Between April 20 and 21, PHC hosted the Governor of Equateur Province at the Boteka site. During this visit, PHC staff had the honor of giving the Governor a tour of the palm oil plantation and factory. The Governor also held a public meeting with the community of Boteka during which he highlighted the important role of PHC as a contributor to the economy of the province as well as the negative impact of palm fruit theft on the ability to PHC to fully assume its role in the region. Community members had the opportunity to speak to the Governor and express their expectations for PHC, which focused primarily on jobs and improving social infrastructure.
During his visit, the Governor also spoke to PHC workers and youth in the community where he emphasized the importance of ensuring that PHC remains a viable economic entity that will continue to provide jobs in the region. He reminded them of how the province's economy had suffered from previous closures of other plantations and a brewery. Referring to recent episodes of unrest in Boteka, the Governor insisted that his administration would not tolerate illegal and criminal behavior and that any grievances should be dealt with through the appropriate channels.
The Governor was accompanied by the Provincial Attorney General, the Provincial Police Commander, the Member of Parliament from Boteka Constituency and other eminent provincial authorities.
