Andrias clears air on land ownership at SEZ

Trade, Commerce and Industry Secretary John Andrias has made it known to the people of East Sepik that the site of the Sepik Chicken, Grain and Cocoa project is a State land.

“Kanawi land was surrendered to the State in 1972. It has been lying idle for nearly 43 years until this day the foundation investor sets foot on to make it the land of milk and honey,” Andrias told the people at the launched of the project on Wednesday at Yangoru Station.

The K55 million project will be developed by Kumul Consolidated Holdings Limited (KCHL) representing the State and developer, Innovative Agro industry (IAI).

IAI is a subsidiary of LR Group of Israel.  

“LR Group of Israel is bringing in its expertise in agriculture technology to be the first investor under the Sepik Economic Zone to venture into stock feed and chicken production,” Andrias said.

“LR Group will also introduce the drip-feed technology to increase the yield of cocoa by four times.

“Over 40,000 hectares of customary land surveyed and ILG registration process will be undertaken on voluntary in the next 6 to 12 months.   .

“On behalf of the SEZ Project team, I commend the Member for Yangoru Sausia and Minister for Trade, Commerce and Industry, Richard Maru for providing the strong political leadership to make this SEZ dream a reality for all of us,” Andrias said.

The project will be located in the 18,000 hectares belonging to the state.

The Sepik plain covers 500, 000 hectares of grassland.  

Author: 
Charles Yapumi