Illegal land grabbing a top priority, says minister

 ILLEGAL land grabbing involving Lands and Physical Planning Department officers is a top priority, Minister Benny Allan told Parliament yesterday. 

He was responding to concerns raised by MPs on what strategies the department had taken to deal with the high level of illegal land activities in the country. 

“We have set up a complaints box and we are communicating effectively with the public on their concerns, which so far have received very good outcome,” he said.

“We, at the department, are trying our best to mitigate the problem by investigating and dealing with our own officers who are found to be involved in the illegal land grabbing. 

“It is a big issue and I have asked the department to address land grabbing strongly and deal directly with those officers involved.” 

Allan said in a recent case in Madang a local developer had to bulldoze public amenities without following proper land procedures. 

He said he has directed a team from his department to investigate the matter and would take necessary steps to deal with any lands officers found to be involved. 

Allan urged the people to report any illegal land activities to his department.