Official: Locals will be consulted over approval of permits

By ROSELYN ELLISON
EAST New Britain forestry coordinator Florence Paisparea has assured locals that they would be consulted in approving Forest Clearance Authority (FCA) permits.
“There are processes and various state agencies are involved in the approval of FCA permits. One is to hold public hearings,” she added.
Other state agencies involved are the Departments of Lands, Forestry, Agriculture and Livestock.
Chairing a public hearing at Mandarabit Ward in the Lassul Baining local level government (LLG) of Gazelle in ENB last Wednesday, Paisparea urged the locals to speak up to establish consensus for the project.
The locals, under four incorporated land groups, have agreed for the project to progress.
Paisparea said their landowner company, Gotka Development Ltd, had to get FCA for their Deng-nenge B project.
Department of Agriculture and Livestock deputy secretary Stephen Mesa said the Den-nenge B FCA project document was now being studied by the secretary.
“The project already has the blessings of political leaders, through the support letters of ENB Governor Nakikus Konga and host Gazelle Member of Parliament Jelta Wong.
“The public hearing was to confirm the views of the landowners, represented by Gotka,” she said.
Papua New Guinea Forest Authority officer Joe Badi commended the landowners for embracing the project.
“Because of forestry, locals now have road access. You should continue to get other infrastructure benefits, apart from royalties.”