Hear out landowners

I SUPPORT concerns raised by the Gabsongkec Village Development Forum to the Minister for Land’s and Physical Planning and other leaders in last Friday’s The National, Page 29.
The villagers are objecting the proposed Nadzab satellite township development project over lack of consultations.
These villagers are all from Wampar local level government in Huon Gulf, Morobe.
They are not protesting the development aspect, but the manner in which the project is being pushed.
The national and Morobe governments should listen to them.
In addition, Huon Gulf MP Ross Seymour had also objected to the project and asked for closer consultations between the national and Morobe governments before any project agreement can be concluded.
From the landowners’ point of view, with any proposed development projects taking place on customary land, landowners have every right to have their say.
Their concerns should be heard.
Also, on Friday’s The National on Page 7 was this headline “Morobe set for economic boom: PM”, in which Prime Minister James Marape said Markham and Lae are set for economic boom due to the completion of three infrastructure projects.
The projects are the sealing of Yalu-Nadzab section of the Highlands Highway, opening of Nadzab International Airport and construction of Nadzab Satellite City.
This is good news for Morobe and the people of Morobe should be thankful for this.
I am urging Morobe Governor Ginson Saonu, Deputy Prime Minister Sam Basil and all the nine Morobe MPs to work together with the Gabsongkec villagers and address their concern.
Help fast-track these three major projects in the best interest of Morobe and the landowners.
I commend the landowners for their stand and wish them well in their pursuits.

Samson C Napo