Governor happy LNG project back on track after earthquake

By MALUM NALU
HELA Governor Philip Undialu has welcomed the resumption of the PNG LNG Project after the February earthquake but says the disaster had been a “wake-up call” on outstanding issues.
ExxonMobil announced on Friday that production had resumed at the PNG LNG Project and that LNG cargo deliveries were expected to begin soon. It had shut down operations after the earthquake.
“The PNG LNG Project is what the country needs at this time,” Undialu said.
“Oil process have picked up and it’s a good time for the country and for the company.
“It’s good that the company is reopening the project after making assessments of the gas facilities.
“I have no issue with that (recommencement of production), except the concerns of the people for an independent team to verify whether or not the earthquake was induced.
“That request has not been satisfactorily complied with. I know that there was a report done by Australian GeoScience, which I don’t think is an independent one.
“It was a rushed analysis in my view. I maintain that an independent investigator must come to Hides to assess the pressure valves and the way we are discharging waste.
“All the health and safety measures need to be scrutinised, even if they have nothing to do with the earthquake.
“We have serious concerns about water being discharged into the community. I don’t see the presence of the Environment and Conservation Department in the project area. I don’t see the Petroleum and Energy Department making it its business.
“The country has come of age with technology available to monitor disasters, and even environmental issues and health and safety issues on the ground.”