Blow your horn and cough up
Lae Airport
In February 1993, the Ahi Landowners' Association of Lae, the second largest town in PNG, told the government that development could not take place on the airport land because the K176, 000 paid was compensation for damages to the land and not, as it were, payment for the land.
Milne Bay Estates
When land was taken from the West Gurney Landowners' Association for the multi-million dollar Milne Bay Estates oil palm project, the administration agreed to improve school facilities, provide transport to schools, set up health aid posts and provide clean water. The landowners said unless the promises were kept, they would prevent the proposed upgrading of Gurney Airport.
Kokopo township
In March 1991, people from 11 villages formed an association to reclaim all the customary land on which Kokopo town is situated. They said although most customary land was purchased by barter, no landowner had been able to purchase land in Kokopo. They demanded a ban on all construction until the matter was resolved.
Madang town and airport
The landowners of Madang township and airport sites accepted a government compensation offer in April of K157,000 for their land after rejecting two previous offers and setting conditions: preference must be given to them to develop unused land and to set up kiosks and other spin-off businesses, with financial assistance worth K157,000; and the local airport must be upgraded to international status.
Mount Hagen water reservoir and sewage treatment plant
In early February 1993, the clanspeople of Palimp village cut off water supply to Mount Hagen town, claiming that the government had not met the conditions stipulated for acquiring the water reservoir on their land. These included free water supply to everyone living along the pipeline route and near the reservoir; and compensation worth K200, 000. After discussions, the clanspeople agreed to let the water flow till early May.
In July, the villagers blocked the road to the sewage treatment plant, insisting that it be relocated. Their objection was that the land was sold on the understanding that no smell would emanate from the plant. They said 20 young people had died because of the stench.
Sogeri plateau
The people of Sogeri plateau, outside the country's capital, have a running battle with the city authorities. A dam on the plateau supplies the capital with water and electricity. But, the villagers, say, "We still fetch water from the creek carrying and climbing hills to reach our homes."
Road transport
In March 1993, the PNG Road Transport Association demanded an end to petty compensation claims that were "crippling" the transport industry. The association said the compensation demands had become a "disease" and pinpointed people along the Okuk Highway who demanded compensation for anything, "including the blowing of horns." The company had to pay K50 because a truck blew its horn and frightened an old man on the roadside.