The landowners of the Hides PDL1 in Hela Province have been urged to make peace amongst them in preparation to receive their long awaited royalty payments.
The leaders of the province went to the site, Hides PDL1 at Juni camp over the weekend and made this appeal to the people during the launching of the benefit sharing program.
Law and order remains the biggest challenge which hinders progress and development of the province for decades.
Internal Security Minister Peter Tsiamalili Junior said law and order is a big problem in the country and not only in Hela.
He urged landowners to lay down arms and dialogue for peace as he does not want a similar incident like that of Bougainville to happen in Hela.
“I encourage you all to make peace, leaders have said it already, and if there is no peace there won’t be development,” Minister Tsiamalili Junior said.
“If we all put God first, there will be peace,” he said.
Minister Tsiamalili further added that a joint forces training mobile barracks will be built in the province to address this issue.
Governor of the province Philip Undialu also urged his people to be good citizens and abide by the laws of the country and adhere to, and respect the security forces that are on the ground providing security.
Representing the people, Hides Gas Development Company Chairman Libe Parindali acknowledged the security forces on the ground providing security.
He also called for peace and stability.
“Governor Philip Undialu, Member for Komo Hulia Daniel Tindipu, member for Koroba Lake Kopiago William Bando and I stand with you all to ensure there is peace,” Chairman Parindali said.
“When there is peace and stability, there is growth and there is sustainability in the community,” he said. Meanwhile, MRDC Managing Director Augustine Mano also urged landowners to make peace and allow the process to flow smoothly to fast track the payment of their royalties.
