More action needed, forum told

By GLORIA BAUAI
A RECENT Markham Investor Development Forum in Lae heard concerns that there has been too much talk and little action to develop Markham Valley’s full potential.
Local MP Koni Iguan said the valley, which extends from Lae to Gusap in Ramu, had been the focus of too many forums, researches, policies and countless data collected over time.
He said while locals had started seeing the importance of giving up their land for business, to date no significant tangible investment has been shown in the famously dubbed “food bowl” of PNG.
“I stress what my people have said and that is to want to see impact and enough talk,” he said.
“Under the district land mobilisation programme, we have formed 21 Incorporated Landowner Groups (ILG) already and we are still mobilising more to free their land.
“At least four clans have voluntarily gone ahead to get their ILGs certified without the help of the district.
“So there is land available.
“Bureaucrats and policy makers must stop using us for their gain and take the lead to implement and build local trust.”
Iguan’s other concern is that all existing businesses in the valley have been by-passing district authorities and working directly with the farmers to make their own money.
He encouraged existing players and interested investors to work with the district to develop agriculture in various capacities.
“This is important for us so they have to work with us to make this possible,” he said.
“We thank GrowPNG for connecting us though this forum; this is the first time we’re seeing a bridge between landowners and investors.
“If there is a next forum, I want to see investors come in and telling me that I have already tied myself with this ILG, there must be positive advancement from here.”