Let’s talk, EHL tells Agiru

 By MALUM NALU

ESSO Highlands Ltd  (EHL) is disappointed with threats by Hela Governor Anderson Agiru to shut down the project if  the company failed to meet its outstanding obligations within 30 days.

The ultimatum to shut down the project was contained in a petition handed to Trade, Commerce and Industry Minister Richard Maru in Tari on Monday.

Agiru alleged that EHL reneged on key obligations and on top of that, state obligations were far longer and more serious.

He gave the state and EHL 30 days to address their obligations under various agreements or face legal action to shut down the project.

EHL managing director Peter Graham was baffled by Agiru’s threats following their good relationship and cooperation on the project over the years.

“I’m extremely disappointed in Governor Anderson Agiru’s decision to raise these concerns through the media without any prior discussion with Esso Highlands,” he said.

“EHL takes seriously any and all commitments we make. In our view, we have met, if not exceeded, our commitments. 

“We have worked closely with Governor Agiru for many years to establish Hela province and successfully develop the PNG LNG project. 

“I encourage Governor Agiru to engage with me face-to-face about any concerns he has, and I stand ready to discuss these with him.”