By Jack Lapauve Jr – EMTV News, Port Moresby
Less than 12 days have been given to the National Government and developer, ExxonMobil, to settle outstanding benefits for Komo Airfield in Hela Province.
A signed 22 page petition by Komo Landowners detailed outstanding business development grants, seed capital and other high impact projects stipulated under the UBSA and LBBSA Agreement signed in Kokopo in 2009.
The landowners say there is a possibility of the airfield being closed if the Government does not respond.
Michael Tiki, a Komo Landowner Spokesperson, says the petition hopes to make the Government honor commitments signed in Kokopo prior to the commencement of the PNG LNG Project.
Tiki says a sum of K35 million remains outstanding.
7 points were highlighted in the petition, among them, payment of security funding, removal of ADR process for Komo Block 1787, appointment of two directors in the Komo Airfield Company and backdating of outstanding IDG’s , BDG’s and other benefits.
The concerned landowners say Government has denied their rights to benefits they are entitled to.
They say the Government has less than 14 days to meet their demands. They also want Komo Airfield to be a standalone facility.
The landowners feel that they have been overlooked despite hosting a key infrastructure supporting the PNG LNG Project.
