Exxon: Project under threat

By PATRICK TALU

 

CONTINUED threats and interruptions to early works on the multi-billion-kina liquefied natural gas (LNG) project will have a detrimental effect on the project schedule, The National reports.

ExxonMobil, operator of the K40 billion project, yesterday expressed grave concerns after various landowners threatened to stop early works.

Others had forced early works at Hides and Komo to stop for three weeks.

The latest threat came from Papa landowners from portion 152 in Central where the proposed conditioning plant and jetties would be built. They wanted the developer to give them the contract to build the jetty.

“The project is the biggest single investment in the petroleum sector and PNG cannot afford to lose it.

“We have schedule for our first shipment by 2014 and such a threat will have a detrimental effect on our project schedule,” a spokesman for ExxonMobil told The National.

“We have three years to complete the respective phases of the project before our first LNG shipment.

“We cannot afford to lose time. It is going to cost PNG and ExxonMobil.

“As a borrower, we are answerable to financiers who loaned us to fund this massive project,” the spokesman said.

He said this year was just wasted dealing with landowners’ issues, which were not expected.

“The recent activities by these so-called landowners are uncalled for and are illegal.”

Meanwhile, ExxonMobil and Chiyoda JGC joint venture yesterday denied a report in The National last week that 5,000 Indonesian skilled workers would be brought in to work at portion 152.

The report was based on an announcement by an Indonesian embassy official.

A senior manager for Chiyoda said: “The article is incorrect.

“There is no contractor who can supply so many Indonesian workers.”

 

 

Ex-servicemen lay claim

By JASON GIMA WURI

 

EX-SERVICEMEN throughout the country will know the status of their claims from the state after the national executive council deliberates and review their petition in two weeks, The National reports.

Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare yesterday directed three of his ministers to meet and accept a petition from the ex-servicemen outside Morauta Haus, who are demanding the state to pay them their retrenchment claims and entitlements totalling K23 million.

The ex-servicemen have been fighting for their entitlements since 1989; some even ending up in the national and supreme courts.

Acting chief secretary Manasupe Zurenuoc told reporters that the prime minister had directed Labour and Industrial Relations Minister Mark Maipakai to accept the ex-servicemen’s petition.

Maipakai was joined by Attorney-General and Justice Minister Ano Pala and Correctional Services Minister Tony Aimo.

“The K23 million will be divided into the three categories: Colonial ex-servicemen – K5, 425,526.20; ex-servicemen retrenched between 1982 and 1989 (334 group – K12, 389,553.50 and 185 group – K5, 500,000).

Zurenuoc said since these payments were not contained in this year’s budget, it would take some time to make the final payments.

He said that the following were the groups that were claiming their retrenchment payments and entitlements.

They were the colonial ex-servicemen, ex-servicemen who retrenched between 1982 and 1989, ex-servicemen retrenched and discharged between 1989 and 2001 and ex-servicemen retrenched under the PNGDF downsizing reforms between 2001 and 2007.

“Colonial ex-servicemen consist of members who had served under the Australian colonial administration prior to PNG gaining Independence in 1975.

“In 1989, the Australian government transferred funds (K2.5 million as employer contributions) to the Defence Force Retirement Benefit Fund (DFRBF) board through the Department of Finance.

“Only K2.2 million was paid out through the special project headed by Lt-Col John Lytus, hence, the balance of about K300, 000 was transferred to the Finance Department and held in trust.

“An additional amount of K800, 000 was paid as employees’ contribution to the DFRBF.

“These monies were never paid to the particular group of ex-servicemen. And, they now claimed the principal sum and interests in the total sum of K57, 607,446.53,” Zurenuoc said.

He said for the ex-servicemen retrenched between 1982 and 1989, this group consisted of 1,111 ex-servicemen.

However, the main group of claimants come under the 188 group, the 334 group, the 323 (previously 494) group and 185 group respectively.

