Foresters: Minister not following due processes

THE forest minister is not following due process in allocating major timber projects, the Association of Foresters PNG said yesterday.
“It is also becoming a trend before national elections that forestry projects are being allocated by those in authorities with vested interests and that of foreign partners at the cost of resource owners and the state,” secretary Kulala Mulang said in a statement.
He said the amended Forestry Act (2010) was intended to address the lack of control from previous legislative and procedural shortfalls, including allocation of timber projects.
Referring to a Middle Ramu concession which was originally awarded to Timbers PNG Ltd but then given to Madang Timbers instead, he said professional foresters were concerned at the continued political
hijacking of this particular project.
“The Forest Act is very clear … the National Forest Board recommends to the minister who then decides based on the recommendation provided and in this case he has opted contrary to the board’s recommended position.
“PNG is a signatory to international timber trade and market and has obligations to ensure due national standards and processes are complied with.”
He added that the action of the minister contradicted the commitment of the O’Neill-Namah government to rid PNG of corruption and bribery practices.
Mulang also urged the National Executive Council to rescind the “highly irregular” suspension of PNG Forestry Authority managing director Kanawi Pouru.
He said it was improper to blame Pouru for the collective decisions of the board.