Zifasing clans, NBPOL pen 25-year development agreement

Some of the five landowner groups signing the development agreement *(Image: Supplied)*

New Britain Palm Oil Limited [NBPOL] has signed a 25-year Development Agreement with five landowner groups from the Zifasing Oil Palm Mini Estate Project Areas at Markham Farm outside Lae, Morobe.

The five signing landowner groups include Momem 1 and 2, Ngarowafes 1 and 2, and Wafiampes.

Under the long-term agreement, NBPOL will develop 1,100 hectares of land. The DA will remain in effect for a duration of 25 years before it becomes eligible for renewal.

The signing ceremony, described as small but highly significant, was held at the Markham Farm yard, located approximately a 45-minute drive outside of Lae City.

Speaking at the ceremony, NBPOL Senior Manager Roland Soapa outlined the direct economic benefits designated for the local community under the partnership.

"This agreement will give opportunity to locals to employment, community service programs, and benefit from fresh fruit bunch (FFB) royalties," Soapa said.

"When there is a harvest, the landowners will receive 15 per cent of the harvest. The landowners will also receive rentals, which is included under the lease agreement."

The landowners will get 15 per cent royalties in the milestone palm oil deal *(Image: Supplied)*

Soapa said these benefits are locked in to continue for the 25-year lifespan of the agreement, pending future renewal decisions.

According to NBPOL New Development Manager Arison Arihafa, reaching this milestone was the culmination of a decade-long negotiation and review process.

"The review to the DA took 10 years to reach this milestone," Arihafa said.

The project marks a first-of-its-kind agreement structure for NBPOL, with both company executives and clan leaders expressing a shared commitment to working together productively throughout the 25-year term and into the future.