President of the Porebada Besena, Mr. Judah Matt Baru has stated that the land Portion 578 at the Porebada Junction, in the Hiri West of Central Province, including the surrounding environment and sea, belongs to the people of Porebada.
Before the acquisition of the Konebada Park Zone Area, (PKZA) it was formerly portion 578, however, the legal description of the entire PKZA has now changed to various portion numbers after the Konedobu Petroleum Park Authority (KPPA) was granted an Urban Development Lease in March of 2009.
Sadly, the KPPA subdivided that land and new portions were created each having new legal descriptions such as Portion 2669 up to Portion 26923 as registered and approved by the Department of Lands and Physical Planning.
Mr. Baru said that these portions were granted lease, sale or illegal occupation and Portion 2693 was granted for Business purpose in May 2017 under the KPPS to develop the land.
However, the KPPA Board and its Management failed miserably in administrating KPPA in compliance with the Government policies resulting in decisions to amalgamate and transfer KPPA Functions to another agency from unscrupulous dealings of land sales in parcels and abuse of large amount of public funds.
“Nevertheless, our initiative to undertake a project to build a Commercial Plaza or multi-purpose Resource Centre at the described land is materializing, despite preparations since year 2020, securing the land by way of applying and obtaining a Lease Title is the common obstacle despite our indigenous rights.”
“Whilst our project submission is in its initial stage, the land ownership transition process needs serious attention and immediate acquisition in alignment with the National Government core vision and drive to Take Back PNG”.
Mr. Baru further stated that it is the indigenous rights of the people of Porebada over the land, especially the desired Portion 2693 to be leased back to them so they can fulfil their development aspirations.
In addition, the people of Porebada want to establish a “Mini Township”, thus it is a preferred area where they can also use for relocation and resettlement due to the rising sea level that is causing king tides and slowly sinking Porebada Village.
“The proper physical planning to build basic infrastructure will enable our people to access clean water supply, electricity, proper sewerage and sanitation s systems.”
He added that they are deeply disappointed over the way unplanned and unregulated developments have progressed on the land with complete disregard for the interest of the indigenous people of Porebada.
Meanwhile, the people of Porebada have now come up with a petition, making a sound call to the Minister for Lands, John Rosso and Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru, to give positive feedback as to how this land formerly Portion 578, a state leased land by the Colonial Administration through a Deed of Attestation (DA)242, Volume 1 in 1898, is now being squandered upon, and why the appeal of the people of Porebada has not been heard yet.
Today, Thursday 19th June, is the beginning of the 14 days period expected by the people of Porebada to get a respond from the Government.
Mr. Baru highlighted that the petition will be given to their local Member of Parliament, Keith Iduhu as well as Central Governor, Rufina Peter and a round table dialogue is expected to be the outcome of this 14- days period.
“We expect answers within these 14 days period in regard to our petition, however if no satisfactory responds are given by the government of the day, the people of Porebada will hold a sit in protest to put to hold every development activity happening on our land.”
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