Pictured: Minister for Finance, Rainbo Paita (File Image)
Minister for Finance, Rainbo Paita, has proposed recently that the Government should consider a wider stakeholder consultation on the proposed Gold Refinery Project and its legislative Bill in light of the growing concerns raised or expressed by the general public, including the members of the Law Society, Mining industry and other professional bodies.
“As a country we need to fully understand that project.” He stressed
“I see a lot of people have no issues with the idea of doing this project but the issues they raised need to be formally registered and addressed by relevant authorities so we can go forward.”
“Many of these concerns are stemming from assumptions and incorrect information, and a serious lack of understanding and knowledge of the project’s scope, financing, ownership structure, legal and regulatory obligations as well as it’s scale of benefits to the country.” The Minister said.
“Accordingly, I have advised the Prime Minister that the Government should defer submitting the Project Bills to the Parliament in the session commencing at the end May 2024, and arrange for the stakeholder consultation at an appropriate time after that.” Paita said.
“This will allow time for the State to or will have the opportunity to provide all the necessary clarities over various matters which have been raised, the concerns as well as to establish a clear understanding of the project details and operation essences of the proposed legislative bill.” The minister said.
Paita went on to express confidence that with further accurate information being provided and an opportunity of discussion about the benefits of the Project, the concerns raised will be addressed and satisfactorily resolved.
“In my view of this, moving ahead with the tabling of the bill in the forthcoming Parliament session would not be healthy and hence could be counterproductive to this very important project to the country,” Minister Paita stated.
“I have written to the Prime Minister James Marape, strongly recommending for the Government to defer the proposed legislative bill to the next sitting of the Parliament and allow for the stakeholder consultations with all the relevant stakeholders including the Members of Parliament.” He said.
