LANDS COMMISSION TO OPEN HIGHLANDS REGIONAL OFFICE
BY JOSEPH REMA
THE Imbonggu District Development Authority (IDDA) has formalised a partnership with the Office of the Lands Commission of Papua New Guinea to establish a regional office that will serve the five Highlands provinces.
The agreement was signed at Walume Station in Imbonggu, Southern Highlands Province, on Friday.
Chief Commissioner of the Lands Commission, Molean Kilapak, said the regional office followed the dissolution of the Lands Titles Commission and the National Land Commission, which have now been merged into a single body, the Lands Commission of Papua New Guinea.
Mr Kilapak said the commission’s main role is to investigate land issues and ensure State land across the country is allocated and managed legally and fairly.
“The commission will also deal with land that was acquired before Independence or during the colonial administration,” he said.
“The value of land acquired at that time was based on the price paid then, but over the years the value has appreciated significantly.
“We understand that land acquired by the State during the colonial era remains State land. When the time comes for declarations, we will determine the rightful landowners who originally sold the land to the colonial administration so they can be recognised as former customary landowners and benefit from the State.”
Chief of the Moka Gomo multi-tribes in Imbonggu, Joseph Yamba, welcomed the initiative and assured the commission of the community’s support.
Chief executive officer of the Imbonggu District Development Authority, Paul Kereme, thanked the Minister for Justice and Attorney-General, Pila Niningi, for facilitating the establishment of the office.
Mr Kereme said the district welcomed the Lands Commission to Walume and pledged support to ensure its work benefits the people.
“We are willing to support the commission in whatever capacity the district can provide,” he said.
