Assembly pledges to protect Motu Koita’s interest in redevelopment project

THE Motu Koita Assembly (MKA) is taking necessary steps to protect the interest of its people in relation to the Port Moresby port redevelopment proposed by Kumul Consolidated Holdings Ltd (KCH), chairman Dadi Toka Jnr says.
Toka, in the presence of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and MKA board members, reassured his people in a press conference last Friday.
The proposed redevelopment is in relation to the rezoning of the old wharf in Downtown Port Moresby.
Toka said the action taken by the KCH for the proposed rezoning was done without the consideration of the people of Hanuabada and nearby villages. “The MKA has been tracking this development since last year, directly through our administration, and through our representation at the NCD physical planning board,” he said.
Toka said the proposed redevelopment would change the boundaries of the Motuan coastline, affecting the people of Motu Koita in the west, particularly Hanuabada, Elevala, Tatana and Baruni villages.
“In 2007, then prime minister Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and his government passed the MKA Act.
“Section 50 of the Act provides for ‘prior informed consent’ to be obtained from Motu Koita villages which will be affected by a large scale industrial development in their areas,” he said.
“This redevelopment proposal has been made with nil consultation of the people of Motu Koita.”
The MKA called on Prime Minister James Marape to intervene through the National Executive Council and through a KCH shareholder decision.
“We have requested that KCH and the national government honour the requirements of section 38 of the MKA Act and give us the royalties and grants we are entitled to, from KCH subsidiaries (PNG Ports Corporation and the National Airports Corporation)”.