They claimed that they were not paid their various retrenchment entitlements arising from Brown J’s decision in OS No.58/89 in 1989.

The ex-servicemen discharged between 1989 and 2001 consists of the following, Daniel Tali group – 117 (Murray barracks), John Coomer group – 56 (Taurama barracks), Jerry Abraham group – 88 (Moem barracks) and Laki Kalon group – 102 (Igam barracks).

Papua New Guinea marine strategy to be launched

The Department of Environment and Conservation is organising to launch the Papua New Guinea Marine Programme Strategy (PNGMPS) as a ‘side event’ coinciding with the upcoming 21st South Pacific Regional Environmental Programme (SPREP) meeting in Madang, on Friday, September 10, 2010.

The Secretary of Department of Environment & Conservation, Dr Wari Lea Iamo said: “The Minister of Environment & Conservation Hon. Benny Allen will officially launch this important five-year strategic programme (2010-2015), towards the end of the SPREP meeting in Madang that will commence on September 2. 

Dr Wari Iamo

The overarching purpose of the PNGMPS is to provide a framework for government, local communities and corporate citizens in partnership to manage and sustain the capacity of our marine ecosystems and habitats that support PNG’s growing population.

Dr Iamo revealed that PNG’s average growth rate of 3.5% over the last 10 years was starting to impose greater demands on our natural marine resources, especially within the vicinity of urban areas.

“Human population pressure and urbanisation-related development activities are impacting marine habitats and associated marine resources over the years, to such an extent that they have been reduced to rubble littered with anthropogenic wastes (rubbish caused by humans),” Dr Iamo said.

“The PNG Marine Programme Strategy has been nine months in the writing, and will provide a plan of action for concerned stakeholders to work towards in achieving poverty reduction and food security for Papua New Guineans.

“In addition, the country’s unique marine environment and unmatched biodiversity presents numerous opportunities for nature based eco-tourism as well as commercial tourism, augmenting income generation at the local and international market niches.

“So the marine programme strategy is important, as it will allow us to monitor and evaluate through the next five years on how we are managing our marine resources.”

 The program will be updated on an annual basis.

Copies of this document are available from the 4th floor of Somare Foundation Building, Department of Environment Conservation or visit the website @ www.dec.gov.pg.

The address to write to for a copy is:  Department of Environment & Conservation, P O Box 6601, BOROKO 111, NCD or call (675) 325 0180.

For email contact: odir@dec.gov.pg or rrage@dec.gov.pg.

Regional water meet in Port Moresby

The 3rd Pacific Water and Wastes Association conference will be held in Port Moresby from September 13-15 at the Holiday Inn.

Over 100 participants from the region including Australia and New Zealand are expected to attend the conference, themed – ‘Water Quality Challenges in the Pacific’.

These include water utilities, suppliers, and exhibitors.

Preceding the conference will be a ‘Water Quality’ Workshop at the Coast Watchers Hotel in Madang from September 9-10 sponsored by AusAID through City West Australia.

Governor General Sir Paulias Matane will officially open the workshop and State Owned Enterprises Minister Arthur Somare will give the keynote address.

Trade and Industry Minister Minister Gabriel Kapris will open the trade show (expo) which will coincide with the conference and will see displays from organisations involved in the water and sanitation industry.

Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare will be the guest-of-honour during a Pacific night on Tuesday while National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop will be the guest during welcome cocktail on Monday night.

Other guests include heads of departments, statutory organisations, SOE’s, high commissioners and members of the Pacific community.

There are three sub-themes of:

·        Water quality;

·        Water sustainability –challenges and opportunities; and

·         Climate change.

Conference will bring together speakers from the region’s water utilities, donors and other stakeholders to share ideas and find innovative solutions to address the Pacific’s common water woes, thus, ensuring future access to safe and clean water for the Pacific.

Access to safe drinking water is vital for our health and well-being.

