Kikori landowners’ association declares unity in fight for MoA funds

Normal, Papua
Source:

By WALLACE KIALA

THE four clan groups that make up the Kikori Oil Pipeline Landowners Association (KOPLA) last Wednesday announced their solidarity to fight the alleged improper use of K220 million in MoA funds.
A group spokesman said they would demand that all who had acquired funds from the Government over the years for so-called district development, to return every toea.
Kikori MP and Labour and Industrial Relations Minister Mark Maipakai met the group in a reconciliation meeting to lobby for their support and set aside differences to fight for tangible development, which had hardly been felt in the past 17 years after the Kutubu pipeline MoA (1990).
Mr Maipakai reminded the State that KOPLA was the only legitimate landowner group that the Government should be dealing with through the joint district planning and budget priorities committee.
“I am happy that the KOPLA and the four tribes affected by the Kikori oil pipeline are with me in this struggle.
“They are here with me today showing their undivided support,” he said.
He said the challenge was again for Government leaders and public officials in charge of MoA funds to understand related National Executive Council decisions and to comply with them.
“It only makes it easier for us to deliver services without unnecessary delays.”