Forest Minister makes promises but O’Neills illegal SABL logging still ongoing
PNG Loop is reporting that logging activities in 44 land areas obtained under Special Agriculture Business Lease will cease as soon as the National Forestry Authority receives confirmation from the Lands Department that the SABLs have been effectively revoked.
Forest Minister Douglas Tomuriesa says at this stage 25 SABLs have been returned to landowners and revoked however NFA is yet to receive confirmation.
Tomuriesa says once confirmation is received from the Lands Department they will then proceed with putting a stop to all Forest Clearance Authorities issued by them to logging companies.
Tomuriesa has apparently appealed to critics to be patient as they commence implementation of government decisions.
Perhaps we might have more faith in the government if the Minister came clean and told us:
- Which are the areas is which logging has taken place under SABLs over the last decade?
- How many logs have been taken from each SABL area and by which logging companies?
- Where is logging still continuing under SABL?
