Polye: Resettle those in SML area

KANDEP MP Don Polye wants government to resettle those residing on land identified as Special Mining Lease area to stop the ongoing tribal conflicts in Porgera, Enga Province. Polye said the tribal warfare started from illegal mining activities happening around the mine site by people from Porgera including those from other parts of Enga and the Highlands region settled there. He is concerned that the illegal mining is compromising the safety and security of the international mining company that may most likely have negative repercussion on the economy of the country given the economic challenges if the company is forced to cease operation.

“The most strategic thing to do is to relocate the people on the SML (special mining lease area) to a different area,” he said. He urged Prime Minister James Marape to adhere to his call to save Porgera from further tribal conflicts resulting from illegal mining activities that is interfering with the smooth operation of the mine..