Porgera by-election, outstanding resettlement issues amongst series of concerns raised

The ongoing law and order crisis is becoming a major concern for the people of Porgera Paela District in the Enga Province.

A concerned citizen and lawyer from Enga, Andrew Lakis Ruing said these issues must not be ignored anymore as it will only ignite more problems for the people.

He said the long overdue resettlement issues and the by-election are also other main issues that must not be overlooked any longer.

Porgera Paela needs a voice in the House of Parliament through an elected representative to raise issues for appropriate authorities to take action.

The outstanding resettlement matter in Porgera is another issue that needs to be addressed to minimise problems in the mining area.

A local leader Morope Piara from the Sakar Clan said Barrick Niugini, government and authorities concerned must look into this as a matter of urgency.

Piara said the issue that arose recently resulting in the death of two of his tribesmen who were illegal miners and causing serious harm to mine security was the effect of such outstanding issues.

More than K1 million worth of properties, machinery and vehicles were also set on fire following the incident.

Meanwhile, an important section of the National Highway from Wabag District leading into the Porgera Gold Mine needs urgent attention.

This call was made by local leader Gidron Maso Karipe to the provincial and national Works department for prompt consideration.

Karipe said the Lai Bridge to Sirunki section of the road is not conducive for travel and is a nightmare for daily commuters.

Earlier this week, a fuel truck belonging to the IPI group of companies capsized and lost more than 5000 liters of fuel, posing threat to other trucks and light vehicles.

The road is the corridor to the districts of Kandep, Lagaip and Porgera Paela which have a total population for about 250,000.