No villagers in the Special Economic Zone project area will be displaced, says Trade, Commerce and Industry Secretary John Andrias.
He is also the chairman of the project steering committee.
“Any project we will not displace any traditional landowners because the land is very large and does not have people sitting on it,” Andrias said.
He added that the project is a National Government funded project and currently the government is building basic infrastructures like roads and electricity lines to the project site for investor to start its feasibility studies.
“Basic infrastructures and law and order is a prerequisite for the investor to settle and invest,” Andrias said.
SEZ Sepik Chicken, Grain and Cocoa project was launched in the middle of last year.
The project will be developed at Urimo (13,000 hectares) and (Kanawi 5,000 hectares) state land, traditional landowners can partner with the developer through their own arrangement after they get their titles following completion of the land mobilisation exercise.
The Yangoru – Saussia DDA is funding the land mobilisation exercise with K600,000.
Kiniambu – Kamatohu Ward Councillor, Daniel Simgawi said only 20 per cent of the vast grassland is occupied because they have a small population.
The vast grassland is estimated to be more than 400,000 hectares adjoins the districts of Wewak, Angoram, Ambunti Drekiker, Wosara Gawi, Maprik and Telefomin in West Sepik.