Turubu LLG

Sepik developers to vacate customary land

The people of Turubu LLG in the Wewak District and half of Sausso LLG, in the Yangoru-Sausia district, have given developers, Limawo Holdings of the Sepik Oil Palm project, a grace period of 30 days to vacate the 116, 144 hectares of customary land. The area has been restored to them by the Courts.

All motor vehicles, light and heavy machines, personnel and chattels that are movable are to vacate or be moved out from SABL 144c, including the logging sites and oil palm sites.

Permanent structures, including houses, may be dismantled within 30 days.

Court favours landowners in Sepik SABL case

The customary land described as Special Agriculture and Business Lease (SABL) portion 144c was granted to the Sepik Oil Palm Plantation back in 2008 for development but after a long court battle between customary landowners and developers, the Supreme Court agreed with the National Court’s decision to revoke the SABL.

Planting of oil palm, and any associated activities in relation to oil palm planting, construction of any infrastructure, logging road, loading of logs onto ships, and employing of labour are now illegal.