Kikori MP Mark Maipakai questioned PM O'Neill on when the Gulf LNG project would begin and if there would not be an LNG project in Gulf, why not. This was during discussions on investment projects that are supposed to be done as part of promises made to different Provinces. The video gives more detail than the printed story. O'Neill states that Gulf LNG is a "commercial decision" that is up to Total as the developer and that it is his "understanding" that drilling is taking place now to certify the resources (EA) so that a decision can be made on whether the project ends up being "two trains or 3 trains." When pressed by Maipakai the AG states that it is unfair to press O'Neill for an answer as it is a commercial decision by Total and O'Neill cannot speak for the developer. May mean that we will hear more from Gulf Province as they press for some answers on projects targeted for Gulf.
http://www.emtv.com.pg/home/latest-news/item/pm-asked-when-gulf-lng-will-commence?category_id=20
"PM Asked When Gulf LNG Will Commence
on Tuesday, 13 May 2014. Posted in News
The status of the proposed Gulf LNG project was brought up on the floor of parliament by Kikori MP, Mark Maipakai. He asked the Prime Minister to reveal when the project would commence. Mr O’Neill told the MP, it was a commercial agreement, and the prerogative lies solely with the developer Total. That question was one of the many regarding outstanding development issues in the Gulf province. Developer Total scooped majority stakes in Interoil’s Gulf LNG project last year. This amidst stiff competition from Exxon Mobil and Shell. A big project in the Gulf Province, Kikori MP Mark Maipakai queried the Prime Minister on its commencement.
Attorney General, Kerenga Kua didn’t think it was necessary for the Prime Minister to explain, stating it was a commercial decision. Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, said he was not aware when the project would commence, but that he was aware that the drilling to certify reserves were already underway.
According to sources on the internet Total, and interoil plan Gulf, final decision will be done in 2016. On other issues regarding the Gulf province, the Prime Minister would follow up on the K10million road upgrade in Kerema. He will be visiting Kikori on the 24th of this month, where he will deliver cheques for community school upgrades and other pledges he made during his visit to the province last year."
