Minister disappointed with court challenge
Petroleum Minister Fabian Pok is disappointed that the LOBID process has been taken to court when it is almost complete and benefits will flow to the people of Hides in Hela Province.
Mr Pok referred to the court documents being filed by a two men from the clans of HiwaPoro and Hiwa Homane, both within the Hides PDL 1 Hiwa block.
Mr Pok said while he respects the constitutional rights of individuals to take matters to court, he is disappointed that this could delay the payment of benefits to the people who have suffered for close to 20 years and many have died already.
He said the two men were not in the LOBID process in Hides where all others justified their position and challenged them to travel with him to Hides next week instead of being in Port Moresby and claiming leadership.
“The government is doing all it can to ensure we get it right and people affected see benefits. We are at the end of the LOBID process where I will soon sign the ministerial determination, go back to Hides PDL 1 and PDL 7 to make public the document and if all is well, sign the determination in front of the landowners,” Mr Pok said.
He said the two people who have filed court proceedings should have taken part in the process and justified their standing in the landowner vetting exercise.
“I have announced in my last meeting with the landowners in Hides PDL 1 area that we will seriously consider holding payments to the areas where people have taken the matter to court. We cannot allow our people to continue to suffer because a particular area and some people continue to claim ownership while running around in Port Moresby.”
“I gave every person the opportunity to attend to the LOBID exercise for the last one month and we must put an end to this. These two persons were not there and how do they know the exercise was not done properly as it has not been gazetted as yet. ”
Mr Pok said the two people must withdraw the case or travel up to Hides to explain to the people why they have taken the matter to court. He also urged the courts, if the matter goes through, to throw the matter out, as it is wasting the courts and the people’s time.
“I urge common sense to prevail as this matter is sensitive and therefore aggrieved people must follow the process to finally put this matter to rest. Our people have endured suffering enough and must see the benefits in their lifetime.”
“My officers will be in Hides this weekend to cross check and I will be there next week. If they are serious, I urge them to come to Hides, sit down with my officers and myself and with the people and justify.”
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