FRL to take Sepik development project discussions to districts and LLGs in West Sepik

Frieda River Limited (FRL) will take its community consultations on the proposed Sepik Development Project directly to district centres and communities in West Sepik Province.

The company will start the district town hall program in Telefomin on September 14, with meetings expected to follow in Vanimo Green, Aitape, Lumi, Nuku and Yangkok.

The engagements are expected to give communities an opportunity to question the company about the project, express concerns and hear updates directly from its representatives.

Local-level government representatives, community leaders, civil society organisations and members of the public are expected to participate.

FRL Country Manager, Dr. Joel Hamago says taking the discussions into the districts is important because not everyone has access to social media or other platforms where information about the project is being discussed.

He says the company wants to hear from people who may otherwise have limited opportunities to participate in discussions about the project's future.

Dr. Hamago says the meetings will allow communities to seek clarification on issues including project planning, environmental and social management, community development priorities and future consultation.

He says the company expects the face-to-face discussions to help communities better understand the proposed development while allowing FRL to hear directly from people who could be affected by the project.

The town hall engagements are scheduled to run from September through to early November.

The program will cover as many local-level government areas as possible as the company continues its engagement with communities across West Sepik.

The Sepik development project has generated public discussion in the province, making direct community engagement an important part of the ongoing consultation process.