By Scott Waide
A move by the Morobe Provincial government to begin talks with customary landowners to free up land has been welcomed by the Lae Chamber of Commerce and industry.
But the move comes on the back of strong sentiments that traditional inhabitants of Lae have not been benefiting fully from the economic growth. Earlier this month, the Labu and Butibam clans forced the temporary closure of the Lae port expansion project and demanded that the government address their concerns.
At Luncheon yesterday, hosted by the Lae Chamber of Commerce, the Morobe Governor said he will be continuing negotiations with traditional landowners to acquire more land. His statement also comes amidst ongoing concerns over corrupt land deals within the Morobe provincial government.
