Businesswoman urges leaders to cooperate

By GYNNIE KERO in Porgera
BUSINESSWOMAN Elizabeth Lape Iarume is urging leaders to set aside their differences and work together to get the Porgera gold mine operating again. She said people living in the Porgera valley had suffered a lot since the mine was closed last April. “People living outside think that when the mine was closed, locals can continue life as normal.
“No, it has been a difficult past 12 months,” she said. “Outsiders have no idea how we have suffered. “Lot of problems including law and order issues, teachers leaving schools, a shortage of medical supplies. “Our lives depended on the mine. “We have land to farm but it’s waterlogged and not suitable for growing staple food like kaukau. “The mine’s closure has also taught us an important lesson – to be prepared for whenever the mine life ends.” She is ready to welcome Prime Minister James Marape and operator Barrick officials to Porgera today. “On behalf of the people, we are relieved that Prime Minister James Marape and Barrick will launch the framework agreement,” she said.“It gives us hope.”Iarume who operates a guest house in Porgera said the biggest problem was the build-up of firearms in Porgera valley. She urged the Government to address the issue before the mine starts. The Porgera gold mine was operated by Placer Dome in 1993 until 2006 when Barrick took over.