Authorities praised for taking action

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Thursday 9th May 2013

 A 12-MAN committee looking into Lake Kutubu dead fish problem has thanked government authorities for taking action to fix it.

In a meeting held at Moro station last weekend, committee leader Rex Gorfira thanked the Department and Ministry of Environment and Conservation, for acting on their concerns. 

Speaking from Kutubu yesterday, Gorfira told The National that they were awaiting assistance from PNG LNG project partners to complete their investigations into the pollution.

An official from the Department of Environment and Conservation last night said scientists and officials had acted on the people’s concerns and had conducted their own investigations.

“Samples from our findings have been sent to Australia, were tested and the results made known to us,” the spokesman said.

“When appropriate, the acting secretary and minister will make known the results in close consultation with all stakeholders and line government agencies.”

Gorfira said the committee was tasked to negotiate with PNG LNG project partners and government authorities on the Lake Kutubu dead fish issue.

“Lake Kutubu has always been the lifeline of our 20,000-odd people living along its banks. 

“Since fish started dying three months ago, our cries for help have gone unheeded,” he said.

Another group of Kutubu leaders had also taken out a full-page advertisement in the newspapers calling on the Southern Highlands provincial administration and Governor William Powi to provide financial assistance and relief supplies to those affected.