Leaders waiting for project review: Bird

EAST Sepik Governor Allan Bird says the majority of leaders in both Sepik provinces, including river presidents, are deeply concerned about the Frieda River Project.
He said most of the leaders had taken his advice to wait for the outcome of the independent review into the project which could be conducted this month.
Commenting on East Sepik government’s position regarding Frieda Mine impact on the Sepik River and its people, the governor said: “Just because MPs do not speak on an issue does not mean they are supporting it or they are not interested in it.”
“Already there have been some concerns identified and raised with Cepa (Conservation and Environment Protection Authority).
“As responsible leadership, we must always follow proper process and do things properly,” Bird said.
“With matters like this, any decision taken by the provincial government can be challenged in court.
“ESPG is not a tucker box or a roadside market that we will make decisions on the run.
“We must always be responsible and make decisions based on professional advice which, when taken to court, will stand up to rigorous legal scrutiny.
“I want to assure the Sepik people that your leaders, including MPs representing river electorates, are not blind or deaf.
“None of the leaders of ESPG are environment or mining experts, we, therefore, need expert advice and guidance.”
Bird said the ESPG review team would convene at the end of the month and preliminary information would be available in January at which point Sepik leaders and the public would be made aware of the outcomes.