Unwise not to involve govt in gas projects

 MINERAL Resources Development Co managing-director Augustine Mano says it will not be wise to let private companies look after landowner investments without Government input.

Mano cautioned critics of MRDC – which represented the State – to be very cautious following barbs from landowners and leaders at the two-day State and landowners issues meeting in Port Moresby this week concerning the PNG LNG Project. 

 “If they’re thinking of setting up something independent, they have to be very, very careful about taking the State away,” he said.

“We’re talking about project security.”

Mano said a dangerous scenario could emerge when landowner companies, leaders and directors wanted to control everything themselves.

 “What gurantee is there that they will be responsible to the people?” he said.

“If it’s within the Government, at least there’s some security. 

“Like, for example, I can’t escape from Ombudsman Commission or MRDC board as I have to be accountable to them. 

“For them, who are they going to be accountable to?”