Kairuku set for army bases

By MAX KILIWA
PRIME Minister James Marape says a large portion of land in Kairuku, Central, remains a property of the State and will be used to relocate Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) bases.
Marape said this in response to concerns raised by Kairuku MP Peter Isoaimo in Parliament recently about the land in his electorate and he wanted to know what the Government’s position was on land portion 406 known as the Gabadi plain.
Isoaimo asked whether the Government would consider giving back the land to the people.
“Is the Government willing to give portion 406 back to the Kairuku development authority (DDA) or any of its business arms or the Central government for use in agriculture development?”
Marape said that Government had a plan to relocate military bases Taurama and Murray barracks from the National Capital District (NCD) to the land.
“We will also talk with the Central governor (Rufina Peter) for that plan and will discuss about the Central plan,” he said.
Marape said his Government would also look at developing Central’s agriculture and tourism potential through the establishment of infrastructure and initiatives to boost economic activity.
He said the Government would work with the Central government to ensure that State land was used appropriately and the province and district would benefit from the development.
Marape added that Government was also looking to utilise State land across the country to maximise opportunities for development.