Endorse mediation, govt urged

 THE Government has been urged to fully endorse the current court-sanctioned mediation process in Hela.

PNG Power chairman Larry Andagali, pictured, said this while commending National Court judge Ambeng Kandakasi for spearheading the mediation process in identifying major landowning clans in the five block areas of the Angore PDL8 of the PNG LNG project.      

Andagali, who spent more than 25 years dealing with landowners in the Hides, Kutubu and Moran Oil and Gas Project in Hela, said it was timely for Kandakasi, being a Hela Obene tribesman, to lead the mediation process in the best interests of the people.      

He called on the Government to allow the judge to continue with the clan vetting exercise in PDL 1, 7 and 9.  

“A consistent approach in dealing with clan vetting and landowner identification must be followed for Hides PDL1, 7 and 9 (all Huli speaking people same as PDL 8- Angore). This will eliminate legal battles after vetting is completed,” he said.   

“I thank Justice Kandakasi in going to the bottom of the phase to clear out errors caused in the past so that deliberate ruling would be done in the court sanctioned process and verified clans form their incorporated land groups (ILGs) to benefit from the project.” 

He added that inconsistent process deployed by the Petroleum and Energy Department had caused many legal challenges among the various clans and landowner groups.

“I do not wish to see the repeat of Gobe and Moran landownership battle, which is almost 20 years old and still continuing with landowners missing out so much in benefits,” Andagali said.

“Justice Kandakasi has set the standard and he should continue on with endorsing identified clans through relevant legal process so that there won’t be any legal challenges and disputes in the courts.

“Justice Kandakasi is making sure through the mediation process that the five block areas of Angore, Hokombe, Purani, Hawatangi and Komo are identified and confirmed to form their respective ILGs, conduct elections for the ILG executives to manage the benefits derived from the project.

“The judge is doing a tremedous job that will greatly benefit them.”