Prime Minister James Marape says investigations into Ramu Nickel Mine slurry spill at Basamuk Bay in Madang will continue.
He said this after lengthy and heated debate in Parliament today after a report on the August 24, 2019, incident was presented by Environment and Conservation and Climate Change Minister Geoffrey Kama.
“I note most Members of Parliament have a conversation to make in regards to this ministerial statement presented,” PM Marape said.
“As indicated by the minister, there’ll be further assessment and investigation.
“Every stakeholder, including the Governor for Madang (Peter Yama), has every right to have an interest in this matter.
“When matters relate to the security of our people, the interest of our people, and matters relating to the environment, it is just and responsible that we all have a concern.
“We note the concern that was raised by every Member of Parliament, especially the Governor for Madang and Member for Rai Coast (Peter Sapia) in the immediate precinct and affected areas.
“We are grateful for the comments by every leader this afternoon, in response to the statement minister has made.”
PM Marape said Northern Governor Gary Juffa had made a strong statement, as well as Kompiam-Ambum MP and former Environment and Conservation Minister, Sir John Pundari.
“Every other statement is also correct, finding the right balance,” he said.
“Our harvest of resources comes from the price on our environment.
“We’ve allowed those investors to come in, but the investors who come in must operate within responsibility and due care to our environment, to our country, and to our people.
“I think from the outset, without the specifics on the impact on the environment, the fact that there was a practical defect in the structure of the mine itself is an incident that warrants deeper study into what was taking place, in as far as the mine safety and operation is concerned.
“Cabinet did indicate this to the minister, and I note that minister’s statement embraces further investigation, further assessment.
“Let me assure people of Madang, people of Rai Coast, people of Usino-Bundi and people of this country, that this report and the investigation thus far is not conclusive and that is not the end of the story.
“The fact that there was a slip, which took place in the mine infrastructure, irrespective of the extent of the damage, warrants deeper scrutiny, deeper investigation, deeper assessment.”
PM Marape assured the people of Madang, Usino-Bundi, Rai Coast, as well as the country, that all stakeholders including Madang government, Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA), Mining Department and other Government agencies would look deeper into what had happened.
“I’m just falling short on telling the mine to cease until our next stop, but I will not be influenced by emotion to make this call,” he said.
“This report, which we’ve been waiting for, for some time, is the reference point and the starting point, which has now been elevated to a higher committee, led by Deputy Prime Minister.
“This must be a pointer to present operator of Ramu Nickel Mine, that a slip has taken place.
“We want to work with them to ascertain fully what has taken place, and for us to go forward in ensuring that the mine is not only safe in as far as operation is concerned, but is also positive towards our economy and our country going forward.
“We want to ensure that going forward, this incident does not happen again.”
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| PMJM being the abjudicator during heated debate on the issue of mine pollution of Basamuk Bay in Madang today. Behind him is Leader of Government Business and Finschhafen MP Rainbo Paita. |
He said this after lengthy and heated debate in Parliament today after a report on the August 24, 2019, incident was presented by Environment and Conservation and Climate Change Minister Geoffrey Kama.
“I note most Members of Parliament have a conversation to make in regards to this ministerial statement presented,” PM Marape said.
“As indicated by the minister, there’ll be further assessment and investigation.
“Every stakeholder, including the Governor for Madang (Peter Yama), has every right to have an interest in this matter.
“When matters relate to the security of our people, the interest of our people, and matters relating to the environment, it is just and responsible that we all have a concern.
“We note the concern that was raised by every Member of Parliament, especially the Governor for Madang and Member for Rai Coast (Peter Sapia) in the immediate precinct and affected areas.
“We are grateful for the comments by every leader this afternoon, in response to the statement minister has made.”
PM Marape said Northern Governor Gary Juffa had made a strong statement, as well as Kompiam-Ambum MP and former Environment and Conservation Minister, Sir John Pundari.
“Every other statement is also correct, finding the right balance,” he said.
“Our harvest of resources comes from the price on our environment.
“We’ve allowed those investors to come in, but the investors who come in must operate within responsibility and due care to our environment, to our country, and to our people.
“I think from the outset, without the specifics on the impact on the environment, the fact that there was a practical defect in the structure of the mine itself is an incident that warrants deeper study into what was taking place, in as far as the mine safety and operation is concerned.
“Cabinet did indicate this to the minister, and I note that minister’s statement embraces further investigation, further assessment.
“Let me assure people of Madang, people of Rai Coast, people of Usino-Bundi and people of this country, that this report and the investigation thus far is not conclusive and that is not the end of the story.
“The fact that there was a slip, which took place in the mine infrastructure, irrespective of the extent of the damage, warrants deeper scrutiny, deeper investigation, deeper assessment.”
PM Marape assured the people of Madang, Usino-Bundi, Rai Coast, as well as the country, that all stakeholders including Madang government, Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA), Mining Department and other Government agencies would look deeper into what had happened.
“I’m just falling short on telling the mine to cease until our next stop, but I will not be influenced by emotion to make this call,” he said.
“This report, which we’ve been waiting for, for some time, is the reference point and the starting point, which has now been elevated to a higher committee, led by Deputy Prime Minister.
“This must be a pointer to present operator of Ramu Nickel Mine, that a slip has taken place.
“We want to work with them to ascertain fully what has taken place, and for us to go forward in ensuring that the mine is not only safe in as far as operation is concerned, but is also positive towards our economy and our country going forward.
“We want to ensure that going forward, this incident does not happen again.”
Just a third party view from the outside......
ReplyDeleteAny breaking of the law warrants immediate arrest of the culprit, a statement from culprit t(or his lawyers)to be filed, a release of the culprit on bail pending investigations and court hearing if any.