Top cop warns of more problems

 By JAMES APA GUMUNO

THE stop-work and disturbances at the multi-billion-kina liquefied natural gas project in Southern Highlands are likely to continue unless the government addresses outstanding issues with the landowners.

Highlands divisional police commander Simon Kauba said yesterday that during his visit to the Hela region recently, landowners had told him that they were not happy with the way the government was handling their issues.

He said among other outstanding issues, the landowners were not happy with the way the seed capital was distributed in Port Moresby last month. They wanted government officers to make the payments at the project sites.

Kauba said the landowners had even threatened to continue disturbing the project because the seed capital was paid to the wrong people.

No machines or camp facilities were destroyed, and workers were left untouched.

Meanwhile, he said three police mobile units had been deployed in Hides, Tari and Moro to provide security for companies and employees.

He said police would also be carrying out awareness activities at all project sites to maintain order and educate the people about bringing their grievousness to the appropriate people to address them peacefully.

Kauba said police personnel on the ground were doing an excellent job among the public.

On the alleged beating of a man at Hides 4, Kauba said he was yet to receive a report.