FEBRUARY 23 2022
Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has assured landowners of Warangoi in Pomio, East New Britain, that they will be paid K5 million for use of their land and water for the Warangoi Hydro Power Project.
He gave this assurance in Parliament today (February 23 2022) to Pomio MP, Hon. Elias Kapavore, who had asked him when the money would be paid.
PM Marape, when opening the K83 million 10 Megawatt Warangoi PNG Power Ltd (PPL) Hydro Power Project Major Rehabilitation Project last November, assured landowners that they would be paid the K5 million they wanted for use of their land and water.
He thanked the landowners in Parliament today for allowing use of their land and water for 30 years to generate electricity for East New Britain.
PM Marape said he had discussed the matter further with State-Owned Enterprises Minister Hon. William Duma, and Kumul Consolidated Holdings (KCH), and it was in the KCH Work Plan for 2022.
“That K5 million commitment is part of that work plan,” he said.
“We could not find the money last year as it was not factored into the work plan, but based on that commitment, we came back and I am happy to announce that the K5 million is captured in this year’s work plan.
“Within this month, or next month, the minister responsible (Duma), the KCH team and PNG Power will inform your (Pomio) team and they will do an official handover of that K5 million.”
PM Marape commended the Warangoi landowners for their patience for more than 30 years.
“They’ve shown goodwill to allow Warangoi Hydro to be functional and it is only fair that we honor them ASAP,” he said.
***