Challenge to discuss customary land development: Tkatchenko

By HELEN TARAWA
THE Department of Lands and Physical Planning has a challenge to address customary land development, Minister Justin Tkatchenko says.
In response to questions on feedback by partners on the customary landowner programme, Tkatchenko said there were options available.
“We’ve got a couple of systems in place where you either have a mother lease and you lease off, or you turn customary land into State lease, which the ILG owns,” he said. “One option is we cut out the red tape and make it easier for our people to register their land, and make it bankable for them to use now and into the future.
“These are the discussions and part of the programme and agenda for the workshops in the coming months.”
Tkatchenko said the strategic partners’ workshop last week brought out a lot of outcomes, conclusions and resolutions.
“We also encourage written submissions from landowners, individuals, state agencies to include as part of the resolutions for the new customary laws to be put forward to Parliament,” he said.
Acting Secretary Oswald Tolopa said it was now up to ILGs to manage themselves in terms of partnering with investors.
Meanwhile, customary landowners in the Southern region have the opportunity next week to discuss and contribute ideas to develop their land.
Tkatchenko said all landowners and ILG chairmen must register for this important summit.
“This is about assisting our landowners develop their land, not taking away their land.”