Pok pushes for landowner unity

Business

By CLARISSA MOI
People of petroleum development licence (PDL) 1 and PDL 7 of Hides, Hela, are being asked to put aside their issues.
Petroleum Minister Dr Fabian Pok, who was in Hela yesterday with his delegates to witness the completion of the landowner beneficiaries’ identification (Lobid) process of PDL 1 and PDL 7, said he was determined to see landowners receive their long-awaited benefits.
He said unity brought development while division hindered it.
Pok, while receiving the Lobid, said a ministerial determination would be signed after 28 days to determine the legitimate landowners.
A ministerial determination is a process that will allow landowners to benefit.
“I don’t want anyone to come to Port Moresby and change what is stated in the determination.
“The determination shows what you all agreed on (here), not what I want in Port Moresby.”
Pok told people ay Para Primary School, Komo station, that if anyone disagreed or had any issues regarding the determination, they should not go to Port Moresby and take things to court but address issues in front of all landowners.
“I will come back in two weeks’ time with the determination you are giving me now,” he said.
“I will type it out and bring it back.
“Once you all agree, I will sign.”
Pok said he asked Prime Minister Peter O’Neill to release 40 per cent of the royalties or equities to the beneficiaries as soon as possible.
He also called on the people of Hides not to take part in tribal fighting.
Mineral Resource Development Company (MRDC) managing director Augustine Mano said they would return after 28 days to open accounts.He said the PNG Electoral Commission would conduct the election of company directors for PDL 1 and PDL 7 during the same time.
Mano said those leaders would know how much was in the royalties and equities for respective landowners.