PNG Logging Scheme Sparks Concerns Over Lack of Transparency

A proposed forestry development in Western Province has sparked concerns among transparency activists, who claim that the government failed to conduct due diligence on the project before granting it approval.

The large-scale scheme, which involves 600 kilometres of roads and a small amount of forestry along the routes, is estimated to cost $4.8 billion kina. However, the taxpayer would not pay a single cent of the cost.

The Concerns

Transparency International Papua New Guinea (TI PNG) spokesperson Peter Aitsi expressed concerns over the viability of the project, as well as the lack of transparency in how the governor of Western Province was involved.

“When we looked at this particular venture, it raised some red flags with us, primarily around the viability of this project, but also the lack of transparency, in terms of how the governor of Western Province was involved,” Aitsi said.

A Link to a Discredited Scheme

The Australian principals behind the project are also linked to an earlier discredited scheme planned for the same area in Western Province. However, the agreement still got the endorsement of Prime Minister James Marape, who called it an “integrated agro-forestry project”.

Aitsi believes that the government should have done proper due diligence on the group behind the project and established a link back to the group that initially made this proposal in 2013.

“My concern is now that we’ve got our Prime Minister endorsing this project, and all sorts of people marching up to Government House and having the Governor-General sign the agreement. And it just doesn’t bode well for the country when we’ve got what appears to be very ill-informed decisions being made at the highest levels,” Aitsi said.

The Deterioration of Governance

Don Wiseman, another spokesperson for TI PNG, agrees that the government’s actions are a reflection of the broader concern over the deteriorating governance environment in Papua New Guinea.

“Unfortunately so. And that again speaks to the broader concern that TI has where we’ve got this deteriorating governance environment within our country and the conduct and behaviour of some of our leaders is eroding the trust, the public trust in its government and then the public service and public systems,” Wiseman said.

The Need for Independence

Wiseman believes that there needs to be a change in mindset among government officials to ensure that they work independently and make decisions based on ethics and morals rather than personal interests.

“Yes, the problem is changing that whole mindset, isn’t it? It’s going to take years and years and years to re-educate people about ethics and morals and so on and so on,” Wiseman said.

The Focus of TI PNG

Despite the challenges, Transparency International Papua New Guinea remains committed to supporting government institutions and state agencies that are responsible for enforcing laws and protecting citizens’ rights.

“Our focus is really to try and support and rebuild these government and state institutions that are there to serve the purposes of our communities,” Aitsi said. “So that’s really where the focus is, and underlying all that is the work we’re doing through our schools in introducing civic education or supporting civic education so that we are trying to get an understanding of the role of citizens within our society.”

Progress on Civic Education

Aitsi believes that despite the challenges, there has been progress in introducing civic education among younger generations.

“It’s frustrating and it’s hard, and some days you feel you don’t. But, you know, when you go to the schools and you’re part of our outreach, and we see our primary school, secondary school, and university students, and the way that they engage with our message, it seems to suggest that they have a desire for change, and they have a belief in our country,” Aitsi said.

Conclusion:

The proposed forestry development in Western Province has raised concerns over the lack of transparency and accountability among government officials. Transparency International Papua New Guinea remains committed to supporting government institutions and state agencies that are responsible for enforcing laws and protecting citizens’ rights. Despite the challenges, there is a glimmer of hope with the introduction of civic education among younger generations, which could help to build a more informed and engaged citizenry in Papua New Guinea.