Association thanks PM, governor

 MEMBERS of the Okuk Highlands Highway Landowners Association in Chimbu are relieved that their concerns over corrupt practices by public servants will be investigated by the Government.

Association secretary Anton Kaiyul thanked Prime Minister Peter O’Neill (pictured) and Governor Noah Kool for promising to resolve their problems.

“We are finally relieved that outstanding issues concerning the landowners along the corridors of the highlands highway will be pursued by the provincial executive council and National Executive Council,” he said.

Kaiyul alleged that there had been abuse and mismanagement of millions of kina by senior public servants and contractors.

He said public servants engaged in the initial Highlands Highway Rehabilitation Programme collaborated with claimants and paid out up to K60 million.

“These actions are yet to be verified and quantified against genuine landowner claimants,” Kaiyul said.

The association appointed new executives at a special general meeting at the end of last year.