Ok Tedi Mine Community: Government Did Not Consult Us

 

 

 

 

Em TV News

 

Representatives of the Ok Tedi Mine Villages and Community Mine Continuation Agreement communities say there was no consultation with them before the Government passed legislation transferring shareholding in Ok Tedi Mine Limited to the State.

 

They said they were not consulted by any official from the National Executive Council or the Provincial Government and what has transpired was done behind closed doors.

In a media conference this Wednesday, CMCA Village representatives aired their frustration over the recent steps taken by the Government in taking over shares in OTML.

 

They said they were never consulted about the issue, by any government representative, the Open Members or the Governor of Western Province, and never gave their consent.

 

“We have never consented for Government Takeover of PNGSDP shares held in the Trust on our behalf in OTML during mine life extension community consultations and negotiations,” said Joel Dangkim, CMCA Spokesperson.

“We have been deprived of our rights to shareholding and dividend.”

 

Representing over a 160 villages in the mine area and three open electorates, they said PNGSDP has done much for the province than the Government.

 

They now fear that the Government takeover will see a decline in service development.

The representatives say they were happy with the arrangement with PNGSDP and want it to remain that way.

 

They have prepared a set of demands directed at the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, the NEC, Governor Ati Wobiro, and their three Open Members.