Field Representative Sam Moko reports that the clinic, built but standing empty for more than a year, may finally get a health worker from the government. Our project manager in the village says he should find out soon whether or not this proposal has been approved. The local level government has allocated money to buy basic medical supplies for the clinic; this will be an annual budget item. Sam also reports that community members have shown a strong commitment to conservation.

Field representative Sam Moko visited Tavolo recently. The Seacology-funded community clinic building was finished long ago, but the government has still not provided anyone to staff it.
The community members are understandably frustrated by the long delay, but Sam reports that they are holding firm to their agreement to protect the 988-acre no-take area of reef and lagoon. There are threats coming from the logging companies under the pretext of promoting “agroforestry” projects. The community is getting support from FORCERT Limited, a local nonprofit group that certifies sustainably harvested timber.

The formal opening of the clinic was planned for April 2015, but although the clinic has now been registered under the Provincial Health Department system, the government has yet to assign a health worker. According to Field Representative Sam Moko, community leader Peter Kikele is still pushing for this arrangement to happen by mid-year. At that time, a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the project will be signed, outlining the responsibility of the Pomio District Administration to provide funding for the ongoing operation of the clinic and of the Tavolo Wildlife Area Management Committee to protect the no-take marine conservation area.

Field Representative Sam Moko reports that the community plans to formally open the clinic in April 2015. At that time, a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the project will be signed, outlining the responsibility of the Pomio District Administration to provide funding for the ongoing operation of the clinic and of the Tavolo Wildlife Area Management Committee to protect the no-take marine conservation area.

The building is near completion, and plans are being made for the opening ceremony.

As of the last update in February 2012, the project is in the construction phase. The community organized itself and purchased most of the construction materials, and provided a detailed financial accounting, along with photos and a progress report, to Seacology.

According to Field Representative Sam Moko, the first phase of the project mobilization began on September 29th, 2011 and ended on November 23rd, 2011. After project leaders received the first payment, they traveled to Rabaul (nearest town) to purchase hardware materials for the project and ship them to Tavolo. On arrival of the materials in Tavolo, the community of Tavolo put up a traditional welcome and show of appreciation with traditional dancing and performances. The community members gathered to clear the project site, carry sand and gravel, and load and unload hardware from the wharf to the project site. A local portable sawmill operation was hired by the Tavolo Community Health Project to supply all sawn timbers for the construction of the community health facility. All timbers were cut locally from the Tavolo Forest Management Area which was initially set up for community forestry. People used canoes and outboard boats to collect sand and gravel and neatly piled them on site. Only one material (wire) has been put on a back order and will be delivered early January 2012. With most materials on site, the community is keen to start the construction phase in January. The community is aiming to complete the project and have an opening ceremony in March 2012.

Seacology PNG Field Representative Sam Moko visited the project area in November 2010. A community meeting was called and organized by the clan leaders of Tavolo. Men, women and children from the eight clan groups of the community were present at the meeting to hear the good news of a Community Health Clinic Project, and witness the signing of the Tavolo Community Covenant. At the meeting Sam Moko outlined a list of documents required from the community. A long discussion ensued, and questions were raised for clarification until a show of understanding was reached. The clan representative for each of the eight groups signed the Tavolo Community Covenant. The community confirmed and agreed to the 988-acre no-take coastal marine conversation within the exiting WMA and demarcated the boundaries of the area. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has taken coordinates of the boundaries and a specific map of the no-take coastal marine zone will be produced for the community and Seacology. TNC has been involved to assess the area for potential marine biodiversity survey upon request from the local NGO Mama Graun. The project will commence in early 2011.