Following a public forum in Lae last week, regarding the Wafi-Golpu project, Morobe Governor Ginson Saonu said that there must be a mutual understanding between all stakeholders - which includes provincial and national governments, and landowners and mine developers.
He added that many people in Morobe allows the start of the multi-million Kina, except for the waste method proposed (DSTP) by the developer, and for other alternatives to be sourced.
“As a famous American quote, the government of the people, for the people and by the people…and this concept must be applied in every government (democratic). The rules and laws must be followed if rules are followed then for who. If the system is to help the people and if it does not work then the people will make noise and we have to fix it,” Saonu said. “The public has raised concerns, we have conducted several consultative meeting here and Port Moresby,” he said.
He said that all parties should come together for closure, but this has not been eventuated. “Since the issue of DSTP, the developer has not responded to the Morobe provincial government, they must sit and discuss their position,” he said.
He added that it is important for the people concerned to be respected.
