By DALCY LULUA
THE initialization of Community Development Agreement (CDA) by the parties of the Central Cement & Lime Project was done yesterday after a successful one week of negotiations.
The negotiations between the parties started on Thursday, 30th of January and ended after a week.
The parties of the Central Lime Project are the Kido Landowners Association, Rearea Landowners Association, Hiri Rural Local Level Government, Central Provincial Government, State and the developer Mayur Resources Limited.
The project is in the Hiri-Koiari District of Central Province.
Mayur Resources Managing Director Paul Mulder highlighted that it’s been 10 years of hard work that sees the initialization of the CDA by all parties now.
“Its a collective foresight and unfortunately some people say this was an overnight success but it took 10 years,” he said.
Paul said these things don’t happen overnight; they come with a lot of effort and time.
“We have been dealing with different landowners and government officials to create true benefits to PNG and local communities and generational benefits for Central Province.
“What we’ve done here today, is to create generational change, I think we have to stop and consider for a minute, Central Province is going to be a hub for building materials -Cement, lime, coverts, pipe, bricks, pavers for PNG,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of Mineral Resource Authority Managing Director Garry James, his Officer in Charge Nathan Mosusu congratulated the project developer Mayur Resouces, the two chairmen, the Hiri Rural Local Level Government and the Central Government team for successfully delivering this Project.
He thanked Central Governor Rufina Peter for allowing this project to venture and be part of economic development.
Nathan also urged the Chairmans to make sure the benefits of the projects are well shared to the people and that they must look after the projects in their respective areas.
Chairman for Kido Landowners Association Hegoi Igo and Chairman for Rearea Landowners Association Vai Aia thanked the developer and the State for working closely with them till the initializing of the CDA.
Governor for Central Province Rufina Peter expressed that this project is an important project.
“I understand that it’s been about what18 years since the last mining project, and so from that point of view, I think it is important not just for the province, but for the country as a whole,” the Governor stated.
“The timing is quite significant, because as we are approaching our 50 years independence anniversary, Central Province was a leader in nation building at that time.
“So, for us, its symbolic that we are starting again to regain our place of prominence in nation building, and this project contributes quite significantly in that sense,” she added.
Member for Hiri Koiari Keith Iduhu reiterated the importance of the Cement & Lime Project in the province and country as whole.
“I think this is truly an achievement, not only for Hiri Koiari or Central province, but this country as a whole,” Iduhu said.
“This particular agreement is quite unique to the extent that royalties are up to 80% in favor of landowners.
“This is very important to note. So, I commend and I congratulate the chairman and the landowners of Keakea Association and Kido Association,” he said.
The MP also commended the Minister for Mining Wake Goi and the Marape-Rosso Government for successfully completing the Consultative conference in 3 months in the five years.
“This has to be the best CDA our country has achieved.”
