Lae runs out of land for development

THE industrial city of Lae is running out of land for residential and commercial development, according to the Lae Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Chamber president Alan McLay told The National that the lack of available land for residential and commercial development in Lae was a major concern as it was in most cities in PNG.
“This land shortage is pushing up prices of developed land as well as rents,” he said.
“Landowners have taken advantage of the shortage of land to register customary land and then lease it to companies but as we are hearing from landowners themselves, this is causing social problems and could lead to disputes down the track.
“The lack of planning by the government to resolve this problem and to free up more land for appropriate urban development is a major handicap to the development of Lae city.
“The Ahi people started a land mobilisation scheme some years ago to address the problem and to overcome the illegal settlements that were springing up everywhere.
But this scheme has floundered because of a lack of support and direction by the government.
“It appears the government is reluctant to assist in a proper and planned development of this city and other urban cities in the country.
“Will Lae continue to develop in this ad hoc manner, where most of the expansion that is taking place is by unplanned land deals and settlements?”
Meanwhile, the LNG and mining projects are already having a profound impact on businesses in Lae.