Gulf Governor, Havila Kavo, has asked the Government if any action can be taken against major resource companies whose Environmental Impact Study (EIS) are not in line with the current impacts faced by the affected provinces.
During Question Time today, Kavo asked Minister for Environment and Conservation, John Pundari, if a follow up study on the current environmental impacts faced by his province had been done to see any variations to EIS’s compiled by developers.
He said these in relation to the PNG LNG Pipeline along the Gulf coast as well as the increasing earthmoving activity in the Highlands Region.
Kavo said there is increasing impact on the coast with siltation and elevation of the sea floor affecting marine life as well as villages.
“Has the Department conducted any studies after the laying of the pipeline in contrast to the initial Environmental Impact Study conducted by the developer? If there are any variations what actions should the Government take to rectify that? Kavo asked.
He said earthworks carried out in the Highlands region is causing siltation within the 14 major rivers flowing into the Gulf Province.
Kavo said the pipeline had become a catchment where silt flowing down the rivers is building up and has begun affecting marine life as well as flooding villages along the Gulf coast.
Minister Pundari said the Department manages around 400 resource permits in the country and it was a difficult task to keep track on all of them.
He said recently much of their attention has been on the extractive industry.
However, he said that he will further consult with Kavo on the matter so that the Department can properly assess impacts faced by the province.