Clans want people to know more about mine activities

By PISAI GUMAR
SIX clans from Zifasing village Wampar local level government of Huon Gulf, Morobe, have urged Mineral Resources Authority (MRA), Government authorities and the Wafi-Golpu mine developer to conduct awareness for easement areas.
Zifasing land mobilisation committee chairman Nathan Ngaroko Akwila said much of the mine activity was on their land.
Those include the Northern Access Road as the gateway from the mine, and two proposed bridges over the Watut and Markham rivers to be built for the pipeline.
The six clans are Owangrompon, Orogazog, Orogwangin, Tsuwaif, Jeaganchon and Mosswarang.
Akwila said clan representatives urged MRA and the developer to conduct awareness for easement landowners over the right to cross or use customary land for civil construction purposes.
“Constructions work next year will be deferred until awareness is conducted to our satisfaction,” he said.
MRA has yet to respond to the query. Wafi-Golpu JV general manager sustainability and external relations David Wissink said awareness and discussions were ongoing with communities.
Akwila said they were concerned over heavy civil work activities and clearance on the land for construction of buildings and other structures to service the underground pit.
He said the constructions of roads, bridges and pipeline would encroach on Zifasing customary land
Akwila said the longest chunk of pipeline from Wafi-Golpu mine site to Wagang at the coast would be the Zifasing segment from the western-end of the proposed Watut River Bridge to Markham Farm (palm oil plantation) in Wampar.