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Opposition against Abal's Commission of Inquiry on land leases says Namah

Acting Prime Minister, Sam Abal’s decision to appoint a Commission of Inquiry into  Special Purpose Agriculture and Business Leases (SABLs) and subsequent suspension of forest clearance permits issued under such leases, has come under scathing attack from vocal Opposition MP, and PNG Party leader, Belden Namah.

Namah also says more stiff opposition is expected from stakeholders throughout Papua New Guinea.

Mr Namah, who is thought to be heavily involved himself in an SABL in West Sepik, claims that under SABL, private funds are invested to establish important sustainable agriculture and forestry projects providing employment and business opportunities for thousands of people in rural parts of the country. Areas where the national government has failed miserably.

“Land owners have power to obtain SABL to develop resources in their customary land in the absence of government initiated agriculture projects. Land owners and private investors have taken the initiative to invest their resources in agriculture projects with private sector investors because the Government has failed in the agriculture sector.

“Indicative of this is the miserable failure of the Government’s controversial National Agriculture Development Plan (NADP).

“Mr Abal has no power whatsoever to stop or suspend agriculture projects operating under SABL. Stakeholders must not listen to the current Government. Unless there are specific court orders, businesses should continue as usual.

“National Government does not have the right. Landowners have the absolute right over the use of their land."

Mr Namah has warned the Government to consider seriously the effects of such bad decisions on the livelihood of hundreds of thousands people and ramifications on the National Government.

As well, he said the Government was sending wrong signals to the private sector and businesses who have made enormous sacrifices and contributions to PNG’s agriculture industry.

“Agriculture has always been the livelihood of Papua New Guineans. No Government or Prime Minister will stop that. I strongly discourage landowners through Lands Department not to sell any customary land to foreigners. We should encourage partnership with foreign investors instead.”

Comments

Well, well - looks like Mr.Abal has upset yet another crook. I suggest the investigation go right after Namah's SABL first - and you'll see how much he got from the theft. OK so the opposition has proven they are just like the NA - where to now?

OK other opposition members where do you stand - MM, Jamie Maxton, Sam Basil - is Belden representing you all too. We wait to hear.

No matter its the opposition or the government. POLITICIANS ARE LIERS one cannot trust a politican.Therefore the people should be aware of the current push by the government regarding this crap SABL. Come on Papua New Guineans its not a new game the government is playing. We have a history of outsiders with the support of our government struggling to take control of our Land. Lets not allow this to happen.We had done it before we can do it now. To me as an individual LAND is so IMPORTANT just SAY No as we had done before. DONT TRUST THE GOVERNMENT the government is comminng up with all stupid concepts to take land from us. Its a Global Land Grab push so be careful fellow Papua New Guineans.