Southern Pentecost subdivision advances as Gov’t plans economic hub

By Vourie Molivakoro.

Sanleng, the proposed government subdivision in southern Pentecost, is moving closer to development, with detailed survey work and subdivision design completed ahead of land pegging and environmental assessments expected to begin next week.

Acting Planner for the PENAMA Provincial Government Council (PPGC), David Kaenbo, confirmed that the completed subdivision design had paved the way for the next stage of preparations.

The upcoming work will involve pegging the land to mark subdivision boundaries and an assessment by the Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation (DEPC) to determine suitable locations for a cemetery and rubbish dumpsite.

Once these steps are completed, the Department of Lands will register individual titles for the subdivided allotments before they are offered for sale.

Sanleng is one of five locations identified by PENAMA Province under the Government’s broader economic hub programme, which aims to promote development and improve access to essential services beyond the country’s main urban centres.

The other proposed sites are Loltong in North Pentecost, Saratamata in East Ambae, West Ambae and the Kerebei area in North Maewo.

According to the provincial administration, provincial government councils have been working since last year to prepare for the establishment of economic hubs across the province.

Sanleng is the first location being prepared for development under the initiative, although land acquisition is still in progress.

Zoning work has been completed, but a development control plan is still required to guide future development in line with the subdivision layout and relevant planning requirements.

PPGC Secretary General Christion Tukunamoli said development planning and government support were important in creating economic opportunities and improving access to services in provincial communities.

He said the provincial administration was working with relevant government departments, local authorities, landowners and development partners to support development initiatives across PENAMA.

Tukunamoli added that continued coordination between the provincial administration and relevant government agencies would be necessary as land acquisition and physical planning processes progressed.

For Sanleng and southern Pentecost, the proposed subdivision is intended to provide a foundation for future development, supporting the Government’s efforts to decentralise services and economic activities.