ExxonMobil builds court facility for villages

THE new Buria village court facility is a dream come true for the Papa and Lelalea villagers of Central.
The construction of the facility was made possible by the operator of the PNG LNG Project, ExxonMobil PNG Ltd.
ExxonMobil worked with Papa and Lealea leaders to build the facility which was presented to the villagers last Wednesday.
“We have been longing for a building like this one over the years,” village magistrate Vagi Peter said.
“We just wanted a proper place where the court sessions can be held.”
On behalf of the 12 village magistrates and peace officers from Papa and Lealea villages, Peter thanked ExxonMobil for funding the project.
“You (ExxonMobil PNG) have lifted our burdens and struggles,” Peter said.
Among the six magistrates from Papa and Lealea villages, Peter is the only female magistrate and also the youngest.
When asked why all the other magistrates were old but still serving, Peter said they loved what they did and also because other villagers weren’t keen on the job.
Church elder Rev Harry Ovaea and magistrate Mapore Uda said the new facility was in a central location for both villages to access.