Downstream processing move good
I WELCOME the statement by Gulf Governor Havila Kavo that there should be downstream processing of our resources, particularly oil and gas.
I am an industrial chemistry student at the University of PNG and hope to pursue a career in a downstream processing plant in the future.
There is no such facility for oil and gas in the country at the moment, other than Napa Napa.
Our country is very rich in natural resources but do not benefit from them as much as we could as most are exported as raw materials and the revenue is distributed among the landowner groups, the provincial governments, the National Government and the project developers who are usually overseas.
Most of the proceeds end up going offshore largely due to the lack of our leaders’ negotiating skills, vision and consideration for the people.
Some are also greedy and selfish.
Kavo, however, is different.
He knows that the oil and gas reserves in Oro are immense and that there will always be a market for them.
He knows that if he requires investors to process the gas and oil downstream in PNG, it will bring maximum benefits to the people.
I come from Western Highlands where there are no such resources and I envy the governor’s vision and his concern for the people.

Senson Hornby, Port Moresby
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