Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) will run a week-long program from 29 October to 4 November to support Clans in the Hides Petroleum Development Licence 1 (PDL 1) area of Hela Province open sub-clan bank accounts, a crucial final step before the distribution of long-awaited royalty and equity benefits.

The awareness program led by directors of Gas Resources Gigira, the corporate trustee representing PDL 1 landowners will be conducted to educate landowners on the requirements and procedures for opening sub-clan bank accounts.

MRDC Managing Director Mr. Augustine Mano, accompanied by members of the executive management team and PDL 1 Directors, arrived in Hela this week to officially launch the awareness initiative.

Mr. Mano said he was pleased that the process had reached its final stage before the release of royalty and equity benefits that had been held since 2014.

“Various clan disputes and legal challenges have delayed the release of these benefits. I am pleased that we have managed to resolve most of these disputes, paving the way for us to complete this process.

“Our people deserve to enjoy the project benefits to which they are entitled. I welcome the cooperation of Hides community leaders and the directors of Gas Resources Gigira, as well as their commitment to ensuring that royalty and equity payments deliver tangible benefits to our communities and are used responsibly.”

Ninety-one (91) of the 96 PDL 1 clans have confirmed their respective executives, and the minutes of their meetings have been endorsed by the major clans and the National Petroleum Authority (NPA).

Bank South Pacific (BSP) will facilitate the opening of sub-clan bank accounts at the MRDC Tari Office from 5 to 24 November.