Kikori MP wants more involvement in talks about projects

MINISTER for Public Service and Kikori MP Soroi Eoe says there must be proper consultation by the Gulf government with the people of Kikori on major projects that are to take place in the province.
Eoe said, in a forum this week, that the provincial government had no dialogue with him as the Member for Kikori when signing agreements for projects such as the Twinza’s Pasca A, Purari Hydro power project and others.
“I want my people to be beneficiaries as well as key players and they must also benefit to the maximum,” he said.
“You look at the projects now on line, Pasca A for example, Papua LNG, Purari hydro scheme that has been discussed, where do we fit in?
“That’s a big challenge.
“Recently, the Purari hydro scheme was raised.
“I was not made aware the Twinza agreement was signed by the governor and I was not aware.
“The governor signed the Purari hydro scheme agreement without informing and consulting me.
“The governor needs to consult our people and constantly have their views.
“I call upon the governor to start talking to me and the leaders on the ground.
“The people who are resources owners want to know what is happening and don’t want to be taken on a ride or taken by surprise.
“We want to be warned so that we can organise right up to the point where we negotiate in the interest of our people.”
Eoe said these major projects that were to take place in Gulf needed to bring tangible development and positive change to the lives of the people.