05-09-2014, 05:50 AM
The primary problem in this is with the government themselves. Under PNG law they are the ones required to undertake the LO and social mapping process and be the intermediary in any disputes with these groups. However, traditionally the government has dropped the ball and to get projects moving resource companies have reluctantly gotten the process rolling and either handed the balance to the government (PNG LNG case), or seen the process through themselves (Chevron in the oil fields). In fact Chevron is seen as having handled it in one of the best cases, and now OSH benefits from Chevron's work there. Very few disputes have arisen in the oil field territory because of the process Chevron used and documented. Thousands of resource payments have been made and only some 60 have had any disputes which were resolved peacefully. These fields are also in the Highlands.
The government has caused its own problems and delayed payments only reinforce the distrust that exists. They have what they have at this point; sure seems like they would take copies of the process Chevron used and "franchise" it. The PNG LNG process could have been done a long time ago.
The government has caused its own problems and delayed payments only reinforce the distrust that exists. They have what they have at this point; sure seems like they would take copies of the process Chevron used and "franchise" it. The PNG LNG process could have been done a long time ago.