Lae, Morobe Province, Sunday, 27 April 2025 – The Livestock Development Corporation (LDC) has launched a determined operation to reclaim State land at 3-Mile, Lae, starting with Portion 234, following years of illegal occupation and dubious title transfers.
After visiting the affected land during Easter, LDC Managing Director Mr Terry Koim said the facts were indisputable and the time to act was now.
“When we walked these lands, we did not come blindly. We came armed with the facts.
“A government minute dated 14th February 1989 clearly shows that the National Housing Corporation(NHC) applied only for the southern part of Portion 234 — not the whole of Portions 224, 225, and 234. Despite this, the Land Board mistakenly recommended the lease over all three portions. This was never intended. It was wrong then, and it is wrong now.”
Mr Koim highlighted that the Department of Primary Industry (now Department of Agriculture) held a Certificate of Occupancy over the northern part of Portion 234 and intended to release 63.6 hectares to LDC for agricultural development, not for housing or illegal human settlement.
“The northern part of Portion 234, and likely parts of 224 and 225, were never lawfully meant for private housing. They were earmarked for agriculture, specifically Portion 234 which was intended for LDC.”
Mr Koim said LDC’s actions were based firmly on government records and historical intent.
“We are not engaging in guesswork or social media theatrics.
“We are acting on facts, on lawful processes, and on the responsibility we carry as a national institution.”
He made it clear that the cancellation of illegal title transfers and the eviction of illegal settlers would proceed.
“The eviction of illegal settlers, starting with Portion 234, is not just lawful — it is a moral obligation.
“If we fail to act, we betray future generations and the development vision intended for this land.”
Responding to critics, Mr Koim challenged their silence over past injustices.
“Where were you when settlers forcibly removed NAQIA and the former DAL officers from this land?
“Where were your voices when public property was illegally occupied and misused?
“It is easy to criticise after the damage has been done. It is harder to stand up and put things right.”
Mr Koim reaffirmed LDC’s nationalistic mission.
“We are not doing this for social media approval or headlines.
“We are doing this because this land belongs to the people of Papua New Guinea.
“It must be restored to its rightful purpose — to strengthen food security, economic independence, and national development.”
As Papua New Guinea marks its 50th year of independence, Mr Koim said reclaiming State land is critical to safeguarding the country’s future through agriculture.
“At 50 years, we must have the courage to correct the mistakes of the past. As Prime Minister Marape once asked: ‘If not now, then when? If not us, then who?’ The time to act is now.
“We owe it to the next generation to reclaim, rebuild, and re-develop what is rightfully ours.”
He issued a final call to action:”To those who oppose us: use your energy to fight the real enemy — the illegal settlers, the land grabbers, the destroyers of our national future.
“Do not fight those who are working to protect our land and our future.
“This is not just LDC’s fight. This is Papua New Guinea’s fight. And we will not back down.”
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