Zibe stands by K7m purchase

 FORMER Huon Gulf MP Sasa Zibe says he had worked hard to buy the K7 million vessel mv Morobe Rainforest for the people.

He was responding to an article in which Salamaua LLG vice-president Jason Tabora questioned why the vessel was anchored off Voco Point in Lae, without being used.

Zibe provided a copy of a letter that he wrote to his successor, Ross Seymour last August.

“This is a multi-million kina international project undertaken in our district and it is the first of its kind in Morobe,” Zibe read from the letter.

“I could have sent all the funds – K10.120 million – but to be more transparent, I held back 10% earmarked for delivery finishing touches after the boat is completed and checked by relevant PNG authorities, which has been already completed by Department of Transport and National Maritime Safety Authority,” he said.

“It is totally unfair to blame the boat builder on the issues of outstanding payments, default payments, communication and training of Papua New Guineans.  

“The project is for your people, it is yours, it is for the Governor (Kelly Naru) and the people of Morobe. 

“I started this project and will complete this project and give it to you and the governor, and you will ensure its implementation as per the project plan.”

The vessel is in the middle of a tug-of-war between Seymour, Zibe and Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.

It was co-funded and purchased by the provincial improvement programme and Huon Gulf  District Services Improvement Programme with Zibe – a member of O’Neill’s ruling People’s National Congress – using it as a campaign tool in the 2012 elections where he was defeated by Seymour.

The National Court last November refused to grant a restraining order sought by New Zealand-based Bau Group Inc, associated with Zibe, against Seymour and district administrator Robin Bazinuc.

The Bau Group had sought an order to stop Seymour and Bazinuc from receiving mv Morobe Rainforest from New Zealand.

Following the court order, Seymour seized the boat in Port Moresby and directed it to Lae, despite protests from O’Neill.