Landowners await response to petition

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Tuesday March 4th, 2014

 WATER and power supply to Port Moresby could be affected if the government does not respond to a petition from the principal landowners of the Rouna Dam within 14 days.

Rouna Incorporated Land Group (RILG) chairman Babea Toina said since the occupation and establishment of the state’s installation and assets in Rouna 1, 2, 3 and 4, the government had failed to recognise and facilitate calls by the Rouna landowners to develop an entity to help in commercial and economic opportunities for the four impacted clans of Rouna – Omani, Narime, Ianari and Nadeka.

Toina said they wanted their past Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)s to be translated into a more detailed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)  with the RILG and the four clans. 

He said they were demanding a long-term benefit-sharing package, an  agreement for secured equity and royalty payments (water/power), retrospective and the start of the water/power Resource Act review with the establishment of a genuine agency to administer and manage the affairs at Rouna affairs with other government bodies, stakeholders and statutory agencies.

“We immediately want the establishment of a commercial entity for Rouna landowners so the recent NEC No 356/2013 must be clarified to benefit the impacted Koiaris, particularly the Rouna landowners who come from the areas of direct influence as our land has been occupied and used.”

Other demands include : A letter written by the Treasurer Don Polye to chairman Toina assuring them of a K50 million development assistance package commitment for the Rouna and Sirinumu landowners earmarked for 2014 be immediately acted upon, and, demand for instruments on the DAP funding be given utmost priority by relevant authorities.