5 May 2025-THE principal landowners of Hides PDL7 in Hela Province congratulate Kerema MP Hon. Thomas Opa on his new appointment as Minister for Finance.
Prime Minister Hon. James Marape announced Mr Opa’s appointment following a minor Cabinet reshuffle last week. He was previously Minister for Energy.
Umbrella Hides PDL7 Association Inc. Chairman Erick Hawai Ako hailed Mr Opa’s elevation to the key Finance Ministry, saying it is a significant achievement for this young and vibrant leader.
“On behalf of my Association and our 10,000-plus landowners of the PNG LNG wellhead areas of Hides, I congratulate Hon. Thomas Opa on his new appointment as Minister for Finance in the Marape-Rosso Government.”
“Minister Opa is a new generation leader with a vibrant political future and we are confident he will undertake his new duties and responsibilities with diligence and integrity.”
“His promotion in the Marape Cabinet will bring much pride and joy to his people of Kerema and Gulf Province.”
“We commend PM Marape for entrusting Mr Opa with this key ministry, which controls the public purse and is responsible for the Government’s financial operations and transactions.”
“As a leader from the province that hosts the Papua LNG Project, Minister Opa is well versed with the issues and challenges faced by landowners in both Gulf and Hela. Hence, we urge him to support our landowners by prioritising our issues and concerns, such as resolving outstanding commitments and ensuring timely payments of royalties, equities and other benefits under our respective agreements with the State and project developers.”
“We are always grateful for the Marape-Rosso Government’s continued support and assistance but believe much more can be done to enhance the well-being and livelihoods of our landowners, who are the true custodians of this multi-billion kina gas resource.”
Approved for release by:
ERICK HAWAI AKO
Chairman
Umbrella Hides PDL7 Association Inc.