Kikala urges drive against illegal mining

MEMBER for Lagaip-Porgera Philip Kikala has called on all stakeholders to make a concerted effort against illegal mining activities in the Porgera Valley operated by the Porgera Joint Venture.
He stressed the importance of co-operation to fight crime, especially the problem of illegal mining during a three-day visit to Porgera last week which also included a visit to the mine site.
Mr Kikala expressed his concern while presiding a public meeting at the district council chamber attended by stakeholders that included the members of the local community, landowners, Porgera district authority chairman Nixon Mangape, Enga provincial administrator Dr Samson Amean, public servants and PJV representatives.
A government delegation comprising Vice-Minister for Mining Ano Pala and Secretary for Mining Nellie James accompanied Mr Kikala during his visit.
They were joined a day later by Kandep MP and Minister for Transport Don Polye.
Mr Kikala told the meeting that with a major mining operation in the valley, all stakeholders needed to work together to ensure that incidences of lawlessness, especially illegal mining activities, were minimised, if not stopped completely.
The visit also coincided with the official opening of a new surgical ward for the Porgera General Hospital which both ministers had the honour of officially opening it.
The ward was built under the PJV Tax Credit Scheme for K1.8 million.