FOLLOWING an earlier research publication by the PNGNRI on the need for improvement in the Voluntary Customary Land Registration (VCLR) System in PNG, its recent research publication launched has highlighted some of the key findings and recommendations on the administrative functions within the land registration system that can be better improved.
The research was co-facilitated by Dr. Flora Kwapena, Logea Nao and Jerry Birop from PNGNRI has highlighted some of the strategies to address challenges in customary land administration, governance and dispute resolution in Papua New Guinea.
The report states that having an effective customary land administration system that delivers a secure and bankable land title of the underlying land for owners and users is necessary for landowners to protect their ownership rights but at the same time, release their land for commercial opportunities.
The Acting Director of PNGNRI, Dr. Osborne Sanida when giving his remarks said the findings and recommendations made by the study is the NRI’s contribution to the implementation of certain aspects of the ‘17th National Land Summit 2019 Resolutions’ endorsed by the Marape-Basil government.
He said the study findings and recommendations will contribute to assisting the National Land Reform Committee (NLRC) which NRI is a member organisation the committee.
Present to witness the launching was the representative from the Department of Lands and Physical Planning, the Magistrate Services, a representative from the State Solicitors, and other stakeholder partners.
Dr. Osborn also said that the report is also vital for stakeholders who have an interest in administering, governing and addressing issues relating to customary land.
Ms Nao while presenting the final report stated some of the recommendations that can be taken into consideration by responsible policy and administrative bodies that functions within the Land Registrations system across the country.
The report recommends that: Capacity building and sufficient recurrent budget to maintain the operations of all organisation involved in the National Land Development Program (NLDP); Good governance, transparency and accountability particularly in the Department of Lands and Physical Planning; Effective mechanism to ensure security of land records from loss, destruction and loss and fraud;
Effective and efficient computerized workflow system to better manage and monitor DLPP administrative process; Facility to ensure theta survey and legal data recorded in the field, together with maps and titles are held in a relational database, with a GIS spatial system providing records management, so there is ease of data processing and management; Effective coordination mechanism for ongoing stakeholder participation and public awareness on customary land reforms issue.