Manus takes charge of land administration in historic shift

A new chapter in provincial governance has begun for Manus Province as it officially assumes control of its land administration and physical planning.

In a landmark ceremony held yesterday, ten members of the newly established Manus Provincial Land Board were formally sworn into office.

The ceremony was attended by a high-level delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Lands and Physical Planning John Rosso, Lands Secretary Benjamin Samson, Manus Governor Charlie Benjamin, and Speaker of the National Parliament Job Pomat.

Minister Rosso said the transition forms part of the 1995 reforms aimed at returning delegated powers to the provinces.

He said shifting land administration away from the national level addresses long-standing concerns around transparency and efficiency.

“Many times, officers at the National Lands Office are accused of issues arising in the provinces, but with the reforms, the delegated powers of the lands board are now returned to provincial governments to administer and manage,” he said.

Minister Rosso urged provincial authorities to strengthen the new system with capable personnel and robust processes.

“My advice is to establish a strong Lands Division, staffed with capable and qualified personnel. Identify and audit all alienated land in the province and transition records into electronic systems to prevent interference and corruption,” he said.

By managing land administration and physical planning at the provincial level, the government aims to fast-track development and provide more accessible services to the people of Manus.