LANDOWNERS and the people of Morobe must receive maximum benefit from the K19 billion (US$5.4 billion) Wafi-Golpu project, says Papua New Guinea's Morobe Governor Ginson Saonu.
“The ongoing development of the Wafi-Golpu mining project (shows) our commitment to ensure that the people of Morobe favourably benefit from this project,” he said.
“The Morobe government is (working) hard (to ensure that the) benefits are fairly distributed to the landowners and the people.”
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| PNG's K19 Billion Wafi-Golpu Project must benefit People, says Morobe Governor Ginson Saonu |
He was responding to Wau-Bulolo MP Sam Basil who asked him to clarify the province’s stand on the project.
Basil said during the passing of the provincial budget in Lae yesterday that there was “a little window before the national election” to progress the project.
“I want you to clarify whether we will deliver this before the issue of writs,” Basil said.
“The State negotiation team is finalising negotiations in Port Moresby.
“Please make an announcement because our landowners, especially (in) Hengabu and Yanta want this project to commence.
“Let us collaborate at the political level and finalise our say.
“I personally believe that this project should be delivered under your leadership.”
Saonu when tabling the K595 million provincial budget yesterday said Morobe’s commitment to Wafi-Golpu project was intact.
He said K300,000 had been allocated to the Wafi-Golpu business development and K1 million as a Wafi-Golpu Special Support Grant.
Basil thanked the Morobe provincial executive committee for allocating funds to the Wafi/Golpu project development.
The National / Pacific Mining Watch