Photo: The water catchment area of the Warangoi PNG Power Hydro Power Project in East New Britain.
Landowners in Warangoi, Pomio, East New Britain, have been informed that they would be paid K5 million for the use of their land and water for the Warangoi Hydro Power Project by James Marape.
In Parliament, he provided this guarantee to Pomio MP, Hon. Elias Kapavore, who had inquired about the payment schedule.
PM Marape promised landowners that they would be compensated the K5 million they requested for the usage of their land and water when he opened the K83 million 10 Megawatt Warangoi PNG Power Ltd (PPL) Hydro Power Project Major Rehabilitation Project in November.
He praised landowners in Parliament today for enabling East New Britain to utilize their land and water for 30 years to produce power.
PM Marape stated that he had discussed the matter further with the Minister of State-Owned Enterprises, Hon. It was in the KCH Work Plan for 2022, and it was written by William Duma and Kumul Consolidated Holdings (KCH).
“That K5 million commitment is part of that work plan,” he said.
“We could not find the money last year as it was not factored into the work plan, but based on that commitment, we came back and I am happy to announce that the K5 million is captured in this year’s work plan.
“Within this month, or next month, the minister responsible (Duma), the KCH team and PNG Power will inform your (Pomio) team and they will do an official handover of that K5 million.”
PM Marape commended the Warangoi landowners for their patience for more than 30 years.
“They’ve shown goodwill to allow Warangoi Hydro to be functional and it is only fair that we honour them ASAP,” he said.
Reference: PM James Marape News Page (23 February 2022). “PM Marape thanks Warangoi landowners”.
