Ok Tedi landowners pass resolution to support Kondra amendment

OK Tedi Mine Ltd (OTML) resource owners in Kiunga, Western province, last week passed several resolutions for the “Kondra amendment” to be approved by Parliament next month.
Western provincial branch of the Land and Resources Owners Federation (LROF) passed the resolutions in the presence of North Fly MP Boka Kondra, saying that the extension of the mine life be suspended until the Parliament passes the proposed amendments to the Mining Act 1992 and the Oil and Gas Act 1998.
LROF president Phidelis Phile and national president John Endemogo Kua yesterday told The National from Kiunga that the mine extension must be suspended.
The community mine continuation agreement must also be abolished and compensation be paid in full by OTML and the State before the end of the year.
Other resolutions passed were:
* The Kiunga-Tabubil Highway be sealed by OTML with actual work starting next year;
* Electricity and water supply be connected to all communities in North Fly and Western province;
* OTML and PNG Sustainable Development Program (PNGSDP) be implemented to support and promote local landowner companies;
* The provincial government, the National Government and the PNGSDP undertake an urgent feasibility study to construct a mega hydro dam to supply power and water to Australia;
* Kiunga Hospital be upgraded with specialist medical personnel; and
* That the federation take up the issue of transferring the ownership of PNGSDP to the people of Western province and not the provincial or national governments.
Mr Phile said the resolution paper would be given as a petition to Governor Dr Bob Danaya and his provincial administration on Friday during a meeting with LROF and landowners in Tabubil.