Locals want share in hydro project

By ELLEN TIAMU
AVINAKENU people at Yonki in Eastern Highlands want to be given priority in the Ramu 1 Rehabilitation Project.
PNG power and Andritz Hydro, of Israel, signed a contract in Yonki last month to start Ramu 1 hydro station rehabilitation and modernisation project after four years of negotiations and preparations.
That kick-started the long-awaited rehabilitation work aimed at restoring Ramu hydro power station to its former glory and it is expected to take 18 months.
Principal landowner owner and chairman of the Avinakenu Land and Resource Owners’ Association Peter Katera said PNG Power and its associated contractors have to recognise landowners and stakeholders.
Katera said it was important that state-owned enterprises such as PPL work with communities in the Arona Valley where the Yonki dam and Ramu 1 Hydro power station are based to bring about the proposed developments.
“As landowners we must be given priority to participate as owners of the resource,” he said.