Graham: Project mindful of workers reduction

By MATTHEW VARI

Wednesday, December 3, 2014 (Midweek Chronicle, PNG)

ADDRESSING the 13th PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum Conference in Sydney, Australia- Managing Director of ExxonMobil PNG, Peter Graham informed the conference of their assistance in creating opportunities for their workers that have been let go as a result of the conclusion of the massive construction phase of the PNG LNG Project.

He pointed out that despite the reduction in employment numbers- all workers in the projects would have gained valuable experience and skills that were valuable in the formal sector.

“The most obvious change is that with the end of construction comes a reduction in employment and business opportunities,” Mr Graham said.

“People who have worked on the Project have all acquired or improved their skills and gained valuable work experience.”

“We provided personal viability training to help workers recognise and market their skills and other assets and where possible we phased the release of workers- many have successfully transitioned into other formal employment, while others have returned to traditional pursuits.”

He said that the project established Enterprise Centre, has helped set landowner companies and other local businesses up for success with training, mentoring and operational assessment programs.

To a point where despite construction support business opportunities declined, a number of the landowner companies continue to prosper and diversify.

“We hope that other companies in PNG will step up and support the continuation of the Enterprise Centre to build capacity of small and medium enterprises in PNG,” Graham added.

“One critical aspect of the Project that has yet to be completed is the identification of Project beneficiaries from the Project areas.”

“We will continue to offer support to the Department of Petroleum and Energy to expedite completion of this work, we recognise the importance to landowners of the government meeting its commitments under the various Benefit Sharing Agreements, and will offer our support to ensure this is achieved.”