You will get your grants, locals told

 By SHIRLEY MAULUDU

PETROLEUM and Energy Minister Nixon Duban has assured landowners in the Stanley Gas and Condensate project area in Western that they will be receiving their business development grants.

He said the grants will be released once the responsible government departments sorted themselves out. 

Kiunga local level government president James Donald yesterday called on Duban to explain on development of the project as the people were still confused about who the operator was.  

“My people’s expectation has been high and we all are waiting to see the development taking place. It has affected my landowners’ infrastructure development grants and business development grants. How soon would they collect all these monies to start and participate in the project construction?” Donald said.

However, Duban, in a press conference last Friday, said: “I’m aware that our people in the project area have umbrella companies that were being recognised by the Department of Petroleum and Energy and not recognised by Department of Trade Commerce and Industry. And there are those recognised by Commerce and Industry and not by the Department of Petroleum and Energy.

“Those issues are prolonging availability of those funding. We are hoping that the departments collaborate and try to see the way forward and allow those funds to be released to those respective landowner groups.  

“I want to assure the land owners that the Government is committed to honouring our commitments and will ensure those funds are released when those functions are fully in order.”