Koiari landowners demand K15 million outstanding payment, threaten to shutdown water and power by tomorrow

Landowners from Sirinumu and Rouna are demanding the National Government to urgently release outstanding K15 million payment, warning of continued peaceful sitting protests if their demands are ignored.

Speaking on behalf of the landowner groups, chairman from both Rouna and Sirinumu communities expressed deep frustration over the government’s failure to honour commitments dating back to 2022.

The dispute centres on a 2025 ministerial directive by former finance minister Micky Kaeok, and a 2013 National Executive Council (NEC) Decision 356, which officially recognised the Sirinumu and Rouna landowners as impact communities entitled to compensation for the continued use of their power and water resources supplying Port Moresby.

“We are here because Treasury and the Department of Trade and Commerce have failed to act on our demands,” SIDCO chairman Steven John said.
“We’ve done the paperwork, we’ve followed the process, and yet every year, K5 million is listed under Vote 207 Miscellaneous, but nothing is paid. In 2022, 2023, 2024, and now 2025, we’ve seen no budget allocation for our resettlement. Why?”

The landowners say their water has supplied the Rouna Power Station and the capital city for more than 60 years without proper compensation. They argue their contribution to national infrastructure far exceeds what has been acknowledged or paid.

“The water we provide is not a resource that depletes like gold or oil. It has sustained this city for generations. Still, we receive only peanuts,” John said.
“The government recently paid K15 million to a closed mine as compensation. Meanwhile, our water flows 24/7, and we are ignored.”

Chairman of RODCO Babea Toina added that the landowners have maintained essential services to the city despite frustrations.

“We have not shut down water or power. We continue to act responsibly. But we are demanding answers now. We want Treasury and Commerce to come here and speak to us directly,” he said.

The group also criticised the formation of a company, Koiari Energy and Water Corporation, allegedly created without the knowledge or consent of legitimate landowners.

“That company does not represent us. It was formed without our signatures or involvement,” said the chairman.
"The company claims to be the business arm of the landowners is misleading."

Police personnel have maintained a presence at the protest site to ensure the safety of infrastructure, with landowners affirming the protest will remain peaceful.

The resource owners are now calling on the Departments of Treasury and the Trade and Commerce, who's tasked to take care of matters of Koiari Land Owners, to urgently respond to their petition, provide a clear position on the K15 million claim, and initiate formal discussions to resolve the matter.

“We are not here to fight. We are here to get what is rightfully ours. The government must stop ignoring our voices,” John said.

If their demands are not met, water and power supply will completely be shutdown tomorrow.