Landowners agree to give land for development

THE people of Tikana LLG in Kavieng, New Ireland, have been commended for agreeing to have their land developed.
PNG Forest Authority director-forest development Luke Nakandio said acquiring land for commercial activities these days was difficult, especially when the land is customary-owned.
A memorandum of agreement was signed yesterday between the authority, Tikanaa LLG and the Tikana Tree Plantation Landowners’ Association Inc.
“We all know that unlocking land in this country is very difficult and challenging,” Nakandio said.
“It’s difficult and we have to find innovative means to convince the landowners on how we can secure the land for any type of development.
“We have succeeded in the Ulabo plantations in the Alotau district of Milne Bay and now this is the second one.
“The landowners have agreed to give us the Tikana LLG through the endorsement of their president.
“They have given us the entire Tikana LLG area for forest plantation development.
“That’s a significant milestone for PNGFA in so far as securing customary land is concerned.
“I would like to make a very special thank you to all the people of Tikana LLG. The agreement is basically to secure customary land where PNGFA and landowners will be working together in terms of managing the project.”