DLPP conducts first ever capacity audit in East Sepk

The Department of Lands and Physical Planning [DLPP] has successfully concluded its inaugural Capacity Audit in East Sepik Province, aimed at assessing the province’s readiness to take on delegated functions of the national department.

The high-level delegation led by DLPP Secretary Benjamin Samson, comprised of directors and managers from key divisions within the Department of Lands and Physical Planning.

The team visited Maprik, Wasara Gawi and Angoram Districts as part of a comprehensive assessment. The focus of the visit was to physically assess whether East Sepik Provincial Lands Division has the institutional capacity, technical expertise, and infrastructure to perform both state land and customary land functions in the province.

During the visit, the DLPP team engaged directly with District Administrators, Provincial Planners, Surveyors, and Lands Officers to gather data and identify areas in need of institutional support and technical capacity building.

A formal report, including a proposed structure for the provincial lands division, was presented to the East Sepik Provincial Administration for review and potential integration into their official governance framework.

“This is the first of its kind, for a delegation from the Department of Lands and Physical Planning to
visit provinces, specifically to assess provincial capacity to adopt critical land administration functions,” secretary Benjamin Samson said. “It is a crucial step in empowering provinces to better manage their own land matters.”

Mr. Samson further added that East Sepik Province is the starting point, and the department intends to conduct similar audits in other provinces later this year.

The East Sepik Provincial Government expressed its appreciation for the initiative, noting that the audit sets a precedent for how national and provincial agencies can work together to improve service delivery and land governance.

The DLPP team concluded its visit with a commitment to provide ongoing technical support and training to support East Sepik Provincial Lands Division.