While the first shipment of the LNG project is expected to leave the shores of Papa and Lealea villages soon, locals have raised concerns about the increase of social problems.
They request the Government and the developer, Esso Highlands PNG Limited, to work with them, to address these issues, before they worsen.
Social problems like alcohol consumption and broken marriages are slowly increasing in the host villages of the LNG plant site, outside Port Moresby. On a larger scale, this may not be seen as an issue, but it’s affecting this small group of villages.
LeaLea village magistrate, Vagi Veri, expressed concerns, saying people’s attitude in alcohol consumption and marriage problems have changed.
Veri predicts that these issues will become more common in the near future, and has urged their local MP and the developer, to find solutions that can address these issues.
Former United Church Bishop, Vasi Gadiki, from Kido village in Kairuku-Hiri electorate, said the LNG project is a blessing to our nation, but will cause a lot of social and environmental problems if the Government is not handling it properly.
The locals said before these problems including illegal settlers, unwanted pregnancies and killings started to happen, all relevant stakeholders must help them to address it.
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