Union wants Wafi-Golpu issues resolved before MOA signing

Morobe Tertiary Students Union members want to see all “unresolved” issues dealt with before a memorandum of agreement on the K18.5 billion Wafi-Golpu gold/copper project is signed.
The union claims to represent more than 2,600 students attending 33 colleges and universities around the country.
Union president Jack Maru said they would write to the landowners, provincial government and the national government to have the signing delayed.
“There are number of unresolved issues relating to the project such as the spin-offs and contracts, deep sea tailings placement (DSTP), distribution of benefits, and incorporated land groups certificates for Yanta and Hengambu special mining lease (SML) landowners,” he said.
“The two SML landowners are yet to get their ILG certificates.
“These are the issues that our local level, provincial government and impacted communities must be aware of before signing.”
He said most villagers did not fully understand what was going on.
“We want development to happen, but it must benefit everyone,” Maru said.
“We are informing ourselves to understand the loopholes in the mine’s negotiation, development, agreement and operation.”
Wampar community representative Shalom Amua said the purpose was to educate the people of their interests.
“When people are informed, they make good decisions,” Amua said.
“We want our leaders to make good decisions for our people.”
Governor Luther Wenge said earlier that the provincial government was prepared to sign the mining lease agreement next month to accept the mine and the Deep Sea Tailing Placement method.
“Wafi-Golpu will open and DSTP will go on,” he said.
“Anyone who disagrees can take it to court with your research and facts.”