Hides PDL 1 landowners have closed off access to all of ExxonMobil’s wellheads in Hela Province.
A reliable source in Hides informed Loop PNG that PDL 1 landowners, numbering between 100 and 200, have cut down trees and are using the logs to block off access to wellheads A to G.
It is understood the landowners want the Government to pay their portion of K35 million which was committed to them last year.
It is also understood the landowners do not want the clan vetting to go ahead until the money is paid.
Our source has confirmed that security personnel are in the area, monitoring the situation.
It has been a week since the ExxonMobil redeployed non-essential staff from its Hides Gas Conditioning Plant following growing tension in the area by landowners against the Government.
Essential staff currently remain at the plant site.
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