By John Pangkatana

LANDOWNERS say there has been no meaningful consultation or engagement with them by the proponents of the Kerema/Meporo Agro Forestry Project.

This was highlighted as part of the people’s objection to Koaru Resource Owners Company Limited’s application for a Special Agriculture Business Lease (SABL) for Portion 323C in the Gulf Province, during the Commission of Inquiry (CoI).

Mr Maso representing the people from Mearipi, Kaipi, the inland villages of Mamaru, Wina and the Milihe ILG, comprising of Lelefiru, Hamohamo and Siapehape state their total rejection to the project and the SABL to the Koaru Resource Owners Company Ltd.

The peoples land are contained in Portion 323C, which appeared in the Government Gazette No.155 dated August 3, 2007. The period of lease is 99 years for a total land area of 59,460 hectares.

M .Maso qualified this by submitting minutes of meetings for the Taipi area leaders, Melaripi area leaders and signatures by leaders from Toare to Elava Karuma villages to indicate their objection to the SABL.

Mr Maso highlighted that the project agreement’s real intent is to harvest the forest. The reference to agriculture activities in the project agreement in his view is a façade.

Commissioner Alois Jerewai said this CoI is dealing with an aspect of land dealing that is not elaborately stated in the various legislations and it is very important for consultation. 

“It is very important to ensure consultation takes place with not only the landowners but the neighbouring landowners so that you cater for each other,” Commissioner Jerewai said.

He further advised all concerned parties that there is no reason for them t be at odds and logger heads and fighting each other. “You should be able to be mature enough to sit down and discuss these matters,” he added.