Landowners now ready for business

By PISAI GUMAR
ACQUIRING incorporated land group (ILG) certificates allows clans to secure resources on their land, an official says.
Department of Lands and Physical Planning northern region ILG officer Martha Solomon mentioned this when handing out certificates to the three principal clans of Sombore oil and gas project in Satwag, Kabwum district, Morobe on Tuesday.
She said the ILG certificate also gave the clans the legal authority to work with the government and investors to develop resources.
Solomon and lands surveyor Joel Kenny issued ILG certificates to Patenga, Goama Qak and Quirong clan leaders Geruwe Fenzong, Mare Keteng and Rindung Owung at Malaubu in Lae.
Solomon said the unity among the people and their support for the Wemamsam Resource Owners Association Inc leaders had allowed them to acquire the certificates.
“Peoples unity is crucial in such impact projects because it is notable in indigenous societies that humans are intimately attached to the land and surroundings. When you exploit one, it has its chain reactions,” she said.
“Thus, acquiring ILG certificate confirms the clan’s authenticity to manage resources.”
Customary lands acquisition officer Albert Kalne and customary land lease senior officer Rita Pamenda witnessed the occasion.
Association chairman Martin Fenzong said the three principal clans were from the 21 clans in the 14 villages.
The ILG survey for the other 18 impacted communities will be conducted soon.