By Jack Lapauve Jr – EMTV News, Port Moresby
The Tanomotu Clan at Baruni Village outside Port Moresby has questioned the newly built causeway at Motukea Wharf.
Clan members claim PNG Ports Corporation has trespassed onto their customary land. Spokesperson Gaudi Rei says PNG Ports must explain as to why the causeway was built without their knowledge.
Clan leaders say the causeway was not part of the initial agreement signed between the State, developer and landowners.
PNG Ports Corporation had bought the Motukea Island from Curtain Brother in 2016. A loan of K350 million was also sourced from BSP to construct the facility however a causeway was not part of the wharf construction.
About 170 hectares of land belongs to two clans at Baruni Village. While the land title to the other potion is in Court, Gaudi Rei and his clan say PNG Port Authorities did not consult them about the Causeway.
The causeway has encroached to customary land where hunting and fishing is normally done by the Baruni villages.
The landowners say the causeway will not be used until PNG Ports explain and compensate the environmental damages done.
