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PA responds to Boram airport land compensation concerns
Acting East Sepik Provincial Administrator, Samson Torovi (NBC News)
The East Sepik Provincial Administration has clarified its position on the K9.2 million State ex-gratia payment for local landowners affected by the Boram Airport Redevelopment Project, following concerns raised by representatives of the Moem, Koikin and Makun communities.
According to a media statement issued by the Office of the Provincial Administrator, the State, through the Department of Lands and Physical Planning, had agreed to pay K9.2 million to local landowners for giving up their interests in the land required for the project.
The statement also confirmed that an initial K5 million was transferred into the East Sepik Provincial Government's Operating Account on September 29, 2026.
However, the release of the compensation remains subject to the identification of the rightful landowners.
Acting Provincial Administrator Samson Torovi said the administration must first establish which groups are the legitimate owners of the land before any payment is considered.
He explained that representatives of the Moem, Koikin and Makun communities had raised concerns at the Provincial Administration Headquarters at BMS Kreer Heights, demanding the release of the funds while questioning the entitlement of certain landowner groups.
In response, Mr Torovi said he had directed the Provincial Management Team, through the Provincial Lands Advisor and Legal Advisor, to meet with the groups and look into their different land ownership claims.
He said the process would help identify the rightful landowners and their respective clans before the compensation was released.
Mr Torovi assured the communities that the administration was not withholding legitimate landowner entitlements. He said the aim was to ensure that the money reached the rightful beneficiaries through a fair and transparent process.
He also called on all landowner groups and community leaders to remain patient while the verification process takes place.
Meanwhile, the Boram Airport Redevelopment Project is being carried out under the National Airports Corporation's Civil Aviation Development Investment Program II. The project includes the construction of a new airport terminal and runway extension.
Mr Torovi said the project was important for East Sepik Province and urged all parties to work together to resolve the outstanding concerns without unnecessary confrontation or disruption to the project.