by Meriba Tulo – EM TV, Port Moresby
The Land Court Division, under the Magisterial Services has engaged in dialogue with several provincial administrations.
This has led to the establishment of provincial land dispute committees in Jiwaka, Western and Southern Highlands provinces.
A team of senior magistrates called the Provincial Engagement Team, or PET, are working in partnership with these provincial committees to improve the conditions of land mediators.
The team comprises of principal magistrates Jimmy Tapat, Mark Selefkariu, Betty Jacob, Patricia Tivese and Samuel Lavutul, with the support of Special Projects Officer Kasiana Nawayap and National Land Development Program (NLDP) Research Communications Specialist Georgina Tapineng.
According to PET Deputy Chairman Mark Selefkairu, the engagement is based on the 2009 determination of Assigning Service Delivery Functions and Responsibilities to Provincial and Local Governments.
He added that the magisterial services, through the Land Court, is committed to ensure that priorities of the National Land Development Program (NLDP) are enhanced, adding that the magisterial services is committed to play its part in the overall national development in the country.
