LNG plant site

Concerned landowner Vani Koiari told this newsroom that they noticed the area had been fenced some weeks ago and later this week saw contracted workers of curtain brothers move in to do the earth works.

Yesterday (April 20) morning, work came to a standstill for the contractors as some landowners of the Kone Karu land border walked into the fenced area to stop the excavators from removing any more mangroves and grassland from the area.

Koiari said this was their customary land used for gardening and they were not aware of any deals taking place on their land.

Spokesperson and Chairman of the Porebada  Besena Association,  Judah Matt Baru told Loop PNG that they haven't received any payment since the first shipment of the LNG in 2014.

He said the government has promised time and again to pay their royalties but has never kept those promises.

"We cannot sit and spectate on our own land. The government must come good with their promises or else we will shut the plant site for an indefinite period."

Baru said their petition was been given to the government but nothing has been forth coming.