Landowners in Popo Village, East Kerema are frustrated with the actions of developer Inter Oil, Department of Petroleum and Energy and the Gulf Provincial Government, over the Wahoo1 Project.
They say proper procedures were not followed including engagement of stakeholders, land identification surveys and social mapping, were not undertaken by the developer Inter Oil prior to seismic survey.
Spokesperson Jerome Pou said the landowners are confused and angry with how the developer, DPE and Gulf Provincial Government are handling the progress of the project.
He said despite seeking consultation and presenting a petition to Inter Oil Chief Executive Officer Michael Hession and Gulf Governor Havila Kavo, no feedback has been received by the landowners.
Team Leader of the group Pedro Oroa questioned how the Department of Petroleum and Energy (DPE) issued licensing to Inter Oil to commence drilling. Mr Oroa said Inter Oil has breached the Oil and Gas Act.
He said the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, PDE Minister Nixon Duban and Mining Minister Byron Chan to intervene and clarify the matter.
Mr Oroa said, if no positive feedback is given back by the developer or Gulf Provincial Government, a court injunction will come into effect.
The landowners are not against the investment but are concerned with the procedures taken by stakeholders, and the damages that will be done to their environment.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=EDM-U8ofLrY%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
previous post