Basil wants govt to stop limestone imports

 By GABRIEL LAHOC

THE government should stop limestone imports to allow Papua New Guinea to develop its own rich limestone deposits in the country, Deputy Opposition leader and Bulolo MP Sam Basil says.

He made this call last Saturday in Wau during the opening of the annual Bulolo Cultural Show.

Basil said it was unfair when local people in limestone-rich areas were missing out when industries and other projects within the country had high demand for limestone and were importing it.

Basil aims to resurrect the limestone project at the Buang local level government area in Bulolo which, between 1970 and 1980, was supplying limestone to Lae-based bottle manufacturer ACI. 

The ACI factory, located along Aircorps Road, then was producing the brown beer bottles and other clear glass bottles for soft drinks.

“The importation of limestone from overseas must stop.

“I will push for the revival of the Buang limestone to supply other projects and industries that are in need of limestone and are importing,” Basil said.