Minister for Trade, Commerce and Industry and Member for Yangoru-Saussia Richard Maru has described a newspaper report by the Chairman of Katnimber Investment Company as landowner propaganda.
Mr Maru issued a statement after 3 landowner companies in East Sepik Province accused him of not serving the interest of the people.
The land in question has been under investigation by the SABL Inquiry.
Minister Maru was referring to a newspaper article which was published last Friday.
He says people all over PNG are calling for Land Lease Revocation under the Special Agricultural Business Leases (SABL) and East Sepik is no exception.
The Minister said in a statement that, fraudulent land grabs have taken place over the last 10 years and the Ministerial Committee set up is working to establish the findings of the inquiry.
However Chairman of the Katnimber Investment Company is claiming ownership and wants to develop a portion of the land. He says delays will affect investors’ confidence.
This comment was brushed aside by Mr Maru. He said the land was allocated for a State led project as concluded at a rally in the District recently.
Minister Maru called on landowners not to waste their time in Media Propaganda to utter greed and self-interest as it hinders development and prosperity.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=Z1Yi2ifQyFA%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
