Source:
By STEPHANIE ELIZAH
The Eguma special mining lease (SML) landowners also requested that the state honour its mine closure commitment to conduct a socio-economic feasibility study before the end of this year.
Managing director Taulea Mosebi claimed that after Misima Mines Ltd ceased operations, no socio-economic impact study had been conducted.
He said the people’s standard of living had not improved despite the good things that Misima mines brought when it was in operation like well-maintained and supported health, education, transport, electricity and banking services.
Mosebi said apart from the current monitoring of the environment’s rehabilitation, there had been no major economic development on Misima to boost the livelihood of the islanders.
“Our people are struggling.
“No one has made any attempt to find solutions to the problems.
“Since 1989, Misima mine had earned more than K9.9 billion for the state. Yet, after the mine ceased operations, we have rundown buildings, inconsistent power supply and landowner projects initiated during the mine life have not continued,” he said.
Mosebi said Eguma landowners had taken the initiative to spearhead a Misima island project, which is aimed at assessing the island’s social, economical, environmental, cultural and political status.
“We seek to revive the island’s economy and, as such, we have obtained the support of the Milne Bay provincial administration, Department of Agriculture and Livestock and the provincial industry and support services as part of the steering committee,” Mosebi said.
National Newspaper 13 September 2010
I remember working at MML during 1997-1998, and I know that the parent company (Placer Dome) paid Misiman people very well during that time. As the potential closure of the mine site became a reality, the company suggested that the PNG Government might like to (in conjunction with best practices/a 50% ongoing stake) run the Lagua camp site as a training ground/facility as a tropical disease research facility. The PNG government determined that they did not want to contribute to this potential, and the potential fell by the wayside. An alternative, at that time, might have been for the locals (I know there are still may entrepreneurial types on the island) to actually set some money aside, in the hopes that they might start promoting tourism in the area. Misima was my idea of paradise, and had anyone had the foresight, back then, to establish an accommodation facility that might cater to international tourism, then today, the Island might just be enjoying some economic benefits from that arena.
ReplyDeleteI wish the people of Misima my heartfelt best luck in their endeavours in the future, and I would like nothing more than to get back there one day for a visit, but...some infrastructure is needed before people will come in droves.
The PNG Government, with a minimal outlay, could ensure the Misima Islanders a very prosperous future, if only they could send some of those kina their way. I'm sure it will come back to Government coffers ten-fold in the form of taxes, with very little effort.
Tourism in Misima has to be the way to go...it has world class potential in that field.
Cheers,
Rick
Cairns, OZ