Locals want to partake in spinoff activities

 By PISAI GUMAR

WAFI-Golpu project landowners have urged Morobe Mining Joint Venture not to engage outside contractors in spin-off activities but provide business opportunities to locals to avoid future problems. 

At the opening of the Lukwo Bridge at Demakwa base camp, in Mumeng, Morobe, three landowner representatives from Yanta, Hengabu and Babuaf told MMJV not to neglect their people in the spin-off activities of the project.

Hengabu chairman Paul Yanam commended the company for building the bridge and giving the people access to the project area.

“Wafi is not Hidden Valley that most landowners missed out on spin-off business,” he said.

“This is Wafi and any business dealings need to be done and executed in corroboration with landowners, district and provincial government.”

Huon Gulf MP Ross Seymour, Morobe provincial acting administrator Geoving Belong and Bulolo district administrator Tae Gwambelek also urged MMJV to work closely with landowners and the provincial administration to avoid future issues.

“You (MMJV) are honest to build the bridge not only links the pro­ject but a symbolic link with landowners, government and company; therefore all business activities must be executed using the bridge and not by air or other routes,” Gwambelek said.

Last month, Babuaf landowners blocked a portal access to the underground mine site and what they claimed as failure by MMJV to address their concerns about spin-off activities.

Mumeng LLG president Mathias Philip said the people did not want the Wafi project to be disrupted by such issues.

MMJV project director Max Esparon said the company realised its responsibilities and would honour its commitment with all stakeholders to develop the gold mine.

“It ensures to connect people to business and stakeholders to opportunities; as the project was a significant milestone, the bridge was a great symbol of mutual benefit for all to work together for greater benefit,” he said.