Marape commends Haiveta’s defence of Gulf resource benefits; assures that grants are secure
Prime Minister James Marape has assured the people of Gulf Province that their Business Development Grant is secure as he affirmed their governor’s defence of provincial resources.
Mr Marape said Gulf governor, Sir Chris Haiveta has met with him where he was assured that a correction has been made on the issue of the Gulf Business Development Grant.
PM Marape said the warrant that was written out has been cancelled as of Friday a week ago, and the correct warrant made out both for the State's commitment to Porgera community development agreement process that is running in Enga Province, as well as for Gulf Business Development Grant matters.
He said government has allocated money in this year’s budget to prepare Gulf for business participation in the Papua LNG project.
“I assure our people that no money for Gulf has gone to Enga; likewise, no money for Gulf has been transferred elsewhere,” the prime minister said in a media statement
“We have sufficient budget provisions for all items to expend and we will be using from those itemized expenditures to finance the requirements and expenditures of those areas per sec.”
Mr Haiveta also presented the Prime Minister with a letter of notice to withdraw from the parliamentary caucus but indicated to remain as a Pangu Pati member with intentions to only endure at the provincial level.
Prime Minister Marape said he understood completely the Governor’s reasons for speaking up for his provinces resources and benefits and sympathizes with him because of Gulf’s contributions in forestry, marine resource, and oil & gas.
“He is only fighting for resources that are meant for Gulf province as any responsible governor would do for his/her people,” Marape said.
“I can understand, and I sympathize with him because of the fact that Gulf Province has been a province supplying forestry, marine resource, and oil & gas.
“In 1990, it hosted the Kumul terminal; it has carried the Kutubu oil fields; now it carries the PNG LNG; its oil and gas are still continuing; very soon, we will be developing Pasca Project from it; while, Papua LNG, with its project agreement signed, awaits the FID.”
The prime minister welcomed Governor Haiveta’s indications to be localized at the province, participating as a member of Gulf Pangu Pati and assured his support for the people of Gulf province.
“All governors are expected to fight for issues that relate to their province, whether part of Government or Opposition, it does not matter. They are leaders of their province and have the duty to defend their provincial interest.
“As a senior leader of our country, he speaks on matters he feels are important for governance, for proper accountability and ensuring that his people’s rights are not abused. I do commend him.
“We will support Governor Haiveta, and I give the assurance that his provincial interest will not be compromised, abused or sabotaged in the Pangu-led administration of which he is a big part of,” said Prime Minister Marape.