Provinces that have land law powers given to them are unable to carry out their jobs because of funding constraints.
Lands and Physical Planning Minister Benny Allan said Morobe, Madang, Western Highlands, the National Capital District, West New Britain, East New Britain, Kavieng, Sandaun, Enga and Milne Bay provinces have a Land and Physical Planning Board.
Lands Department is now working with Hela, Southern Highlands and Jiwaka to transfer land powers to them.
“Provincial governments which have received Land and Physical Planning Board, many have yet to conduct a meeting because of no funding, and also are not included under the provincial structures,” Minister Allan told Parliament this week.
“I am appealing to provincial governors to fund them and put them under its structures.
“Issues in Port Moresby of illegal land grabbing in provinces, (is the reason) powers are transferred to provinces.”
Caption: File picture of Lands and Physical Planning Minister Benny Alan.