The Department of Lands and Physical Planning or DLPP has concluded its Capacity Audit Program in Madang Province, setting a benchmark for provincial land governance and service delivery across the nation.
Led by Secretary Benjamin Samson, a high-level delegation from the department carried out the audit from June 28 to July 3, 2026. The program forms part of a broader departmental initiative to decentralize key land functions, including Land Board and Physical Planning Board powers, directly to the provinces, assessing whether local administrations have the necessary resources to manage increased responsibilities.
During the program, the delegation met with Madang Provincial Lands Officers to evaluate staffing structures, operational systems, and service delivery capabilities. These consultations allowed officials to identify local operational needs and discuss strategies to boost performance, governance, and compliance with national standards.
Upon completing the assessment, Secretary Samson formally presented the Capacity Audit Report to the Madang Provincial Administration. The report details the audit team’s findings, practical recommendations, and a proposed divisional structure designed to reinforce the Provincial Lands Division ahead of future decentralizations.
Reflecting on the milestone, Secretary Benjamin Samson said the Capacity Audit forms part of the Department’s ongoing commitment to building a capable and effective workforce that can deliver quality land services across the country.
“We need to establish whether provinces have the capacity to host their own Land Boards and Physical Planning Boards. This is essential to ensure land matters are managed locally, rather than relying on the National Lands Department,” Samson said.
Madang joins East Sepik, West New Britain, and New Ireland as the fourth province to undergo the audit program. Looking ahead, the DLPP stated that it will maintain a strong partnership with provincial governments to roll out the audit’s recommendations and continuously improve the efficiency of local lands offices.
