"Kua brush aside claims of threats on gas project", 22 January 2020

Petroleum Minister Kerenga Kua has brushed aside claims of threats to close gas projects in Western Province.

This follows, Governor, Taboi Awi Yoto and North Fly MP, James Donald claims, the State Negotiating Team has poorly negotiated for the province and the landowners over the P'nyang Gas Project' with the developer in Singapore....

The leaders have threatened to withdraw their support towards P'nyang and Stanley LNG Projects...until the Oil and Gas Act is amended.

In his response, Minister Kua says constitutional law allows all minerals and petroleum is owned by the State and not by provinces and landowners.

He said only the State is empowered to commercialise these resources, and no other entity is by law empowered to do this.

Mr. Kua said leaders at all levels are entitled to express their views on issues related to resource project negotiations but State will make the final decision.

The Petroleum Minister urges leaders to remain calm as P’nyang Ministerial Committee is always on hand to discuss any discontentment.