PNG’s Claim to the Sustainable Development Program Quashed


Devdiscourse News Desk | Port Moresby | Updated: 15-04-2019 10:04 IST | Created: 15-04-2019 10:04 IST
PNG’s Claim to the Sustainable Development Program Quashed
The Government would be appealing the court’s ruling as it has locked them out from the company’s assets which are worth over US$1.4 billion. Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
  • Country:
  • Papua New Guinea

The Singapore High Court quashed the Papua New Guinea government’s claim to the Singapore-registered PNG Sustainable Development Program (SDP). The Government would be appealing the court’s ruling as it has locked them out from the company’s assets which are worth over US$1.4 billion.

However, the decision was welcomed by the Western Province’s four MPs. They said this will ensure that the asset goes to the people. SDP was set up as a divestment vehicle for the province’s lucrative Ok Tedi copper and gold mine. The MPs said the court decision protected SDP from outside control, including political interference.

“The government should accept the decision and stop wasting money on any further legal action which will not only be fruitless but will also continue to cost both the government and the company millions of kina in legal fees.” The MPs also urged the Prime Minister Peter O’Neil, who ordered a commission of inquiry into SDP, to accept that the company ‘does not belong to the national government’. “We urge the PM to stop attacking SDP and to work with the directors and the provincial government to ensure that the interest income from the Long Term Fund is spent to achieve development and change in the Western Province.”

Furthermore, with the case now over, the MPs said SDP should bring its management back to PNG from Singapore and work with the people of Western Province to increase its spending and visibility in the area.

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