Stop delaying Porgera mine review

 AS a landowner, I feel the government has to do something about the re­cent call by the Porgera Landowner Association (March 27).

The government cannot show a lack of interest in reviewing the mining agreement.

This world-class mine has been delivering massive revenues and bene­-fits to the country for more than 20 years and the go­vernment cannot keep defer­ing and dragging the mine agreement review.

Landowners have been patient but since the last meeting in Kokopo in March last year, there is no feedback and landowners and the people of Porgera felt letdown.

The government and Mi­­neral Resources Au­tho­rity (MRA) must let land­owners know what steps will be taken to fulfil the promises made in Ko­kopo, including resettlement of special mining lease land­owners, Por­gera Hospital, Porge­ra-Tari road, business deve­lopment and spin-off opportunities.

The review has to be passed to avoid any actions from landowners.

I am also from Porgera and I do not want to keep quiet about this because the real landowners have not received any benefits for far too long.

I believe many share the same sentiments as I and this is why we are behind the PLOA.

This is a serious matter and I strongly suggest the government and the MRA come up with something together with the company to address the promises made in Kokopo.

Israel Kingipa

Porgera