A group of young men from West New Britain (WNB) Province, led by Mr. Nathan Kawai and Mr. Graham Graisim has been commended for demonstrating deep gratitude and civic responsibility through a cleanathon conducted around Morauta Haus in Waigani, Port Moresby, last week.
This unique voluntary initiative was undertaken as a direct expression of appreciation for the successful facilitation of more than one hundred deceased estate land titles by the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs (DPLGA), through the Office of the Official Custodian for Trust Land.
The young men carried out their clean-up exercise across the grounds and spaces surrounding the very building where the DPLGA occupies the second, third, and fifth floors, transforming a routine bureaucratic milestone into an inspiring display of community service.
Mr. Philip Leo, Secretary for the DPLGA and the Official Custodian for Trust Land, highly commended the young men for their initiative, describing it as a positive example of responsible citizenship and community spirit.
"The actions of these young men demonstrate humility, gratitude and a willingness to give back to society. Their initiative should inspire other young people throughout the country to contribute positively to their communities through simple acts of service," Secretary Leo said.
He further encouraged Papua New Guinea's youth to emulate the example set by the boys from Kimbe by engaging in activities that promote cleanliness, volunteerism, and national pride.
The cleanup highlights a massive administrative relief for the province, resolving files that had been stagnant since they were lodged with the department last year.
Through the Office of the Official Custodian for Trust Land, the department effectively facilitated the required processes under Section 125 of the Land Registration Act, allowing the Registrar of Titles to complete the registration of title transmission to the next of kin.
This crucial legal process enabled the lawful transfer of title ownership to beneficiaries who had otherwise been locked out of land security.
According to Mr. Nathan Kawai, who has been recognized as the spokesperson for the title holders, many families had struggled for decades to resolve issues relating to deceased estate titles.
He explained that the successful completion of the title transmission would now allow affected oil palm growers to qualify for critical replanting assistance facilitated by the Oil Palm Industry Corporation.
"These people have waited for many years to have these deceased estate matters resolved. We are truly grateful to the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs for helping us secure these titles. Because of this intervention, many families can now participate in the replanting of their oil palm blocks and improve their livelihoods," Mr. Kawai said.
Following this successful resolution and the subsequent show of appreciation from the local youth, the department has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that deceased estate matters relating to customary beneficiaries and trust land responsibilities are efficiently administered in accordance with the law, enabling citizens to access vital opportunities that contribute to long-term economic empowerment and sustainable development.
