ThPNG Sustainable Development Program has cancelled all its existing projects because it is no longer able to fundthem.
PNSGDP Chairman Sir Mekere Morauta saidthe call bythe government to stop future dividends going intPNGSDP fromthe Ok Tedi Mining Limited has caused this.
One Hundred and Ninety Two Million kina is for the Western Province, while Fifty Two Million is for projects in various parts ofthe country.
Sir Mekere said he will write tothe Prime Minister to take overthe projects and includethem in next year’s budget.
The dividends situation has a consequential effect ofPNG DP’staff and contracts, but it will depend on whther or notthe government takes overthese projects.
The issue with dividends is currently in court withPNGSDP’still pushing its agenda for the government to compensatethe Fly River people.
Sir Mekere’s concerns are shared by groups underthe Community Mine Continuation Agreement. The CMCA have giventhe government a 48 hour ultimatum to respond tothe 63.4 per cent orthey will closethe mine.
Their concern is shared by former South Fly MP Parry Zeipi. Mr Zeipi said communities alongthe river system have not benefited equally from OTML northe government.
Mr Zeipi was also critical ofPNG DP. He saidthe organization has not carrlied out any tangibly sustainable development in communities alongthe river system.
His criticisms were followed by a call on Sir Mekere to resign as Chairman ofthPNGSDP board.
He saidthe matter has escalated so much so thatthere could be a backlash onthe whole issue.
He called onthe government not to letthe suffering continue, but to addressthe matter before it gets out of hand atthe local level.
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