Can this comment hunt Sam Basil credibility and this government this coming election? Second, I think Benson Nablu does make sense if 20% is given to the people of Bulolo than everyone in the entire nation that their land is used by PNG power, Telekom and Water board deserves 20 per cent of the equity.
Basil grilled over 20pc equity
BY OSEAH PHILEMON
NATIONAL Planning Minister Sam Basil has been called on to give 20 per cent of all State-owned businesses operating in the various parts of Papua New Guinea to the local landowners.
Ahi landowner leader Benson Nablu from Yalu village near Lae said Mr Basil’s announcement that the State’s 20 per cent equity in the Bulolo-based PNG Forest Products will be given to the Bulolo District “opens a very ugly can of worms.”
“If he is going to do that then the Ahis and the Labus would want the same treatment for equity in the Lae wharf and port development which is located on our customary land,” Mr Nablu said.
“He should then do the same for Kamkumung people whose land is used by Water PNG and PNG Power at Taraka (outside Lae).
“He should do likewise for the Koiari people who own the Sirinumu Dam land, or Wampar people who own Nadzab Airport land, or Atzera, Wampar and Ahi people whose land PNG Power runs its power lines through from Yonki hydro-electricity scheme,” Mr Nablu said.
“They should do likewise for the Tolukuma Mine owned by State-owned Petromin company and give the 20 per cent to the Goilala people,” he added.
Mr Nablu asked whether Mr BAsil and his PNG Party leaders Sir Mekere Morauta (Minister for State Enterprises) and Deputy Prime Minister Belden Namah (Forest) thought carefully about the wider implications of their decision on the State’s equity in PNG Forest Products.
“This is unthinkable and it is going to bring this country to its knees,” he said.
Mr Nablu said such a decision should be made by the National Executive Council and asked if cabinet did make the decision.
“I wonder if the prime minister is aware of this or is it the work of PNG Party to usurp the authority of cabinet,?” Mr Nablu asked.
“If yes then do likewise for all other businesses around the country where the State owns equity.
“In Lae the Ahi and Labu people welcome the opportunity to own 20 per cent of the Lae Port and we ask Mr Basil to come and tell us when this will be transferred,” Mr Nablu said.
Mr Nablu said: “ This is election time and government ministers should be very careful about what they say because of the serious implications their decisions or words can have on the interests of the State and the nation.”