Get a move on royalty increase

FOUR years ago, then SHP governor Anderson Agiru demanded royalty and equity from the LNG project be raised to 7%.
It was agreed at Ko­kopo but not amended in the Oil and Gas Act.
Two thirds of the legislature’s support is re­quired and there would also be a second and third reading before it is constitutional for landowners to obtain 7% of the gains.
This has not taken
place and the construction phase is 80% completed.
The governors of Hela and SHP must ensure that it is passed before 2014, when gas will be exported and sold.
The illiterate landowners of Hides, Juha, An­gore, Moran, Kutubu, Go­be and Southeast Ma­nanda are waiting pa­tiently for the outcome.

Fabian Kuku
Hela