Ramu NiCo operations ‘normal’

THE killing of a security guard at Basamuk, the site of the proposed Ramu nickel and cobalt project in Madang province, has not disrupted construction operations, according to the Ramu NiCo management.
The guard, an employee of Raibus Security Services Ltd, died last Monday at about 7pm after he was allegedly struck on the head with a large rock.
Aizo Maino, from Matepi village in the Transgogol area of Madang, was 23.
Raibus general manager William Bartley confirmed the incident last Thursday, saying the situation was tense but under control.
Project developer Ramu NiCo Management condemned the killing.
“Ramu NiCo Management clarifies that the construction of Basamuk Refinery Plant has not been impacted by the unfortunate death of a security guard.
“The site situation is calm and all workers are working on their normal shifts,” it said in a statement.
Madang provincial police commander Chief Insp Anthony Wagambie Jr last week confirmed the incident, adding that his officers had travelled to Basamuk where they arrested and charged a father and son, and a third man, with wilful murder.
He said bail was refused for the three men and they were being held at Beon jail awaiting their court appearances.
The killing is said to have occurred after an argument started between the security guard and a local staff over some plywood.
Mr Bartley said the guard had enquired if the local had sought permission from the company to take home the plywood.
An argument erupted and the son of the man with the plywood allegedly picked up a large rock and struck the guard.
Mr Bartley said Maino died about 30 minutes later from what looked like loss of blood from internal injuries.