NEW NAKUWI PRESIDENT PUSHES FOR MOA REVIEW

By Martha LOUIS, Lae

The Nakuwi Association has sworn in new executives last week after the previous five-year term ended on March 24, 2024. 

The new leadership includes: 

– Wayang Kawa – President (Kwembu) 

– Andrew Kupa – Vice President (Nauti) 

– Bob Jerom – Treasurer (Winima) 

– Naino Kwamio – Secretary (Nauti)

Nakuwi, representing the landowner villages of Nauti, Kwembu, and Winima, remains the key body in negotiations with Harmony Gold Mine and government stakeholders. 

President Wayang Kawa reaffirmed the association’s commitment to advocating for landowners’ interests.

The new executives will participate in the 2005 Hidden Valley Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) review in Lae this week.

President Kawa has pledged to review the 2005 Hidden Valley Mine MOA to secure fair benefits for landowners before mining operations wind down in the next seven to eight years.

The MOA, signed in 2005, outlines royalty distribution, infrastructure development, employment programs, and environmental protections. Kawa said previous negotiations failed to fully address landowner concerns, and he aims to reassess unfulfilled commitments.

He also called for greater transparency in landowner employment and business opportunities, urging NKW and other investment companies to ensure fair benefit distribution.