Land accessibility concerns

LAND accessibility is an ongoing issue that is affecting economic development and business growth in Markham Valley, GrowPNG director John Simango says.
“It is discouraging viable commercial investment in the valley,” he said.
Simango said GoPNG, an Australian government-funded non-profit organisation based in Lae, had been working with the Markham development authority and identified the issues that were impeding economic growth in the valley.
“The main aim of the engagement and consultation programmes are to connect farmers to the most available market,” he said. “Making land accessible has been an issue for growth.”
“We came to Markham and so far, we have managed to work with the local people to create a Land Access Guide.
“The guide is basically a checklist for the land owners to identify viable investment, mobilise the necessary equipment and prepare the documentation to enter into partnerships with major players, especially in the agricultural sector.”
Simango said the guide was the missing link to making Markham Valley become the Food Bowl of PNG.