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Ramu Nico begins to construct site
facilities
By HARLYNE JOKU
A FOLLOW-UP inspection of the
Basamuk campsite showed that China-based Ramu Nico Management Ltd and
contractor ENFI PNG Ltd have already started putting up workers’
facilities as imposed by the Labour Department.
A brief was sent yesterday to the Labour and Industrial Relations
Minister Matthew Siune confirming that Ramu Nico and ENFI have complied.
Labour Secretary David Tibu said a lot of positive changes had taken
place on ground and were consistent with some of his recommendations.
They included the actual construction of permanent workers’ housing,
toilet, kitchen, mess hall facilities and permanent roads.
“We will comply with all your recommendations, but it will take time.
“On one hand, we are required to fast-track the project … on the other
hand, we are trying our best to follow the laws of this country,” the
construction manager of ENFI said through an interpreter during a
briefing with Labour officials at the Basamuk campsite on Monday.
The construction phase of the multi-billion Ramu Nickel mine began last
December.
Officers of the Department of Labour and Industrial Relations including
Mr Tibu inspected the mine site between January 13 and 16 and made
shocking discoveries of poor working and living conditions in the area.
Only improvised open pit toilets had been built with improper kitchen
and washing facilities.
And worse, local mine workers had not been paid according to the
Government-set minimum wages.
The vice-president of ENFI Beijing, who was present on site for the
briefing, assured Labour officials that his company would conform to all
PNG requirements.
“We have paid attention to your recommendations and we seek
understanding from all stakeholders,” the Chinese mine officer said.
After an inspection of the site, Mr Tibu said it was evident that the
contractor had taken steps to address the issues raised in the labour
report.
All engineering personnel both national and Chinese are now wearing
safety boot, dust masks and hard hats, Mr Tibu said.
He said he was encouraged by proper road construction and drainage jobs
being carried out by the nationals.
Septic toilet seats were evident and decent male and female toilets were
being put up along with staff accommodation, clinic and mess hall
facilities.
Most of construction jobs would be completed by June, according to one
mine officer.
Mr Tibu said he was satisfied that certain recommendations of the report
were complied with.
“We do not wish to dictate to the developer … we only want to ensure
that our requirements are met,” he said.
He added that Labour officials would conduct consistent reviews and
inspection on site.
A follow up review would be conducted in June.
 
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