RH operation in Gulf licensed: Minister

Caption:  Forests Minister Douglas Tomuriesa.

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, August 21, 2016 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

 

FORESTS Minister, Douglas Tomuriesa, has affirmed to parliament on the legality of logging operations taking place in the Gulf Province by logging giant, Rimbunan Hijau.

The minister confirmed this to his records, despite conflicting reports by Governor for Gulf Havila Kavo- who said that the permit was not extended as he claimed the company had been operating illegally.

“Are you aware RH operating in Gulf which is the second largest logging permit areas in the country is operating without a permit for the last three years, still logging.”

“As of last month my PFMC (Provincial Forest Management Committee) actually refrained from extending the license because it has been operating illegally for more than 3 years.”

The minister however countered the governor’s claim saying his department keeps tabs on all forest activities in the country.

“No company operates in this country without a permit. No company, RH for that matter is a corporate organization that is a big company the employs hundreds or thousands of young Papua New Guinean men and women.”

“We keep a very close eye on every operation in this country. Just very recently, three weeks ago I asked for the report to be furnished to my office and I haven’t seen this operation being operating without a permit.”

“In fact the permit was renewed. And if the governor does not know, his PFMC gave the approval for the renewal. I will furnish the report that has come through from the PFMC of the Gulf Province that has given the okay to renew the permit,” Tomuriesa

After the governor’s interjection of the refusal, the minister said he was confused at the conflicting reports and would confirm with his department, however narrowed the confusion could be due to the procedure of reviews conducted by PFMC.

“He is telling me here that just last week, his PFMC has mentioned something. Let me mention here that when the PFMC approves something- it takes 3 years before it is reviewed so obviously they are reviewing something down there within the three years operations so let me clear that,” the minister said.