Port Moresby, June 3, 2025
Department of Works and Highways (DoWH) and the Department of Lands and Physical Planning (DLPP) formalized a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to address one of the most pressing challenges in the nation’s road sector—land acquisition delays.
Speaking at the signing event at Grand Papua Hotel, Port Moresby, Secretary for Works and Highways, Mr. Gibson Holemba, emphasized the MoU’s role in enhancing efficiency, accountability, and transparency in road project implementation.
“Infrastructure development, particularly in the road sector, is a crucial enabler of economic growth and social progress. However, customary land ownership complexities often hinder timely execution. This MoU provides a structured framework for inter-agency cooperation to overcome these barriers,” he stated.
Mr. Holemba acknowledged the Environmental and Social Safeguard Branch of DoWH, led by Assistant Secretary Mr. Kenneth Yamu, for their instrumental role in drafting the agreement.
He reiterated that the collaboration was grounded in Papua New Guinea’s legal framework, including the Constitution, the Land Act 1996, and the Physical Planning Act 1989, ensuring compliance with all regulatory statutes governing land use and acquisition.
The MoU defines the roles and responsibilities of both agencies, with DLPP leading land acquisition efforts, including stakeholder engagement, compensation assessments, and legal compliance, while DoWH provides technical specifications, budget allocations, and ensures that road designs align with acquired land.
The agreement also promotes joint efforts in planning, dispute resolution, and data sharing, aimed at eliminating fraudulent land compensation claims—a major concern that has led to financial losses in past projects.
Mr. Holemba reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preventing bogus land acquisition claims, stating, “For far too long, fraudulent compensation schemes have drained state resources. Through this collaboration, we aim to strengthen governance, reduce disputes, and ensure that state funds are directed towards legitimate infrastructure development.”
By streamlining processes associated with land acquisition, the DoWH and DLPP seek to boost stakeholder confidence and accelerate Papua New Guinea’s road development initiatives. The MoU is expected to facilitate smoother engagement with customary landowners, mitigating bureaucratic bottlenecks that have long plagued infrastructure projects.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Holemba expressed optimism about the future impact of this agreement: “This understanding is not just about roads; it’s about laying the groundwork for a more transparent, efficient, and progressive Papua New Guinea. We connect PNG today to build our future.”
The MoU takes immediate effect, with both agencies set to implement collaborative measures, conduct periodic reviews, and refine governance structures to ensure maximum effectiveness.