Shadow minister queries transfer of title

The Shadow Attorney General and Member for Sinasina Yonggomugl has called on government agencies to explain the sale and transfer of land title to a company that will build Chinatown at the Jack Pidik Park in Port Moresby.

Kerenga Kua said the controversial land in question was initially zoned as ‘Special Purpose’ where Telikom PNG (OTC) had their transmission towers, once a “Restricted Area”.

He said since then, it has undergone several changes in its purpose to whatever it is today and the public needs to be assured the O’Neill Government is not making another disastrous decision by giving away valuable state land to friends and associates.

Kua, in a statement, clarified that this was not an attack on the investors and China but importantly, the people want to know the truth.

“It is important for this country that our government respects its position as representatives of the people and negotiate outcomes which are most beneficial to the people of Papua New Guinea and not solely for their own self-interest and financial gain.”

During the announcement of the development on April 15th, both NCD Governor Powes Parkop and Minister for Lands, Justin Tkatchenko, brushed aside questions by journalists on whether or not they followed correct processes in the sale of the land to the Chinese developers.

Kua therefore called on PM Peter O’Neill, Governor Parkop, Environment and Conservation Minister John Pundari and Tkatchenko to prove to the people of this country that there are Board resolutions from Telikom and Kumul Holdings for the transfer of this title to the new title holder.

He stressed that for this land sale and development to proceed, all relevant Ministers need to first carry out an audit on all processes.

“Importantly, it needs to be confirmed that necessary studies were carried out to confirm that current public utilities have the capacity to support such a development, such as water, electrical energy, sewerage, drainage, environmental contradictions, vehicle traffic, financial impact on business currently operating within the Boroko business precincts, were considered and followed.

“All stakeholders, being the People of Papua New Guinea, the business community and any potential foreign investors need to know and be confident that all necessary pre-development processes have been followed and adhered to by Mr O’Neill’s Government.

“Are our authorities and Government agencies such as the building board, the Department of Physical Planning fully aware of the development plans for this site or is this another politically expedited plan like the UBS loan?

“We need to be assured our land, our country is not being traded to settle debts we have amassed with China and other deal brokers. I therefore ask the government of the ‘People of Papua New Guinea’ to show transparency and allow the proper authorities to inform Opposition and the people of Papua New Guinea they have given the necessary approvals for this development to proceed lawfully and in accordance with all protocols prudent to a development of this size,”  said Kua.

In response, Governor Powes Parkop said they approved at NCDC Physical Planning the Development Plan because the developer provided proof of title properly issued by the Department of Lands.

“If there are issues with value of the sale of land or other dealing on the land, this is not a primary issue for planning purpose. Our planning laws and regulations are very clear and we followed and complied with it.

“This is a private development and has no government input or involvement. We are happy it’s happening because it will result in growing employment, business and opportunities too for our people and our city.

“It’s a massive investment which should not just be criticized but be welcomed as well. The development of a hub like Chinatown also fits into our plans to make Port Moresby a tourism destiny. We have a very clear strategy and threshold in this regard to attract make our City a hub for tourism as well.

“I want to add that the project was not rushed. Initial approval was granted in 2016 and then changed two times before the final plan was approved this year.

“Otherwise, all the other comments by shadow Minister about the City is sour grapes and just politics. The foot bridge for example are as good as anywhere in the world. It is just that our people abuse and misuse it.”

The construction of an authentic China Town, worth K2 billion, will begin in three months' time following the ground breaking ceremony on April 15th.

The development is undertaken by Baosen International Holdings and is expected to be completed within two years. It will include a range of commercial, retail and residential spaces.

Baosen International Holdings has purchased the land for an undisclosed amount.

(The groundbreaking of the development site on April 15th)

Author: 
Press release