Mori wants payment deal for Koiari

Business

By MARK HAIHUIE
Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Wera Mori has called for greater cooperation between PNG Power Ltd and Eda Ranu to ensure the Koiari landowners are paid in a timely manner.
He was speaking when refuting claims by Kairuku-Hiri MP Peter Isoaimo that his department was withholding K10 million from a Koiari landowner group. “The fact is that I was not in the (parliament) chamber and he (Isoaimo) took that opportunity to raise those questions without really seeking answers,” Mori said.
“He raised the issue about something that was before the courts.”
Mori said the money was with the national court and after a recent ruling, was paid to landowner companies.
“The K10 million was paid rightfully to those clans,” he said.
“There was a delay to this payment, due to a claim from a group that was rightfully thrown out by the national court because they are represented by people who do not own the land. The monies belong to the Narime, Omani and Behori clans.” Mori said water from the Koiari land was consumed and used for electricity to Port Moresby.