During a press conference following his return from Indonesia last night in Port Moresby, Prime Minister James Marape addressed concerns over allegations of land grabbing near Caution Bay, a key area close to the PNG LNG Plant site in Central province. Hiri-Koiari MP Keith Iduhu had claimed that the government had entered a secret deal, allowing a foreign-owned company to acquire land in the area. These allegations have raised fears among landowners and the public about the potential loss of customary land. Marape firmly denied these claims and reassured the public, saying, "There will be no land grabbing." He stressed that the government has no intention of taking land unfairly, either for business or other commercial purposes. Marape added, "Let me give assurance to the people. There is no land grabbing. If there is work that needs to take place, if it is State land, those lands are state land, then they are fine." The Prime Minister further explained that if any development requires the use of customary land, the government will follow legal procedures to ensure landowners are treated fairly. He emphasized that the government does not believe in purchasing land outright, especially when it is needed for commercial purposes. Instead, the government prefers leasing arrangements, which allow landowners to retain their rights and benefit from the land's use. As an example, Marape highlighted the successful conversion of over 8,000 allotments in Roku, where landowners are now able to lease their land and earn money from it. "Just like we've done in Roku, where over 8,000 allotments are now being converted back to lease arrangements. Landowners are now having custodial title against land to be leased if they could get money for the lease." Marape acknowledged the importance of land in the country and reiterated that any development involving land will be done in partnership with local communities. He called on relevant authorities, including the Lands Department and the local government in Central Province, to work together to ensure that landowners are not sidelined or disadvantaged. "We work with the lands department, and we properly acquire, so our people are not disadvantaged." "Our people, who own land, are properly given fair recognition, and they are part of the business that is very important to us as landlords," he said. The Prime Minister also recognized the significance of Caution Bay and its surrounding areas as key industrial hubs for the country. These areas host important energy projects, and the government aims to work with all stakeholders to ensure development proceeds smoothly while respecting the rights of landowners. Marape's comments were aimed at reassuring landowners and the public that the government will take a balanced approach to land use, particularly in regions critical for economic development. His statements emphasized the government's commitment to protecting customary land and ensuring that landowners are not left out of the development process. "Our people are not pushed back from the unvalued land properties," Marape affirmed. Marape's remarks reinforced the government's stance on land ownership and its pledge to work collaboratively with landowners, ensuring fair treatment and involvement in the country’s economic development.