ExxonMobil PNG invites Hides community groups to tour its operations

ExxonMobil PNG Limited (EMPNG), operator of the PNG LNG project, is inviting Hides community groups to tour the Hides Gas Conditioning Plant (HGCP) to help them to understand what happens in its operations.

The program, launched in November 2016, complements EMPNG’s Community Development Program by enhancing the community’s understanding of the Plant’s operations.

EMPNG Hides Superintendent Ken Rhyason said the tours were looking to take away the mystery about what happens inside the fence and to build on EMPNG’s established relationships with Hides communities to create a stronger more connected society.

The sessions are complimented by other discussions around healthy living, education and community development in general.

“Our staff are contributing to the program by educating participants on general hygiene, food preparation, food storage and health issues,” said Mr Rhyason.

Target groups include Hides area students, church representatives, community leaders, youth groups and women’s groups.

On completion of one tour, Evangelical Church of PNG Women’s Group spokeswoman and ExxonMobil sponsored Global Women in Management (GWIM) alumni, Miriam Gai, thanked EMPNG for opening its gates to the community and for its dedication to changing the quality of lives for many Papua New Guineans through their livelihoods work.

“I’m seeing great improvement in the standard of living of women participating in the Community Livelihood Improvement Program (CLIP).

“The women are now using the knowledge gained from CLIP to grow different varieties of food and prepare good quality meals for a balanced diet for their families,” said Mrs Gai.

The tour program involves a brief overview of the Plant’s operations including a drive around the perimeter fence and a walk through tour of the camp’s kitchen before concluding with lunch and health talk from EMPNG’s ISOS medical clinic team.

The facility tour is held fortnightly on average.