Lands needs K50m for policy roll-out

THE Lands and Physical Planning Department needs K50 million to implement the national urbanisation policy (NUP),” secretary Pepi Kimas said.
He said they were not able to fully implement planned projects as the additional funding was needed to support the programme.
“We have 10 projects ready to be implemented around the country, including Taurama in Port Moresby, Tari and Minj.
“Each of these projects will cost us  K10 million to implement, for which we do not have sufficient funding,” Kimas said.
He said the projects would benefit the identified customary landowners who were disadvantage by the loss of their land to the state for urban development.
Kimas explained that the NUP was vital as it encompassed many issues needed to be addressed by stakeholders including the customary landowners of PNG towns and cities and allows for review and decision making for the future of these urban areas.
He added that NUP was unique because it sought to work with identified customary landowners in the urban areas to bring development.