Landowners mistreated

Letters

I WRITE to share my deepest concern over the manner in which PNG Power Ltd is dealing with landowners on expired memorandum of agreement and overdue entitlement issues.
Arona Valley Landowners cannot receive their overdue entitlements on a timely basis because the memorandum of agreement they signed has expired.
It is timely for the landowners to sign the memorandum of agreement under special arrangement otherwise, they would be overlooked for their entitled benefits.
Is there other possibilities landowners can make a difference in terms of accessing their entitlements more easily and with profound dignity?
The only legally recognised entity and a prerogative of the Arona Valley landowners is the Arona Valley development authority and they should utilitise the authority with best intent.
Landowners through their board membership of AVDA have always been fighting hard for their rights even under marginalised situation.
If PNG Power is serious about doing business with Arona Valley people, it should honour legal agreements by demonstrating professional business ethics among stakeholders.
We cannot let the landowners be bottlenecked and marginalised on their own land and from rightfully participating in the decision making processes.
It is a deprivation of rights to properties.
Mistakes have been learnt and this time lets contribute to see a better Arona Valley.
Serious corrective measures have to be taken on board for a real change to prosper.

A.P Oniyu,
Kainantu