Landowners want hydro project fast-tracked

 LANDOWNERS from Northern are in Port Moresby to meet with PNG Power Ltd to fast-track the Dewune hydro project after a two-year delay.

The delay was a result of a court battle between the Dewune landowners and other disputing parties on the ownership of land on which the hydro project would be established.

In March this year, the district court in Popondetta awarded the Dewune land to the Ainthosu clan of Huriri tribe as principal landowners, paving the way for development of the project.

The Dewune landowners, who are from Wuju village in Kokoda, have travelled to the city to meet with PNG Power executives 

This led to the principal landowner registering a landowner umbrella company, Livune Hydro Ltd, to work with PNG Power to develop the hydro project. 

At a gathering at the ATS Oro settlement in Port Moresby on Monday, Livune Hydro chairman James Kei called for further support from Governor Gary Juffa and Sohe MP Delilah Gore to assist them work in partnership with project developers and PNG Power to fast-track the project as soon as practicable.

“The outstanding Dewune land ownership issues delayed the project, therefore, no political support was observed to the expectation of the land owners,” Kei said. 

“Since the issue is resolved, the landowners seek political support to fast track the project.

“The meeting with PNG Power is to give assurance by the land owners to PNG Power, as the developer and Asian Development Bank, that there will not be any land owner issues to disrupt the project, and therefore the project should be fast tracked.

“We also would like to talk with PNG Power to assist the landowner company to be fully established, as a partner in development, and also discuss how best the spinoffs can benefit the affected people.”