Local: Do not stop oil project

 By FIDELIS SUKINA 

NEW crude oil belongs to the rightful impact area people and must not be objected to by others who think otherwise, a landowner says. 

Landowner and chairman of Hakere Luntine Resource Owners Association, Bruce Konokao said the impact area was in his area therefore a new integrated land group (ILG) had to be made to cater for the impact area.

He said he discovered crude oil in January last year after it had spilled out from the ground to the surface, killing the surrounding trees and vegetation.

“We had to test it to make sure. So I went to the PNG University of Technology and they confirmed that it was oil,” Konokao said

He said he had bought it to Port Moresby and the Department of Petroleum and Energy had confirmed the laboratory test and told him to register an ILG and find a developer.

“We have already proved the tests with the Department of Petroleum and Energy and now we are looking for developers,” Konokao said.

He said he came to Port Moresby to register his company but was given an objection notice from an ILG in his area.

“I will seek legal advice for the action taken by the Huguragave ILG Resource Owners Association,” Konokao said.