Oroi village located in Nara South, Ward 8 of Kairuku District has been recognized as a pipeline beneficiary of the upcoming Papua LNG project.
This recognition by the resource project authorities prompted a crucial meeting recently between the Oroi villagers and their Kairuku MP, Peter Namea Isoaimo, who is also the Minister for Energy, in preparation for the project’s benefit sharing process.
It is understood that, Oroi has been the only village recognized by the Papua LNG project authorities due to its proximity (5KM buffer Zone) to the gas pipeline.
Minister Isoaimo, on Saturday 24th January travelled along the old Hiritano Highway from the Yule turn-off to Oroi Village in Nara South, accompanied by Kairuku LLG President Terence Rau, Mekeo LLG President Edward Kekele, and the Minister’s First Secretary James Enage.
The visit was part of a landowner consultation meeting in preparation for the Papua LNG Pipeline Benefits Sharing process.
Addressing the people of Oroi Village, Minister Isoaimo recalled that during an earlier invitation trip last year to Kerema Town accompany MP Kerema and Minister for Finance and Minister for Petroleum, where landowners attended the Papua LNG Development Forum awareness, he had raised the concerns of Oroi landowners regarding pipeline recognition.
Minister Isoaimo expressed his appreciation to the Minister for Petroleum, Jimmy Maladina, for his leadership in ensuring that the Petroleum Authority of Papua New Guinea and Total Energy, the developer of the Papua LNG Project, are formally recognizing Oroi Village, Ward 8 of Nara South, as a pipeline beneficiary community.
He urged the people of Oroi to now take responsibility for the next important steps.
“I ask you my good people of Oroi Village to organise yourselves properly, complete your clan vetting processes, and prepare all required documentation,” Minister Isoaimo said.
“These documents must be ready for submission to the National Petroleum Authority before April for further deliberations.”
Kairuku LLG President, Terence Rau thanked Minister Isoaimo for his tireless efforts behind the scenes to ensure Oroi Village received recognition.
“This recognition did not come easily. It is the result of strong leadership and commitment,” President Rau said.
“I fully support Minister Isoaimo and vow to work closely with him to ensure that these pipeline benefits come into full fruition for our people.”
Oroi village consultant, Marlene Brunskill assured the Minister during the meeting that he would ensure all necessary documentation for the people are diligently processed and progressed.
The meeting in Oroi village marked a significant milestone for the people of Oroi, opening doors for future economic opportunities and long-term development benefits under the Papua LNG Project.
Minister Isoaimo presented K10, 000.00 to Oroi United church and K2,000.00 to the Chiefs.
