City lacks coordinating agency

 THERE is no agency overseeing the coordination in growth plans and implementation procedures of industrial activities in Lae city, an official says. 

Collin Loko, from the provincial lands and physical planning department, said Lae lacked the “eagle eye” comprising planners from specialised professions to collate data and convert information into physical form to allow developments.

He revealed this during a joint coordination committee meeting between the provincial government, stakeholders and the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

Loko urged districts to employ planners for collating data and plan.

The JICA team is undertaking the Lae-Nadzab urban development plan (2016-2025).

He said there was no proper plan for the development of industrial parks, and a specialised agency should oversee industrial activities.

JICA project team leader Akio Nakamura said it was critical to understand the vision for Lae-Nadzab urban development plan involving impacted areas and challenges in land boundary issues.

He said the 2005-2015 plan failed because the assessment and implementation was limited compared to the increase in economy activities and developments spreading fast.

Nakamura said JICA would put a new 2016-2025 plan including pre-feasibility study for prioritised projects compiled into a master plan.