Many communities, notably women, have been negatively impacted by the Porgera Mine’s closure, prompting serious calls for its reopening.Porgera District Women’s Association President Serah Erasi says their association is made up of close to 6,000 women who are from all over Enga mainly from areas like Porgera Paiela, Ewa, Strickland, Mount Kare, Tipinini, and Loa. She argues that these ladies have faced hardships ever since the Mine was closed, which was three years ago.
Erasi said that throughout the Mine’s operation, they were hired to carry out tasks like cleaning, and the money they earned from these assignments was used to provide for their family’s essential needs.
Elizabeth Iarume, president of Porgera Women in Business, has issued a similar plea for assistance, noting that the services in Porgera Valley were halted. She added by pointing out that these services are just as fundamental as health care, education, banking, and many other public services that they no longer have access to and that this is only because of a legal issue.
She said that to use a basic service like banking, they had to travel to Mt. Hagen or Wabag, leaving behind others who are less fortunate to be able to afford such travels. Iarume has also expressed significant worry about the upcoming school year since they have not yet put plans in place to ensure that their kids would successfully return to school for the upcoming academic year. She has urged all concerned stakeholders to take action so that people can once again have access to basic services.
The Porgera Mine is a gold and silver mine that has been in operation since 1990 and was a major contributor to the country’s economy. The mine’s special mining lease was not renewed by the Papua New Guinean government in April 2021, thereby closing it down. The local business, community, and the nation’s economy have all suffered greatly as a result of the mine’s shutdown. Local companies that relied on the mine were also impacted, and many jobs were lost.
The health and economic stability of individuals and communities depend on having access to basic services like hospitals and banking. In many rural and remote locations, hospitals are the only place to get the necessary medical attention and treatment for illnesses and injuries. On the other hand, banks give consumers access to financial services like insurance, loans, and savings, all of which are necessary for them to manage their money and make plans for the future. Without access to these services, people and communities may experience serious difficulties.
For instance, without access to hospitals, people would not be able to get the necessary medical care, which might result in major health issues or even death. Without access to banks, people would find it difficult to manage their finances, save money, or obtain credit, which might have a detrimental effect on their economic well-being. Therefore, governments and organizations must make sure that everyone has access to basic services like banks and clinics.