Overview:
Who owns the land beneath Ngardmau Waterfall, one of Palau’s major tourist attractions, and the state government office? A newly signed agreement acknowledges the Ngedilingel Clan’s ownership of the 358-hectare property, while leaving questions about future public access, government use and negotiations. The agreement also comes amid an ongoing dispute over who legally leads Ngardmau State.
By: L.N. Reklai
NGARDMAU, Palau (Oct. 8, 2026) — The Ngardmau State Government has officially signed a paper admitting that a huge piece of land—about 358 hectares—actually belongs to the Ngedilingel Clan.
The land in question, known as Lot No. 15-207, isn’t just any empty field. It includes two huge spots: the Ngardmau Waterfall (which brings in the most money for the state from tourism) and the actual Ngardmau State Office building.
According to the new agreement, the state government agrees that it has no right to claim the land as its own. The clan’s ownership goes all the way back to an official paper called a Quitclaim Deed signed in 1963.
So, what does this mean for the waterfall and government building?
The Ngedilingel Clan promised to work with the state to figure out a fair deal so the public and government can keep using parts of the land. They agreed to keep things running normally for now while they negotiate a separate, formal contract. The paper signed this month doesn’t mean the clan is selling or giving away the land to the state—it just officially proves who the real owner is.
The document was signed in October 2026 by clan representatives Johnny Tudong, Augustino Blailes, and Joel Toribiong. On the government side, Speaker Terrence W. Miozawa signed as Governor.
Adding to the drama, this deal comes right in the middle of a major political feud. People in Ngardmau are currently split over who is actually the legal Governor: Speaker Miozawa (who signed the paper) or Jennifer K. Ngiraiwet, following recent legislative fights and legal battles.
