By Quinton Alomp – EM TV, Port Moresby
Anglimp South Waghi MP, Joe Koim, has commended his people for giving their land freely for development with no compensation demands.
Mr Koim appeals to other people to do likewise, and encourages Jiwaka people to be mature in decision making for the development of their new province.
He made this remarks when announcing the road sealing project from Minj to Gamar in his Anglimp South Waghi electorate.
Land compensation has been a money making venue for many landowners in Papua New Guinea.
Over the years, the government has spent millions in compensation for clearing the environment for road construction.
Despite its benefits, many people are doing the opposite. But, in the new Jiwaka province, the Manda people have realised that land compensation is a hindrance to development.
On Friday, their community leaders, signed a Memorandum of Agreement witnessed by local MP, Joe Koim and the district’s administration.
The MOA allows for a new contractor to seal the Minj to Gamar road with no land compensation.
As PNG turns 40 from its political independence, the people have slowly realised that land compensation has been a contributing factor to prolonged and incomplete infrastructures.
For the Manda people in South Waghi electorate, the need for a better road is imminent.
With the signing of the MOA, the Local MP, Joe Koim, challenges other provinces to do away with land compensation and allow contractors to work freely in connecting isolated communities.
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