Stop delaying Porgera mine review
The National, Tuesday 09th April, 2013
AS a landowner, I feel the government has to do something about the recent call by the Porgera Landowner Association (March 27).
The government cannot show a lack of interest in reviewing the mining agreement.
This world-class mine has been delivering massive revenues and bene-fits to the country for more than 20 years and the government cannot keep defering and dragging the mine agreement review.
Landowners have been patient but since the last meeting in Kokopo in March last year, there is no feedback and landowners and the people of Porgera felt letdown.
The government and Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) must let landowners know what steps will be taken to fulfil the promises made in Kokopo, including resettlement of special mining lease landowners, Porgera Hospital, Porgera-Tari road, business development and spin-off opportunities.
The review has to be passed to avoid any actions from landowners.
I am also from Porgera and I do not want to keep quiet about this because the real landowners have not received any benefits for far too long.
I believe many share the same sentiments as I and this is why we are behind the PLOA.
This is a serious matter and I strongly suggest the government and the MRA come up with something together with the company to address the promises made in Kokopo.
Israel Kingipa
Porgera