 Conference is being co-hosted by the nation’s two water utilities – PNG Waterboard and Eda Ranu.

The Host Chair is Mr Billy Imar –General Manager of Eda Ranu while CEO & MD of PNG Waterboard Mr Patrick Amini is the current PWWA Chair.

 Sponsors in cash and kind include National Gaming Control Board, Meddent, NCDC, IPBC, SP Brewery, PNG Waterboard and JC-KRTA Consulting Group

 

 

Morobe day at University of Papua New Guinea

Picture by EKAR KEAPU of The National

Morobe students at the University of Papua New Guinea celebrating their provincial day last Saturday.

Traditional performances ruled much of the day.

 The students were supported by their parents, guardians and other Morobeans living and working in Port Moresby.

Among those present at the celebrations was government secretary Manasupe Zurenuoc.

Arms build-up frightening

Acquisition targets 2012 elections

 

By ALISON ANIS

 

THE government has been called on to wake up to reality and address the unrestricted build-up of illegal firearms in the country, The National reports.

Law and order sectoral committee chairman Graham Ainui said to do so, the government must look at the recommendations of the guns committee and start implementing them including the placements of moratoriums.

“The unrestricted build-up of illegal firearms towards the 2012 national elections in Papua New Guinea could trigger a civil war,” Ainui told participants of a three-day national development forum in Port Moresby last Friday.

He said illegal possession of firearms was high, starting with politicians right down to the grassroots and youths on the street.

“We have allowed a huge build-up of firearms to the point where, if anything goes wrong, it could trigger a civil war because of the amount of guns floating around,” he said.

Former police commissioner and anti-fraud consultant John Toguata said PNG was leading the Pacific nations as the worst in the possession of illegal firearms or weapons and, yet, it had failed to make any statements on the issue at the United Nations assembly in New York last month.

He said it was embarrassing that PNG did not make any statement to the international committee in relation to guns.

“On the ground, we do not have a report on the guns issue.

“At the international scene, PNG ranks badly in the possession of firearms.

“Based on the current assessment on the build-up of firearms, what we have in the country is most frightening,” he said.

The committee came up with specific recommendations after the government had petitioned them. The report, containing 244 recommendations, was submitted to Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare who accepted it and tabled it in parliament. However, it was never discussed.

Out of that came 16 recommendations to be implemented by the police force with the help of the law and justice sector but nothing happened due to funding constrains.

Sir Rabbie: Do not fear advising

By ISAAC NICHOLAS

 

FORMER prime minister Sir Rabbie Namaliu said corruption in government is a serious issue and urged ministers and senior advisers in government not to fear giving advice against bad decisions, The National reports.

Sir Rabbie, who had worked as secretary and adviser to Sir Michael Somare during self-government and independence before becoming a prime minister himself, said he had not feared giving advice against some bad decisions by the government during those early years.

“Governance issues are now a major concern to the people; and corruption is increasing.

“It takes a few bad apples to spoil our good name.

“It takes a couple of bad apples to rank the government corrupt.” Sir Rabbie said.

He was speaking at the 43rd birthday anniversary and fundraising of Pangu Pati last Friday night.

“I am raising this issue because for any party or government, if we want to be prosperous, it is something we cannot turn our backs on. We must take it head on.

“I enjoyed working with our coalition partners including the National Alliance, People’s Action Party and the others.

“I have been secretary and adviser to the current prime minister.

“I know the prime minister better than most of you. I made it a point that if I have to make an advice against bad government decisions, I made it.

“You cannot allow fear of losing your job or ministry against going against bad decisions.

“There are certain values that we must jealously protect for a strong robust democracy,” Sir Rabbie said.

He said people aspire to better standard of living, wealth generation opportunities, better road infrastructure, better education and health services.

Sir Rabbie said this government and future governments had the advantage with greater resources at its disposal to improve infrastructure, education, health and law and order.

He said the challenge was to have appropriate policies to develop this country and bring it forward.