Transparency International, PNG Chapter (TIPNG) has joined the chorus of voices of concerned institutions, individuals and civil society organisations urging the PNG Government to table the final report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Special Purpose Agricultural Business Leases ( SABL). 

Two years ago, the PNG Government initaited an official Inquiry into dealings in customary land that allowed foreign entities and private individuals to steal an estimated 2 million hectares of customary land across the country.

The Commission of Inquiry has since been completed, but the whereabouts of the final report are not known at this stage. While the Commissioners have in various media reports confirm to have handed over the final report to the PNG Government, the Prime minister remains tightlipped, neither confirming or denying the Commissioners public statements.

Yesterday, Lawrence Stephens, Chairman of TIPNG said in a statement to the media, among other things, that the "prolonged silence of the progress is deafening" which is "not only intolerable but highly suspicious".  He acknowledged the Prime Minister's effort and assurances of bringing the SABL matter to an end, but urged the Government to act promptly, as "more of the peoples’ resources are disappearing at the hands of unscrupulous developers..." in the midst of the delay.

For further information please refer to the Press Release of TIPNG, which is attached herein or contact Yvonne Ngutlick, Communications Officer of TIPNG on email <comstipng@gmail.com> or The Executive Director of TIPNG, Mrs Emily George Taule on email <exectipng@gmail.com>