Lands board launched in WNB

National, Normal
Source:

Then National, Wednesday 12th September, 2012

MEMBERS of the newly-established West New Britain lands board were officially sworn into office in Kimbe yesterday.
The launching of the province’s new physical planning board had been deferred to a later date.
Launching the lands board yesterday, Lands and Physical Planning Minister Benny Allan said the initiative would empower West New Britain to perform certain powers in line with the national department’s devolution of powers programme.
“This initiative will allow the province to control the use of land in planning how your town will be developed,” Allan told the new board members.
He also thanked the provincial government for taking the bold stand in appointing the two boards.
“I have full confidence in your decision, knowing that you have given fair consideration and conducted due diligent checks before appointing these men and women of good status, decent and noble character and of sound mind to take up these responsibilities.”
Allan told the board members that their appointment had come at a time when the government was faced with a challenge to roll out the implementation phase of its development objectives as enshrined in Vision 2050 and the PNG development strategies 2010-30.
“You will, as of today, be entrusted with a responsibility that will require you to be transparent in your jobs.”
He also warned them that “your discharge of duties will mean avoiding any conflict of interest situation in all your dealings”.