Landowners place K1mil demand

The National National

THE Nadzab Airport redevelopment project (NARP) worth K700 million in Wampar, Morobe, has hit a snag with landowners claiming K1 million upfront payment from the Government.
They accused the Government of land-grabbing and breaching Constitutional procedures since 1972.
NARP is funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) and co-funded by the Government through special terms economic partnership arrangement agreed on Oct 14, 2015.
A total of 48 members from Orogwangin, Moswarang, Jeaganchon and Montar clans signed a six-page petition containing 12 demands was presented to Governor Ginson Saonu, provincial administrator Bart Ipambonj, National Airports Corporation (NAC), Nine Morobe MPs and relevant agencies on Tuesday.
Spokesman Paul Joshua and chairman Elly Somers urged the provincial government, Huon Gulf administration and provincial lands division to organise a land mediation process.
It is purposely to resurrect all existing customary landownership issues and establish genuine landowners before any groundwork for NARP begins.
NARP director Tom Nou attached to the Jica project management unit, told The National that the K700 million State break-up include:

  • Consultancy and construction JPY21,040 billion (K657.5m);
  • Consultancy services JYP2.9 billion (K93m), and;
  • K114 milLion GoPNG counter-funding to pay GST on services and embankment works including other administrative and authority approval fees.

“The loan arrangement is “on-lending” meaning that ultimately NAC will repay the Government over 40 years, with a 10-year grace period, at 0.01 per cent for construction and 0.1 per cent for consultancy services as per the loan agreement,” Nou said.
The first phase of NARP is set to begin this year with four months mobilisation stage.