district is served by a small airstrip, enabling transportation of goods and people.
Culture
[edit]Porgera-Paela District is rich in cultural practices:
- Tribal systems: The district is home to several tribes, each with distinct customs and governance structures.
- Singsings: Traditional festivals showcasing dance, music, and colorful attire are common in the district.
- Bilum weaving: Women engage in crafting traditional string bags, known as bilums, for daily use and sale.
Challenges
[edit]The district faces challenges including land disputes, environmental degradation from mining, and limited access to healthcare and education facilities. Efforts are ongoing to address these issues through government and private sector initiatives.
References
[edit]- Barrick Gold. "Porgera Joint Venture Overview." Barrick - Operations - Porgera(https://www.barrick.com/English/operations/porgera)
- Post Courier. "Porgera Gold Mine: Balancing development and sustainability." [1](https://www.postcourier.com.pg/porgera-development-sustainability)
- Enga Provincial Government. "District Profiles." [2](https://www.enga.gov.pg/districts/porgera)
