No information pertaining to the Inquiry into Special Purpose Agriculture and Business Leases (SPABL) in Vanimo have been made available to the media since its proceedings last month, reports the Post Courier

It has been revealed that two boxes, containing the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) recordings made during the hearing had in fact been diverted by Air Niugini from Vanimo to Wewak’s Boram Airport where it was off loaded and remained in the Cargo office for two weeks.

This could put a delay on transcribing the recordings since exact dates of the hearing could be difficult to verify although it is known that transcribing has been resumed despite the fact that no information can be given as to why it had been diverted.

The Post-Courier, which is one of a few mediums currently providing coverage into the SPABL, was not able to obtain detailed information into this particular inquiry, despite numerous attempts.

There are only four SPABL covered areas in Vanimo and although it is unclear as to the exact amount of land leased, sources say it is in the vicinity of one to two million hectares and takes up to three hours to circulate its entire vicinity.

Sources also say that this particular SPABL is controversial and may involve dealings of ‘unscrupulous nature‘involving a prominent leader and businessman.

The four SPABL’s currently before the inquiry under lease-leaseback involves developers; Wammy Limited, Aingalis–elis Limited, Nuku Resources Limited and Bewani Palm Oil Development Limited.

Meanwhile, the man believed to have leased the majority of the 5.2 million SPABL’s , will be called before the Commission of Inquiry to give evidence, particularly with SPABL’s that have been found to contain irregularities (so far found in most).

Former Lands Secretary, Pepi Kimas will face the inquiry after the New Year to answer to mounting evidence about the number of questionable SPABL’s issued under his former tenure.

This follows criticisms and concerns over whether the newly built Lands Department structure at Waigani Drive in Port Moresby, should be named after him.