MP joins Govt to secure PNG LNG project

 KOMO-Margarima MP Francis Potape says he is joining the Government to help secure the LNG project after threats to halt its progress.

He said he decided to cross the floor after Hela Governor Anderson Agiru issued a 30-day ultimatum to the State and ExxonMobil, the developer of the multi-billion kina LNG project, to honour their agreements, failing which the Hela provincial government would seek legal action to halt the progress of the project.  

Potape who recently defected from the PNG Party in the Opposition benches to join the Government was sitting in the government backbench and did not officially join any party. He is now a member of the People’s Congress Party led by Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.

Potape said he wanted to show solidarity and confidence in the O’Neill-led regime while protecting the Hela peoples’ benefits in the LNG project.

Potape said the LNG project was also in his electorate and it was important that he be in the Government to support the prime minister, State and ExxonMobil to deliver the LNG project as scheduled and within the required budget and time frame. 

Potape announced his decision to join PNC at the remote Hiri village in Margarima district last Monday. He was there during the launching of the multi-million kina Hiri-Lai road project that would connect Hela and Mendi in the neighbouring Southern Highlands.