Manumanu land files were with former secretary: Minister

The files belonging to the portion of land in the alleged Manumanu illegal deal were last in the possession of the former Department Secretary.

Minster for Lands, Justin Tkatchenko, said this after he was questioned by Kairuku-Hiri MP, Peter Isoaimo.

Isoaimo asked Minister Tkatchenko on what was being done to find the missing files and when the Commission of Inquiry would be ready.

“What is his Department going to do about this, and when is the administrative Commission of Inquiry going to be concluded and its findings be made known to the people of Kairuku-Hiri and Papua New Guinea?”

Tkatchenko had announced the files were missing on Monday but did not reveal where they were last until during yesterday’s parliament session.

“From the direction of the Inquiry from the Chairman, we were instructed to produce the title and land files of the Manaumanu area to them last year,” Tkatchenko stated.

“We found immediately the title files, which are with the Inquiry now, but unfortunately we could not find the Manumanu land file, which is still yet to be found from within the department.

“This is one of the reasons why the former secretary was suspended. Because from our evidence and document of facts, he was the last person with it.”

Minister Tkatchenko also informed the House of the current developments within the Department, which include a complete thorough search of the missing Manumanu land files and 60 Special Agriculture Business Lease (SABL) land files, and the individual digitisation of title files, land files and other necessary documentation.

(Minster for Lands, Justin Tkatchenko in parliament yesterday)

Author: 
Cedric Patjole