Lupari gives Koiari a lesson on law

By LUKE KAMA
CHIEF Secretary Isaac Lupari has advised the landowners of Koiari in Central to wisely use funds given to them by Government for the extraction of their water resources to supply Port Moresby.
Lupari met landowners of Inland and Lower Sirinumu, Catchment Area, Sirinumu Development Association and councillors in his office on Monday.
He said they should follow the right processes when wishing to express their concerns and grievances.
He said doing things outside established government processes and systems had serious cost implications.
Last Friday, Sirinumu landowners illegally entered Rouna Power Station and shut down the operations of PNG Power Ltd because of what they claimed were outstanding commitments and benefits from Government.
“The action to shut down the hydro power (station) does not help,” Lupari said.
“We must know that there is a process to express grievances.
“It is imperative that they adhere to it, and not the way they have done. The disruptions and damages have huge costs implications for residents, business community and the Government.
“It is not only cost implications, but also the lives of innocent people. For example, patients undergoing treatment at our hospitals. When there is no power or water, their lives are put at great risks.
“We must always consider these implications when we decide to act unlawfully.”
Lupari said the government had always delivered on its commitments, and it was the responsibility of the landowner leaders to ensure the funds given were used for the benefit of their communities.
“The Government has on record paid millions of kina to the Koiari landowners,” he said. “They are expected to use these funds for projects to improve their quality of life. To date, I do not think they provide to the government reports on delivery of projects.
“The landowners have a responsibility to ensure proper accountability of all these funds.”