By Adelaide Sirox Kari – EMTV News, Port Moresby
A question in parliament by South Fly MP, Sekie Agisa, on what plans the government had on cleaning the biochemical waste from the Ok Tedi mine, has triggered a response from Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, voicing his intention of setting up an Independent Commission of inquiry to investigate the funds from PNG Sustainable Development Fund that were supposed to be used for landowner compensations.
The Prime Minister said the issue of PNGSDF was before the courts in Singapore and the government will look into ways to sue BHP, the previous owner of Ok Tedi, for environmental damage.
Moresby North West MP Sir Mekere Morauta interrupted with a point of order saying the prime minister was not a member of parliament when the PNGSDF issue occurred and knew little about the issue.
Mr O’Neill responded saying the former prime minister would have his chance to explain during the Commission of Inquiry. Meanwhile, the prime minister told South Fly MP that he will have Ok Tedi Managing Director to explain the measures they are taking for waste disposal by the Ok Tedi mine.
