NORTH Fly MP James Donald says the district will take lead in supporting the aggrieved landowners within the Ok Tedi Mine operated 6 mine villages in Western Province, following a recent land court decision in Kiunga.
The Kiunga Provincial Land Court on May 14 awarded ownership of the Mt Fubilan, which hosts the giant Ok Tedi Mine in Western Province, to Mohomal Kweptan Selkalin Clan, which according to current landowners, is a clan that is from Oksapmin in West Sepik Province.
Mr. Donald, who flew into Tabubil the next day after the court ruling, met his people, especially the clan chiefs and leaders and discussed a way forward to counter the court’s ruling.
North Fly MP said district, through DDA is committed to support the landowners of Star Mountains going forward to determine the true landowners of Mt Fubilan.
“We will challenge the case (decision) through an appeal, and support the aggrieved landowners of Mount Fubilan. North Fly DDA is committed to supporting them going forward so that proper justice is accorded, and we will see true and genuine landowners,” Mr Donald said.
The current recognized six (6) Ok Tedi Mine villages are –
Atemkit, Bultem, Finalbin, Kavorabip, Migalisim, and Wangbin within the Star Mountain Local Level Government.