Locals want compensation payments for their land that saved Prime Minister Peter O'neill

A HELICOPTER carrying Prime Minister Peter O’Neill that crash-landed at the Hambuke Primary School, in East Sepik, two weeks ago, is still grounded there.

O’Neill and four cabinet ministers were travelling in it when it developed engine problems. Now the landowners are demanding compensation for it occupying their land.

The landowners are demanding K300,000 from the Government, saying their land saved the lives of O’Neill and cabinet ministers Richard Maru, Delilah Gore, Loujaya Kouza and Francis Awesa. They were travelling with East Sepik deputy governor Ian Samuel, a Works Department engineer, a policeman and two television officials.

Landowners’ spokesman Billy Kuari said the helicopter pilot must also be recognised by the Government for saving the lives.

“It is this land that saved this country’s prime minister and his four top ministers with others on board.

“It is this land that saved hundreds of millions of kina for the insurance of the four State ministers, the deputy governor, a policeman and two television crews. It is this land that saved the company’s helicopter, the Government and other compensation demands,” Kuari said.

The helicopter, owned by Alexander Mining Ltd, was transporting the delegation from Wewak to Yangoru on April 30, when it developed engine problems.

The pilot managed to bring it safely to the ground with smoke coming out of the engine.

The aircraft is still at the school. Officers from the Civil Aviation Authority have already inspected the aircraft.

O’Neill, who was sheltered at the school after the mishap made a commitment of K300,000 for the school, Kouza committed library books while Samuel committed K10,000 on behalf of the provincial government.

PNG Today/ The national