PNG PM tables reports into controversial land lease system

Radio New Zealand | 19 September 2013

PNG PM tables reports into controversial land lease system
Medium_png_peter-oneill
On September 19, 2013, Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister tabled in parliament two reports from a Commission of Inquiry into Special Agricultural Business Leases. Of the 42 Special Agricultural Business Leases examined by the reports, only four secured consent of local landowners and had viable agricultural projects. (Photo: Livingston Hosea)


The government ordered the inquiry in 2011 to investigate the SABL system which civil society groups claim has been used for a huge 'land grab', often for unsustainable logging projects.

Peter O'Neill tabled reports from two of the three Commissioners, but has slammed the overall performance of the Commission as being substandard and costly.

Mr O'Neill told parliament the lease system was marred by shocking corruption and mismanagement.

Of the overall 75 leases in the SABL system, 42 were examined.

The reports found that only four secured consent of local landowners and had viable agricultural projects.

The government has signalled the creation of a taskforce to develop a new legislative framework to free up customary land for development.

It will also consult nationally to draft a new SABL system.

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PNG Village | 19 September 2013

Only 4 out of 42 SABL received proper landowner consent

The two final reports on special Agriculture Business leases were tabled in parliament.

In his remarks, PM Peter O’Neill, says the two reports covered only 42 of the 75 SABL areas and that the findings were shocking.

He says from the 42 only 4 SABL had qualified landowners consent and have produced successful agriculture projects, while the rest was obtained through corrupted means.

According to the report the SABL policy failed miserably.

The SABL report has recommended that the policy remain but improvements be made to it to ensure landowners and environment is protected.

The first Commission of Inquiry into Special Agriculture and Business Leases Final Report prepared by Commissioner John Numapo and dated the 24 June 2013.

This document contains an examination of 17 SABLs and contains the main recommendations of the Commission.

The second report was prepared by Commissioner Nicolas Mirou, this document contains an overview of the administrative procedures and legal requirements for issuing an SABL, an examination of 25 SABLs and some more general recommendations.

Mr. O’Neill the government is going to start protecting landowners and the environment, and that they will longer watch on as foreign owned companies come in and con landowners,

He further says the Minister for Lands and Physical Planning will be appointing a task force to identify a new legislation framework to provide for the conversion of customary land into leases hold land for the benefit of landowners, protect’ the interest of landowners and to ensure sustainable land use.

He says the primary consideration will be protecting the interests of landowners and the environment.

Mr. O’Neill says for far too landowners have been taken advantage off and their land stolen.
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