Landowner disputes continue to be a reason behind the development of the Konoagil Oil Palm Development in the Namatanai District of New Ireland province.
Landowners say no proper consultation and awareness of the project was carried out in communities.
However, local landowner company Laka Forest Development Limited Chief Executive, Walter Schnaubelt, has brushed aside these comments, saying proper procedures were followed.
The visit to Metlik village over the weekend saw the involvement of Laka Forest Development, landowners, Namatanai District CEO Linius Yipma and Konoagil LLG Manager Sylvester Potekamrai.
Schnaubelt took the opportunity to express the economic benefits of the project.
“This project is for your own good in bringing vital services like health, education, roads and bridges to your communities,” he said.
Schnaubelt also called on the New Ireland Provincial Government and LLG Presidents in Namatanai District for an open forum to resolve this matter.
The landowners dispute has halted machines in the Metlik area for the phase one development of the Oil Palm project.
