Landowners get ILG certificates

AN incorporated land group (ILG) in East New Britain which owns more than 200 hectares of land behind Tavilo in Gazelle received its ILG certificate last Friday.
The Iapiniau Iavunga Tovuo ILG is made up of 1,000-plus members from the Totovel, Iatapal and Vunavulila wards.
They launched their 5-year business plan.
Chairman Elison Mutu said land was taken over by the PNG Cocoa and Coconut Industry (CCI) but now being returned.
Mutu said they would get the title of the land.
“We waited for 500 years for this.
“We will follow the proper process to regain what is rightfully ours.” The land will be used as the main processing centre for the ILG for cocoa and coconut nurseries, a mart and other businesses.
Legal officer for the Department of Agriculture and Livestock and board secretary Francis Tavatuna congratulated the group for the 5-year development plan.
He said such groups should partner with the Government to fulfill some of the Government plans.
“The Government has prioritised agriculture and given funding to banks which people can loan to start businesses,” Tavatuna said.