The Special Economic Zone Authority (SEZA) has clarified recent public statements made by the Governor for Central Province, Rufina Peter, regarding the Central Province Industrial Park (Caution Bay SEZ) project.
SEZA says contrary to claims made, the Central Province Industrial Park being developed by Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL) is not located on land associated with the Konebada Petroleum Park project. The Caution Bay SEZ is situated entirely on State Land and has no legal or operational connection to the Konebada Petroleum Park.
“KPHL and SEZA have engaged with relevant State agencies and Laba Holdings Limited, representing impacted local landowners, to ensure that community interests are embedded in the project design. This includes agreed spin-off benefits such as:
• Construction of a community health clinic;
• Establishment of Police and Fire service stations;
• Direct engagement of local SMEs and skilled labor from surrounding areas.
“These facilities are designed to extend critical government services and economic opportunities to the people of Central Province.
“The governor’s assertion that there has been no consultation is incorrect. Engagement has been ongoing with authorized landowner representatives and State bodies responsible for land administration and project approval.
“KPHL has the full legal right to develop the site, including the right to determine its project branding.
“The first phase of the Caution Bay SEZ involves a US$145 million investment in a training academy and steel fabrication facility, due for completion in 2026 and the second phase investment will be at the value of US$336.7 million investment.
“This initiative will create about 3,000 to 7000 training and employment opportunities for Papua New Guineans, building the nation’s capacity for high-value industrial activity.
KPHL’s SEZ development forms part of a broader national mission to increase PNG’s domestic participation in large-scale projects, enhance national content, and foster industrial growth.
“While public debate is healthy in a democracy, it must be grounded in facts. The Central Province Industrial Park is a lawful, strategically planned development that will benefit the people of Central Province and Papua New Guinea as a whole.
“We encourage all leaders to work collaboratively in the spirit of intergovernmental partnership, in accordance with the SEZ policy, to ensure that our communities share in the benefits of transformative projects.