Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has paid tribute to the people of Western Province for their contribution to Papua New Guinea’s development through the Ok Tedi Mine over the past four decades, while announcing increased benefits for the province and reaffirming his Government’s commitment to delivering the P’nyang LNG Project.
Speaking at the official launch of the Sisimakam–P’nyang Access Road and the Sisimakam–Hawenai– Ralengre Road in Sisimakam Village, North Fly District, Western Province, Prime Minister Marape said the projects demonstrated the Government’s commitment to unlocking economic opportunities, supporting major resource developments and connecting remote communities through the Connect PNG programme.
The launch was attended by North Fly MP Hon. James Donald, Western Province Governor Hon. Taboi Awi Yoto, Minister for Works and Highways Hon. Peter Tsiamalili Jr, provincial leaders, landowners and community representatives.
“On behalf of all Papua New Guineans across our 21 provinces and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, I thank the people of Western Province for ensuring that Ok Tedi has continued to operate successfully for more than 40 years,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“I pay tribute to all leaders, past and present, the people of the Fly River and Star Mountains regions, and every generation of Western Province citizens who have worked together to make Ok Tedi one of the most important resource projects in our nation’s history.”
The Prime Minister said Western Province had made an enormous contribution to Papua New Guinea since the commencement of mining operations at Ok Tedi in 1985.
He also acknowledged the contribution of Ok Tedi Mining Limited, its board, management, employees and contractors over the years.
“I want to place on record my appreciation to the management, staff and board of Ok Tedi Mining Limited, both past and present, for ensuring that our country’s premier mine continues to operate successfully and contribute to national development.”
Prime Minister Marape recalled that when his Government came into office in 2019, projections indicated that Ok Tedi’s mine life would end in 2029.
“When I became Prime Minister in 2019, we were advised that the mine would close in 2029. Today, because of the work undertaken by management and the discovery of additional resources, the mine’s life has been extended to 2085, and potentially beyond.
“That means future generations of Papua New Guineans will continue to benefit from the resources God has blessed us with, while Western Province and the nation continue to share in those benefits.”
Prime Minister Marape said the extension of the mine’s life demonstrated what could be achieved when government, communities and industry worked together with a long-term vision.
He noted that Western Province had carried the responsibility of hosting major resource projects for decades and deserved a greater share of the benefits generated from those resources.
Prime Minister Marape said the Marape-Rosso Government’s resource benefit-sharing reforms were ensuring more value flowed back to resource-owning provinces and communities.
He announced that Western Province would receive an additional seven per cent benefit allocation, increasing its overall participation in resource benefits to around 40 per cent.
“Our Government’s policy is to ensure that more wealth remains in the provinces and communities where resources are extracted.
“Western Province has been allocated an additional seven per cent benefit share, bringing its total participation to around 40 per cent.
“When equity returns, royalties, infrastructure tax credit projects and other benefits are added together, the total benefits flowing back to Western Province approach 50 per cent.”
Prime Minister Marape urged the people of Western Province to reflect on the progress achieved through responsible resource development.
“If Ok Tedi had closed in 2029, where would Western Province be today? We must think carefully about how much progress has been achieved since 1985 and ensure that we continue to build on that foundation for future generations.”
The Prime Minister reaffirmed that the P’nyang LNG Project remained one of the signature resource projects of the Marape-Rosso Government.
“P’nyang is a signature project of our Government. It has been discussed for many years, but we are now putting in place the infrastructure and conditions necessary to bring it into production.
“The Sisimakam–P’nyang Access Road is a critical piece of infrastructure that will support the development of the P’nyang LNG Project and create long-term opportunities for the people of Western Province.
“This project is part of our commitment to unlock resource development while ensuring local communities
benefit from improved connectivity, business opportunities and economic participation.”
Prime Minister Marape said the Government’s Connect PNG programme was transforming Western Province by replacing decades of temporary road maintenance with permanent transport infrastructure.
“For many years, governments spent millions of kina annually maintaining roads without delivering lasting solutions. Since 2019, we have focused on building permanent roads that will connect people, lower transport costs, support economic activity and open up opportunities for future generations.
“Very soon, people will travel on roads where previously they relied on rivers, aircraft and difficult terrain. These roads will change lives, stimulate economic growth and strengthen national unity.”
Prime Minister Marape called on Papua New Guineans to have confidence in the country’s future and to work together to build a stronger nation.
“We are laying foundations that will benefit future generations. Development does not happen overnight, but with patience, partnership and vision, we can build a stronger and more prosperous Papua New Guinea for all our people.”