Lack of discussion concerns landowners

 By PISAI GUMAR

A LACK of community dialogue and awareness concerns customary landowners and communities in Wampar and Huon Gulf, Morobe, over the impact of the Lae-Nadzab super-highway, a leader says.

The four major communities are Yalu, Munum, Nasuapum and Gabsongkec; and hamlets include Balapi, Mapozi, Muya, Foik, Chepek, Bazin, Ngaromil and Tanam.

Wampar president Michael Poane said the communities appreciated the highway as part of a necessary development.

“But it is crucial for responsible authorities to conduct awareness and educate landowners and communities about its impacts, if communities, schools, cemeteries, gardens, among others, would be relocated,” Poane said.

“Mutual dialogue and understanding among landowners, village leaders, government and the construction company to avoid future land disputes needs to be done; it is my people who will be affected.” 

People began asking  him questions after realising surveyors were walking past their homes to set up pegs behind the houses, he said.