The portion of land on whichthe Arts Settlement in Waigani sits is to be used for commercial purposes.
That’s according to Lease Holder Tom Amaiu (pictured), of Macata Enterprises.
The lease holder ofthe land in question says attempts were made last year to resettlethe people butthey refused to cooperate.
The fther of Member for North-East Labi Amaiu, Mr Tom Amaiu saidthe settlement has been a nerve centre for criminal activities, which most ofthe time has gone unnoticed.
Betthe settlement is also home to men, women, and children, all now displaced bythe exercise.
NCD Governor Powes Parkop’said his office andthe NCDC need to be advised of such mass evictions asthey will beatrthe brunt ofthe consequences.
However, Mr Amaiu says this had been done already. He even has approval fromthe Physical Planning Beard.
The site is planned to undergo a K300 million makeover which is set to begin soon.
Mr Amaiu says settlements cannot continue to grow asthey are a hindrance to developments inthe city.
His son Labi, whose electorate coversthe settlement in question, says he has no ties with his company.
Meantime, NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Andy Bewa has rejected allegations that police discharged firearms duringthe eviction at Waigani.
Evicted settlers saythe police had resorted to strong arm tactics to removerthem.
Mr Bewa said this is not true as he was present duringthe exercise.
Cedric Patjole, National EMTV News
https://youtube.com/watch?v=AZ95BeMbAW4%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
