Koiari landowners

He said this is to ensure the landowners do not hold the city at ransom by issuing demands for payments and shutting down water and power.

Iduhu raised this after the landowners of Koiari shut down power and water to the city yesterday and demanded their K15 million overdue payment from the government yesterday.

“KCH must look for a way forward so you (the landowners) can sign a real agreement to ensure this must not happen again,” he said.

Central Sogeri Holdings Ltd chairman, Arua Salesoge said landowners are currently on site at Rouna 2 Hydropower station, they have promised not to damage any assets belonging to PNG Power; and only want their demand met.

“The people will be camped here, they won’t move. But we assure that we will take ownership and will look after the properties like our own, because PNG power has been here for years. The workers and the safety of everyone is guaranteed. We won’t touch any equipment and assets. Our demand is pay the K15 million and we happily exit this area,” Salesoge said.

Frustrated Koiari landowners chopped down trees and blocked off the entrance to the Sogeri Dam early this morning.

Although the situation is not tense, landowners say they are shutting down electricity and water today to get the attention of the Government. 

Landowners are frustrated over the K15 million the government promised to pay out this week.

A cheque of K285,970.00 was presented by RODCO Limited’s executives, to the Principal and Executive Director of MIT for the 2021 school year.

At the cheque presentation, RODCO Limited Executive Director, Marcus Palem Kara said the small but very significant event should encourage the students to keep going.

“You are not alone. The landowner group is with you to support you and make sure that you complete what you intend to achieve.

Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer, Charles Abel, said this recently when asked for an update on the payment issue.

More than two Koiari landowner groups have popped up in recent years, creating complications when it comes to the disbursement of royalties or land vetting and mobilisation funds.

The most recent issue encountered was when a large group of locals shut off water valves at the hydrostations on the 22^nd of March, demanding K10 million in payment.

In a statement, PPL said Sirinumu landowners unlawfully trespassed all Rouna power stations and shut down their operations at 3.55am today.

Acting managing director, Carolyn Blacklock, said demands made by the landowners are to the State and have no relation to PNG Power.

“Attempts made by senior management to calmly resolve the matter have been rejected by the landowners,” she said.

Koiari landowners of Central Province have shut down and locked the Rouna 2 hydrostation early this morning in frustration over the lack of urgency in addressing their grievances.

They also felled trees and rolled huge boulders onto the middle of the Sogeri road. This was around 1am today.

Around 10am, NCD metropolitan superintendent, Perou N’Dranou, his officers and PNG Power staff convoyed up the winding road, cutting away the felled trees as they went.

Chairman for Laloki Impact Area Development Committee, Peter Inara made this comment in a news conference with Eda Ranu board and management today.

He is also the representative of the Koiari landowners on the Eda Ranu board.

“No Koiaris will support this Facebook propaganda (of water supply to the city to be turned off) under my leadership.”

Eda Ranu chair lady Mary Karo assured city residents that water will be flowing to their homes.  

 “We want to reassure people in NCD our services will continue and also isolate ourselves from that message.