Hiri-Koiari MP, Keith Iduhu, has strongly criticized Prime Minister James Marape’s assurances that Hiri-Koiari land is safe, following revelations about the Caution Bay land deal facilitated by the government.
Iduhu claims that Marape’s government has been at the center of questionable land transactions, including the controversial seizure of land in Caution Bay.
“Hiri-Koiari land and Central Province land is not safe under this government,” Iduhu said.
He criticized the government’s silence on his previous questions concerning the land deal, stating, “They stay quiet using their silence and privilege as a shield to protect themselves.”
Iduhu condemned the government’s decision to allocate land to foreign company Pacific Energy Consulting and its subsidiary, Caution Bay Industrial Park Limited, for a luxury resort project.
He argued that local companies, such as Laba Holdings or GR PNGLNG Plant Ltd, which represent local landowners, should have been considered instead.
“If the government actually wanted to support local interests, they should have given this land to entities that represent the landowners of the surrounding areas of the PNGLNG site.”
The MP further criticized the lack of transparency and accountability in the deal, highlighting the government’s failure to advertise the land to the public or defend their actions.
“The fact that no one in government wants to come out and defend this generous land allocation just shows the extent of lack of accountability for their actions,” he stated.
Iduhu questioned the true intentions of the Marape-Rosso government, suggesting they are more focused on securing their personal interests rather than serving the nation.
He warned that when more information comes to light, it will expose the corruption surrounding the Caution Bay deal.
Iduhu reaffirmed that Hiri-Koiari and Central Province lands are not safe under the current leadership, saying, “No, Honourable Prime Minister, our lands in Hiri-Koiari, Central Province, and the rest of Papua New Guinea, are NOT safe.”