Laba landowner group refutes claims in media

EXECUTIVE chairman of Laba Holdings Ltd Raho Kevau says recent media statements have been made by a number of individuals questioning the non-delivery of community benefits to the people of the impacted area of the PNG LNG project plant site were uncalled for.
Kevau says such media statements were neither truthful nor credible”.
He was referring to a recent newspaper editorial that said the developer and landowner representatives have yet to deliver community benefits under the petroleum processing facility licence (PPFL) No 2 and licence-based benefits sharing agreement (LBBSA), which it claims expired last Oct 9.
There are many stakeholders in the multi-million kina project and it would be unethical for reporters not to research thoroughly their information before going to the press,” Kevau said.
“There is an abundance of positive information and reporters need only to meet with Laba management and directors to get to the facts.
“Early this month, the Laba BSP Rural branch officially opened for operations, bringing banking services closer to the communities.
“RH Trading, in a joint venture with landowner companies, has established two commissaries on site and a new one near Laba office.
The commissary was officially opened for business last Friday.
“The opening coinci­ded with almost 60 wor­kers graduating with cer­-
ti­ficates in Entrepreneurial Development Training Centre (EDTC) ‘bright future’ training course.
“The Lealea footbridge re-construction by Esso Highlands Ltd is complete and Lealea’s 6,000 people are enjoying the smooth walk across the footbridge.
“Esso Highlands has just completed personal viability training courses in Porebada and Lealea villages.
“These are substantial developments and they add direct value to the communities.”
Kevau said responsible leaders cannot turn a blind eye to these community initiatives and use the media to mislead the public.