Fast-track compo payment, govt told

 By GABRIEL FITO

LANDOWNERS of Meni village in the heart of Wewak want government authorities to fast-track compensation payment for a town road which runs through their coastline.

The road which is about 500m long running from Windjammer Beach to Mobil junction was buried by sand and debris during a king tide in 2008.

Landowners’ spokesman Carl Kaiwor said they wanted the government to pay them K5 million for using their land to construct a speedway connecting the town, wharf and airport to the east.

He said the road was cleared by a grader after they held talks with the police.

“We were asked by the governor to follow set procedures in seeking compensation and we had done everything. The land investigation report was completed by the customary lands officer, we fly in a valuer from Port Moresby at our own costs and have done the evaluation report,” he said.

“These documents were presented to the East Sepik provincial government and Lands Department four years ago but we have yet to hear from them,” Kaiwor said.

East Sepik provincial Lands chairman Francis Hevu said the provincial government was aware of their case and another similar one from Kreer village on the east coast.

“All necessary documents relating to these claims have been forwarded to the Lands Department in Port Moresby. 

“The payments may have been delayed because officers from Finance Department have yet to physically visit the sites to verify the reports,” Hevu said.