Papua New Guinea landowners from Tari threaten PNG LNG project shutdown

 Landowners in the Papua New Guinea highlands are threatening to shutdown the Exxon Mobil-led PNG Liquid Natural Gas project, believed to be angry at the government's delay in dealing with their grievances.

　

Pre-existing tensions have been further strained with the death of Chief Himuni Homoko, who died unexpectedly while processing the claims of the 26 Tuguba clans.

　

The Tuguba, and other landowners from the Hela region, want action to include them more fully in benefit sharing and opportunities for infrastructure and business development.

　

Acting Prime Minister, Sam Abal, has moved on their Memorandum of Agreement issues but other grievances are outstanding.

　

A petition has gone to government.

　

Tuguba spokesperson, Sir Alfred Kaiabe, says it needs immediate action or the consequences will be serious.

The Tuguba, and other landowners from the Hela region, want action to include them more fully in opportunities for infrastucture and business development and benefit sharing.

 

[Reuters]