By: Merilyn Diau-Katam – EM TV News, Port Moresby
Landowners from the Hela Province are still waiting for the government to release their royalties.
The landowners from PDL 5, PDL 6, PDL 2 inside the Kutubu LLG, Moran, Maruba and Mandali have all gathered to express their disappointment with the government of Papua New Guinea.
The landowners have gathered in Port Moresby to push for the release of the royalties from the government.
Lake Kutubu President, John Kila, says “from Hides to Napa-Napa, when there was a hold up in one or two areas, it has caused an entire shutdown of work flow, which is unacceptable”.
With the upcoming National Elections in 2017, the shift of government would also delay the landowners from receiving their royalties. This has the landowners disturbed.
“We have don’t have problems with the company and the surrounding communities, but if the government doesn’t pay our royalties, there will be consequences,” said Muran Chief, David Dalira.
They said, during this time they have not received their royalties, the long frost period is greatly affecting their people.
The leaders are now calling on developer, Exxon Mobil, to assist the villages along the project areas.
Last week, Oil Search has assisted all the project affected areas with relief supplies.
