Minister: Landowners not properly compensated

Government officials in Papua New Guinea acknowledge that customary land has been acquired without adequate compensation for landowners. Communication Minister Martin Thompson directly addressed this issue, challenging professionals in land valuation and administration to create a unified national system.

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In our drive to achieve development and progress, we have acquired customary land without proper and due consideration to the landowners.

Speaking at the 6th annual conference of the PNG Institute of Valuers and Land Administrators Inc. in Port Moresby, Thompson highlighted the critical role of customary land in national development. He noted that economic activities, from mining and agriculture to telecommunications, all depend on the use of this land.

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Papua New Guineans depend on their land. Land is their livelihood and their hope. The experience of land compensation concerns me because of that.

Thompson questioned whether current compensation demands reflect past inadequacies or simply landowner greed. He stressed that land is fundamental to the livelihood and future of Papua New Guineans. The minister called for a standardized, workable approach to land use, moving away from case-by-case decisions. He suggested that existing guidelines for customary land may be insufficient.

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It seems to me that we want to use customary land but use of such land is done on a case-by-case basis. I would rather see a standardised, acceptable and workable approach.