Somare wants Sepik’s share of LNG earnings

LNG cargoes leave PNG shores every three days with export earnings around $US53.8 million or K175 million per shipment.

With some 500 shipments done since 2014, total earnings should be around K88 billion. However, there was no show of any LNG proceeds in the 2015, 2016 and 2017 budget respectively.

“Where is Sepik’s share”, Former three term Angoram MP and State Enterprises Minister, Arthur Somare asked  in Maprik on Thursday when addressing a huge crowd  at the nomination of Maprik MP and Deputy Parliament Speaker, John Simon.

Sepik must not fear to demand their share of proceeds from the PNG LNG project because it was their Members of Parliament in the National Alliance led Government that fought hard to start this multi-billion kina project.

Somare, made this demand as key negotiator for the PNG Government with United Arab Emirates (UAE) who lent money to PNG to pay for its 19 per cent stake in the PNG LNG project.

“Why I am here today is because I want to support Sepiks to take the lead.”

“When you choose another party apart from National Alliance you will be sorry, It will be led again by Southern Highlands, Ialibu-Pangia, you will be led again by Milne Bay, you will be led by people from other provinces and other countries.”  

“With National Alliance you are guarantee a ‘Sepik for Sepik’ victory)

He told the Maprik crowd that he wanted strong leadership in the likes of John Simon and Allan Bird) so that when in Parliament and demand “Sepik’s share” and they can get it.

 

Picture: Arthur Somare with Deputy Speaker and Maprik MP, John Simon after John Simon’s nomination in Maprik on Thursday April, 27. Picture by Cyril Gare.

Author: 
Cyril Gare