PM O’Neill tells landowners, it is not Wise to sell Customary Land

The Prime Minister,Peter O’Neill  has highlighted the importance of landowners not selling their customary land, but instead registering it for future generations to benefit from.
The Prime Minister made the comments when officiating at the opening of the Madang Resort’s new Wenong AB accommodation wing last week.
“Don’t sell customary land, you should register it to maintain continued ownership for our future generations.”

“If you start selling land, the future of our kids is not there anymore,” said the PM.
“Landowners are better served by leasing their land to collect rent that will have more beneficial long-term value and keeps the land for the people.
“So I encourage you to hold on to your land and take advantage of economic opportunity.”
The Prime Minister said land use and development will be key to future economic growth and development,” PM O’Neill said.
“We are diversifying our economy so that we are not so dependent on oil and gas.
“This diversification of our economic base will see increased investment in sectors such as agriculture, fisheries and tourism.
“These emerging sectors all need land for their operations for farming, or for food processing plants and hotels.”

The Prime Minister also called on the aviation sector to increase efficiencies and reduce the cost of travel to places such as Madang.
“We have to make our airlines more efficient in their operations so that prices can come down and more people can travel.
“We also need bureaucrats in offices such as the National Airports Corporation and other relevant agencies.
“Many of our officials are not business-minded or do not have business experience, so we must work together so they better understand what is needed to grow businesses and the economy.”
Images: Prime Minister O’Neill opening the Madang Resort’s new Wenong AB accommodation wing and meeting with SMEs in Madang.