Disputing parties express frustration over mediation process

DISPUTING parties to the Baiyune-Cliffside land in Bulolo, Morobe, are frustrated over the delay in the land’s mediation process, clan representatives say.
The 19 clans who have interests in the land have resolved to find a peaceful solution by allowing the court to declare one genuine landowner after the mediation process.
Clan representatives Terence Kaindi, Nelson Mon, Joram Hadeo and four others said the three weeks physical inspection and mediation exercise would cost about K78,000 for logistics and accommodation expenses.
This was the figure given to them by Bulolo officer in-charge Adam Alari, through a statement.
Alari said they were following the mediation process as per the Land Court directives.
He said the Bulolo administration was facing financial issues to facilitate the mediation and appealed to the Bulolo DDA, MPLDC, Department of Justice and Attorney-General and provincial government to fund the mediation.
The representatives said the delay in the mediation process by the Morobe land dispute committee has forced them to raise concerns in a meeting in Bulolo last Nov 13.
The land ownership tussle began in 1959.
The 19 clans are: Tongiyuh, Zen, Dangolai, Sambio, Yamap, Yabang Galan, Buvga, Wakalma, Denglu, Teana, Kukukuku, Wandumi, Katumani, Selebob, Maii, Nembuveh, Viyabula, Ven and Abisgu.
Kaindi said the dispute lasted 60 years without bringing any positive benefits and changes to livelihoods of the local people.