Rival factions representing landowners of Ok Tedi Mine, in Western Province, have been called on to put aside their differences and work together for the benefit of the people.
Leaders representing Mine Lease Landowners and CMCA Communities, spoke to EMTV News over what they claimed was the hijacking of this process by another faction, led by Ok Tedi Mine Impacted Area Association Chairman, Nick Bunn.
According to CMCA Representative, Richard Zumoi, Mine Lease landowners and Mine Impacted communities through MFRA had been in constant consultation with the national government over the proposed share transaction, and the decision to hand them the shares were in order.
These landowners support the government’s decision to transfer shares in Ok Ted back to the people of Western Province, and have taken steps to prepare for when this share transfer is complete.
These landowners are now calling on the government, to proceed with the share transfers. But more importantly, for all landowner factions to work together for the common good of the people of Western Province.