Locals want compo

 MEMBERS of the Karem Incorporated Land Group (ILG) which owns portion 57 on which Fatima Catholic Mission is situated in Jiwaka want K13 million to remove the roadblock at the entrance of the mission.  

They blocked the way on Monday, turning back students and teachers who went for registration and the start of school.

The landowners want the State to pay them K13 million in compensation for the land before the blockade is removed.

Karem ILG chairman Dorum Kasbal and councillor Peter Yei from the Andpang tribe, said to be the landowners, said they had no intention of disturbing classes or prolonging the blockade.

“The Government knows that our claim is genuine,” Kasbal said.

He brushed aside Jiwaka provincial police commander Joseph Tondop’s comments in The National on Tuesday that there was a dispute between two landowners – Andpang tribe and a clan from Kulaka tribe.

Kasbal said the Lands Department was aware of Karem ILG as the only title holder of portion 57.

Jiwaka provincial administrator Michael Wandil said in a meeting with the landowners on Tuesday that the Andpang tribesmen’s claim was valid.

“I have some knowledge about this claim while I was the acting provincial administrator for Western Highlands,” he said.

“Without any doubt, they are the legitimate LOs.

“The provincial administration is willing to support them pursue their concerns and find an amicable solution,” Wandil said.