By Serah Aupong – EM TV, Port Moresby
The Lands and Physical Planning Department held a church service today to kick start the working year.
‘Change for the Better’ was the theme for this service as the main message is for department officers to refrain from any actions that will damage their reputation and that of the department.
The dedication service began at 1pm at the at the Sione Kami Memorial Church. Reverend Sir Samson Lowa challenged Lands Department officers to not only become better but the best they can be.
“We need public servants that really want to serve and serve from the heart,” Reverend Lowa implored.
Secretary Kila Pat said this is the first time a dedication service has been conducted for the department. He urged his officers to work hard to change the outlook of the department.
“There have been a lot of allegations our department has faced last year. We have taken note of these allegations and with the assistance of the ministers, will address them,” Secretary Kila Pat said after the dedication service.
Officers from the Lands Department and divisions throughout the country have been heavily criticised in recent years. Allegations of illegal land transfers, the Special Agriculture and Business Leases (SABLs) and general mismanagement of land titles across the country are a few of the issues the department has to rectify.
It is hoped that this dedication service is a start of a more transparent and corruption-free department.
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