By Ancilla Ilave
Nine members of the Morobe Provincial Administration visited the OK Tedi Mining Limited recently, a critical exercise preparing the province for the upcoming multi-billion-dollar Wafi-Golpu Joint Venture Project.
Speaking ahead of the delegation’s departure, Morobe Governor Rainbo Paita said the visit would be of considerable value to the province’s broader approach to its mines and natural resources, with implications reaching into roads, power, communication, and air and sea transport alike.
Paita added that the journey would enable the landowners to understand the socio-economic returns that flow from such an enterprise, and of the business opportunities that may arise in own communities.
A week was spent intervening and observing the operations of one of the nation’s most established mines.
The visit was arranged after an invite from the Ok Tedi Mining Limited.
The members were specifically selected, bearing each role that aligned to and carry upon the matters at hand.
The landowners of Wafi-Golpu learned, at first hand and from those who have lived the experience, what manner of life accompanies a mine once it has taken root in a community.
It is hoped that the lessons drawn from Ok Tedi both its successes and its difficulties will leave the Wafi-Golpu communities better prepared for what lies ahead, so that when the project commences, the province may meet it with open eyes rather than untested hope.
The delegation also gave consideration, during its time at Ok Tedi, to the question of infrastructure examining how the long-running Tax Credit Scheme has been employed there to channel a portion of the mine’s wealth into roads, schools, and other public works, and what benefits such an arrangement might have upon Morobe’s own negotiations.
The trip was funded by Ok Tedi Mining Limited, which provided return charter flights, accommodation, and full board for all nine delegates throughout their stay there.
Led by Deputy Governor Andrew Tera, the delegation included Provincial Executive Councils, Freddy Tommy, Chairman for Mining; Wicliff Raimond, Chairman for Energy; Bobby Michael, Chairman for Coffee & Cocoa; Ezekiel Geob, President of Wampar local level government, a Wafi-Golpu host community; Mark Marthias, President of Mumeng LLG, WGJV host communities of SML 10, Mr Joshua Giop of Yanta, Mr Paul Yanam of Hengembu, and Mr Jack Raban of Babuaf.
