Call to investigate

WE the landowners of Ndrahukei in Manus are calling for a probe into the land acquisition and the new survey at Ndrahukei which costs about K400,000.
It has become obvious that there are dubious deals with the Manus government and service providers of survey speciality.
This is because the Ndrahukei land has been surveyed and now the payment of K400,000 has been or about to be released to another company for a new survey.
The question that needs to be asked is, why another survey when it has been completed?
About 26 hectares had been covered in the previous completed survey.
Who authorised this huge land for so called government or state land acquisition of customary land?
Is there a law or court decision allowing the execution of this survey, without consulting the landowners?
Or is this another classic example of land grabbing, at its best under disguise, by the Manus government on behalf of the state?
We believe there are elements wanting to acquire the land for their own interest.
Without courtesy, survey pegs have been placed on the customary land.
This is trespassing and encroaching on customary land.
We believe Ndrahukei is still our customary land.
We know a rushed decision was done in 1988, converting a log –pond to state land due to political interest for provincial seat leverage by political leaders then.
Why Ndrahukei? Why spend money and other state resources on Ndrahukei when other better state land that have been acquired before and after Independence, but not improved which are in better location compared to Ndrahukei.
For example, Salamei near Momote Airport, Lombrum urban area and Hakar in the Los Negros LLG, Ndrova Island in the Penabu Nali Sopat LLG, Sopasopa in the Bisakani Soparibeu LLG and many other areas.
All have been fully acquired and surveyed and most have excess to services network but not considered for further development.
For this reason, we call on the Lands and Physical Planning Minister (John Rosso) or a ministerial committee; to sanction an investigation into the Ndrahukei land in Manus.
Issue a ministerial decree to stop further development until our interests are considered.

Obey D Siopun
For and on behalf of Nowi
Bokahon Clan