Group unhappy with Exxon for challenging decision

By DALE LUMA
A GROUP of landowners in Hides, Hela is disappointed with ExxonMobil PNG Ltd for challenging the decision to pay compensation on the damage to the environment.
The decision by the Department of Petroleum and Energy’s warden’s office on Nov 16 was for ExxonMobil to pay compensation to the Tukupa Walo Incorporated Land Group.
Tukupa Walo ILG chairman Edward Peno said on Monday that the 14 days was given to the company and the State to discuss and respond of the landowners.
Peno said the group have been fighting for the compensation payment for 12 years, until the warden’s decision went in their favour last month.
“We have met the (legal requirements) in terms of ILG certification and clan vetting and others,” Peno said.
“ExxonMobil has set up its properties on our land. We have not disturbed the project in any way since.
“All our payments are with a trust with ExxonMobil, environment, land rental, business lease and everything.
“Even benefits from the state, we have not received which are still with the State.
“We were waiting for the state and Exxon to respond after the warden’s decision last month but Exxon has appealed the decision.”
However, a spokesperson from ExxonMobil told The National: “We have acted in accordance with the PNG Oil and Gas Act and disagree with the decision.
“On behalf of the PNG LNG project co-venturers, ExxonMobil PNG Limited has lodged an appeal in the National Court and we have no further comment on active legal matters.”