Govt will respect Morobe

The National Main Stories

By LARRY ANDREW
THE Government will respect the rejection of the deep sea tailing placement (DSTP) system for the Wafi-Golpu mine project by the Morobe government and landowners, says Conservation and Environment Protection Minister Wera Mori.
“Money is money but people’s lives are more important,” he said at the conclusion of a three-day workshop in Lae.
The Morobe government and landowners have maintained all along that the DSTP method which the Government and developers prefer will cause massive damage to marine life and the ecosystem which is the main source of food for coastal villagers.
Mori said the position of the people of Morobe “is very clear”.
“The livelihood and future of the people will not be bargained for any amount of money,” he said.
“The Morobe government had taken up a position.
“We (Government) are here to listen to what you are going to say and for us to find a way forward.”
He supported a suggestion to appoint a committee to consider Morobe’s submissions backed by data and confirm the information therein. Governor Ginson Saonu said there was an alternative solution which everyone should work towards.
“The people of Morobe have spoken: Yes to Wafi-Golpu and No to the DSTP,” he said.
“We are here to find a way out.
“We cannot destroy the livelihood of the people who depend on the sea (to earn money) and (for food).
“This is (the) stand (of the) provincial executive council and members of the Tutumang assembly.
“It is Morobe people’s stand and we will not divert from it. No waste deposit in rivers, lakes or sea.
“It is only considered if there are no inhabitants like in the desert.
“Deep sea tailing in Huon Gulf must be prohibited. It is unethical and an improper practice.”
He said submarine waste disposal was prohibited by international gold mining principles and standards which the operators Newcrest and Harmony Gold Mining Ltd must abide by.

12 comments

  • Morobe Governor you are a true leader, listening to your people.

    No to DSTP and Yes to TSF. Should not be a problem to Newcrest and Harmony there is one TSF they operate at Hidden Valley they know how to design, maintain and operate at a location that has limited land and subject to earthquakes.

    Morobe Governor you are really taking back PNG!!! Just beware of technics that Mine Operators use to split people and their Government and achieve their Goals. CEPA or Environment department has a special bond with these Mine Operators for a long time. Remember how Ramu Nickel tailings spill was downplayed. Money works in PNG. Can PNG be the Black Christian Rich Country free of Corrupt leaders and officials who do not take bribes to approve DSTP?

  • Conservation and Environment Protection Minister Wera Mori beware for what you said to people of Morobe. Seems the Minister is after something as we can see two different dialogue reported as dated below.

    On the October, 23 2020 – Environment and Conservation Minister Wera Mori assured the landowners that the DSTP would not damage the environment, marine life and ecosystem they depend on mainly for food.
    Mori even threatened to resign if the landowners failed to accept the DSTP method.
    “In the event the people opt for the TSF, I will not sign the permit.
    “I will ask the prime minister to replace me,” he said.
    “I cannot sign something I know is going to have a major consequence.”

    But he changed he all thing around this time on October, 26 2020 – Minister for Conservation and Environment Protection Wera Mori said the Government will respect the rejection of the deep sea tailing placement (DSTP) system for the Wafi-Golpu mine project by the Morobe government and landowners.
    “Money is money but people’s lives are more important,” he said at the conclusion of a three-day workshop in Lae.
    The Morobe government and landowners have maintained all along that the DSTP method which the Government and developers prefer will cause massive damage to marine life and the ecosystem which is the main source of food for coastal villagers.
    Mori said the position of the people of Morobe “is very clear”.
    “The livelihood and future of the people will not be bargained for any amount of money,” he said.
    “The Morobe government had taken up a position.
    “We (Government) are here to listen to what you are going to say and for us to find a way forward.”

    This guy is a liar and cunning Minister

  • Thumbs up to my coastline people of people of Morobe and to the Morobe leaders to hear the voices of the people. Whilst the benefits of the mine is good, the live hoods of people matters. Mothers tend to take from the mangroves to sustained the livehood of their familiy whilst fathers take from the sea. What guarantee will there be to contain this dump, “em no man na em bai harim toktok na stap long hap ol dumpim. Our livehood matters

  • Yes, that is the way forward but major consequences to the environment be it sea, land or river/lakes must be very carefully considered to avoid future damages once the mine goes into operation. Don’t rush. Be extemely careful. Otherwise let us stand firm and united in fighting for our rights.

  • Thanks to the Morobe Governor Mr. Ginson Saonu. we the Morobe people salute you for the great controversy decision on the DSTP. We also salute the government of the day lead by Environment and Conservation Minister Wera Mori for respecting the rejection of the deep sea tailing placement (DSTP) system for the Wafi-Golpu mine project by the Morobe government and landowners. Moving forward to the alternation soluting for the waste disposal.

    Thank you Governor.

  • Minister, thanking you and the PM for listening to our people.
    Pogera has been mining for 30 years, can we use that system?

  • The people’s voice speaks louder than this leader. Using threats and warnings did not even move the people’s decision. The good thing is that he’s now listening. People’s voice is Power. Long live the United Voices of Morobe and your Leader Gibson. The next thing is “Voice out your entitlements” so you are not ripped off your resources. The whole country is watching you as we speak of the slogan “Take Back PNG”

  • Wera Mori should step down from his portfolio as he himself indicated – he cant be saying one thing and back-flipping again. Those so called advisors at CEPA should hang their heads in shame for wrongly advising the minister to go for the DSTP knowing very well there are better options available. It is such advise from people in government entrusted with the belief that they should be advising the government for the better but yet they continue to fail. Wera Mori is just one of the MPs who couldn’t use his rightful conscious against bad advise accorded to him by CEPA officer….CEPA should be held accountable for providing the minister with wrong advice (and this can be seen from experiences coming from Porgera, Ramu Nickel, OK Tedi)..

  • Finaly some common sense.., looks like the minister will have to calm down and not be arrogant or ignorant. listen to the people, because its the people who put politicians where they are, and the people will and can also take you down..
    Congratuations to all and every single person, men, women and children including our community groups and churches and schools.. this is your victory…

  • Thanks to Morobe Governor, you are a true leader. Ensure to put people’s interest/safety and welfare first and never ever listen to developers as they are here for our resources so make them to listen to us. If they (developers) don’t want to listen then let them go, after all we got nothing to loose.

  • CEPA seems to do things without proper consideration. Remember the Ramu Nickel saga? Whose interests are they serving?

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