The Department of Lands and Physical Planning has taken a significant step toward transforming the Nadzab area, in Lae Morobe Province, into a major urban and economic hub, with the official swearing-in of the Nadzab Land Development Authority (NLDA) Board on Thursday, 2nd April 2026.
According to the department of Lands and Physical Planning this marks a key milestone in the government’s plan to develop the Nadzab Township.
Speaking on behalf of Secretary for Lands and Physical Planning, Benjamin Samson, Deputy Secretary for Customary Land, Lazarus Malesa, described the occasion as a defining moment for the country’s land development efforts. “This is a momentous step forward for land development in the country,” Malesa said, adding that the Authority will play a central role in delivering the government’s vision for Nadzab. “The authority is the one that will drive the actual development of the project itself,” he said.
Malesa said the Nadzab project, identified as a flagship initiative under the National Land Partnership Program, is expected to create new economic opportunities, reduce growing urban pressure in Lae, and allow for landowners to take part in development.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Lands and Physical Planning, John Rosso, underscored the importance of collaboration with the private sector in delivering this project.
“Government, we do what we do best, that is policy and guidelines. The work of building should be left to private industry. They do it more efficiently than us,” Rosso said.
He emphasized that investor confidence, secure land tenure, and strong landowner engagement will be critical to ensuring the success of the project. The swearing-in of the board shows the government’s commitment to fair and sustainable development in Nadzab, with customary landowners playing an important role in its future.
The Chairman of the Board is Dr. Charles Yala, who represents the property development and financial sector. Other members include David Wissink, representing resource sector developers, and George Gware, representing the private commercial and logistics sector. Secretary for Lands and Physical Planning, Benjamin Samson, who represents the State, along with a representative from the Morobe Provincial Administration. Two more members will be appointed during the board’s first meeting. The board has been mandated to lead the planning and implementation phase of the Nadzab project.
This includes developing a comprehensive master plan, coordinating infrastructure development, and mobilising investment.
The NLDA was created under the Nadzab Land Development Authority Act 2025, supported by changes to several laws, including the Land Act, Land Registration Act, Physical Planning Act, Survey Act, and Valuation Act. These changes help provide a strong legal base for better land and urban development.
