Settle issues outside court: Mano

LANDOWNERS along the PNG LNG project impact sites should learn to settle their issues outside of court to enjoy the benefits of the project, says Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) managing director Augustine Mano.
Mano said the MRDC had so far paid around K21 million to the pipeline landowners in segments six, three and two.
“It’s almost seven years since the first gas flow and we should start following the example of plant site landowners by resolving all our issues internally rather than going to the courts so we can enjoy the benefits,” he said.
“We have, so far, paid K21 million for the pipeline landowners only.
“Only segments six, three and two are still outstanding.
“That’s for equity up to 2014 to 2016 and royalty up to 2018.
“The balance of the funds is for such community impact projects and investments in future generations.
“For the Greenfields such as Hides, Hides Four, Angora and Juha, no payments have been made because clan vetting is not completed due to landowner disputes that have ended up in court.”
A total of K7.5 million had been spent on four impact villages
in Central since 2018 for infrastructure projects through the landowners’ infrastructure trust fund.
It is estimated that K11.2 million will be spent this year and next year.