2 Mar 2012

PNG cabinet minister calls for thorough probe of Tumbi Landslide

2:32 pm on 2 March 2012

A senior member of Papua New Guinea's cabinet says there needs to be a thorough investigation into the Tumbi landslide in Southern Highlands.

The disaster on January 24th is believed to have killed at least 25 people.

The Red Cross says the toll could be as high as 60 but to date reports from the Tumbi area indicate few, if any, bodies have been recovered.

Locals have blamed the landslide on the Tumbi quarry, which was used by Exxon Mobil for its Liquefied Natural Gas project and sits atop the massive landslide.

The NGO, LNG Watch, has called for an independent investigation into the disaster to address simmering grievances in the community.

PNG's Treasurer Don Polye says he agrees with the concerns raised.

"Was it a natural landslide or was it caused by activities that went on in there is a matter that must be established through an investigation and I support that there should be an investigation. I will discuss with the Prime Minister on the matter."

Don Polye