LNG project spent K5.7bil on lancos

By EMMANUEL MAIPE
MORE than K5.7 billion was spent by the PNG LNG project on activities with businesses in the third quarter of this year, according to its latest quarterly environmental and social report.
Of this, more than K1.2 billion was spent on landowner companies (lancos).
With construction activity at Komo Airfield, the Hides Gas Conditioning Plant (HGCP) and the LNG plant site expansion, the project was relying on lancos to supply services such as camp maintenance, catering, security, equipment hire, and recruitment.
“The Enterprise Centre continues to support the develop­ment of lancos and other Papua New Guinea-based businesses,” the report said.
“It completed 30 business assessments during this quarter, which brings the total to date to 228.
“The centre also reassessed eight of the original 12 representative lancos to determine how they have progressed since their 2011 assessments.
“A highlight for the Enterprise Centre was the launch of their second annual assessment magazine, which profiles businesses assessed throughout 2012.”
Another important training development was the introduction of International Standards Organisation (ISO) training.
“In a first for Papua New Guinea, the Enterprise Centre coordinated the three-day training course in partnership with International Standard Certifications Proprietary Ltd of Australia,” the report said.
 “Two sessions, covering modules such as quality management systems and occupational health and safety management systems were conducted.”