Minister probes State land sales

 MINISTER for Lands and Physical Planning Benny Allan is concerned about the acquisition of prime State land and reserved land in Lae city.
Allan is investigating three portions of land at the western end of the old Lae airport, at Diddyman’s Creek, Independence Park and the athletics field near Scouts Hall, in Eriku.
The certificates authorising occupancy for the first two properties were given to two businessmen in Lae. The athletics field was sold to an Asian and later subdivided for leasing.
Morobe Governor Kelly Naru said only the minister could award the certificates.
National chief physical planner Gerisoma James said the certificates were issued only to State agencies such as health, defence, Correctional Service and education.
“The department secretary may act on the minister’s advice otherwise it is the prerogative of the minister alone,” he said.
“The certificate supersedes and overrides normal awarding of other land titles and acquiring processes to companies, investors and individual applicants.”