Proposed Markham township launched amid land dispute concerns

A new township is set to be developed at Watarais in the Markham District of Morobe Province, as part of a major initiative launched this week by the Morobe Provincial Government.

While land disputes currently pose a challenge, the provincial government remains determined to resolve them and move the project forward.

Morobe Governor Luther Wenge has committed to assisting landowners with legal support to help address the ongoing issues.

"I will assist you landowners with a good lawyer who can settle the land issues so that the project can go ahead," Governor Wenge said.

In addition to the township development, Governor Wenge also pledged to support key infrastructure projects in the district.

"I will assist MP Iguan to build a footbridge across the Umi River to Ongawaffa LLG from Mutzing," he said.

“I will also push for the railway from Lae to Nadzab to extend all the way to Watarais, where the new township will be established."

However, the initiative was met with some concern from local leaders. Deputy Speaker and Markham MP Koni Iguan, who attended the launch, expressed disappointment over the lack of prior consultation with district authorities.

"A new township for Markham is already in the pipeline, along with other projects such as solar power and others that have already been approved by the National Government," Iguan said.

"This initiative being launched today seems like a duplication of existing plans. It would have been better if proper consultation had taken place. Right now, it feels like a slap in the face."

Despite his concerns, MP Iguan acknowledged the initiative by Governor Wenge and expressed his willingness to work together moving forward.

Morobe Provincial Administrator Kisu Lucas confirmed that K2 million has been allocated in this year’s budget for the first phase of the township project. He added that similar funding will be allocated for other districts, including Bulolo, Finschhafen, Nawaeb, Wau-Waria, Tewae-Siassi, and Huon Gulf.

During the launch ceremony, eight additional projects were also unveiled; Tower construction for the proposed e-library rollout in schools, K92 mining royalties for landowner recognition, Ramu Sugar spinoff and business opportunities for landowners, Watarais Growth Centre development, Cattle range expansion, Morobe solar power supply system, Cocoa downstream processing initiatives, and Proposed Unitech food technology lectures.