Photo: Ginson Saonu
The K19 billion (US$5.4 billion) Wafi-Golpu project must benefit landowners and the people of Morobe, according to 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.”
He was replying to a request from Wau-Bulolo MP Sam Basil to clarify the province's position on the project.
During the passage of the provincial budget in Lae, Basil stated that there was "a little window before the national election" to move forward with 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.”
When presenting the K595 million province budget, Saonu stated that Morobe's commitment to the Wafi-Golpu project had not changed.
He stated that K300,000 had been set aside for Wafi-Golpu business growth and K1 million had been set aside as a Wafi-Golpu Special Support Grant.
Basil expressed gratitude to the Morobe province executive committee for giving cash to the Wafi/Golpu project.
Reference: Pacific Mining Watch (10 March 2022). “PNG's K19 Billion Wafi-Golpu Project must benefit People, says Morobe Governor”.
