Hela, SHP remain neutral

 PEOPLE from Hela and Southern Highlands living in Lae are taking a neutral stand in the stand-off between Hela, the state and the LNG project developer.

A group from the two provinces met last Sunday at the home of Lae businessman Michael Pai. They were joined by landowner representatives from Gulf and Central. They have an interest in benefits derived from the liquefied natural gas project.

Hela Governor Anderson Agirulast week warned project developer ExxonMobil and the state to honour agreements especially in the distribution of funds and development in the province.

Pai said the group would maintain a neutral position and have proposed that Agiru organise a forum to explain the reason behind the 30-day ultimatum he gave to the developer and state.

He should also explain the five-year development plan for Hela.

They also called on Peter Graham as the developer’s representative to explain the developer’s national content plan and community development projects done in Hela, Southern Highlands, Gulf and Central.