𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 CARRIED OUT 𝗧𝗢 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗧𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗟𝗔𝗪-𝗔𝗕𝗜𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗭𝗘𝗡𝗦

The Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Lands, Physical Planning and Urbanization, has released a statement following an eviction exercise carried out yesterday at 2-mile settlement in the Nation’s Capital.

Rosso explained the eviction exercise is important, as it protect law-abiding citizens.

The Acting Prime Minister confirmed that the area is State land and has been unlawfully occupied for many years.

He said the settlement there has caused major law-and-order problems for some time now, where various confrontations between city residents and police, as well as injuries to innocent people passing through the area.

“This eviction is not happening without reason. It is the direct result of repeated criminal activities and serious threats to public safety. The State has a responsibility to protect law-abiding citizens and restore order,” he said.

The Acting Prime Minister expressed sympathy for hardworking and law-abiding residents who have been living at 2-Mile Hill and acknowledged that not everyone in the area has been involved in the criminal activities.

“These individuals will be identified by the National Capital District Commission (NCDC), and with the support of Governor Powes Parkop and NCDC, arrangements will be made to assist with resettlement where appropriate,” Rosso said.

However, he made it clear that those who are unemployed or have no lawful basis to remain in the city should seriously consider returning to their villages, where opportunities for family and community support exist.

Rosso stressed that the eviction must serve as a strong warning and lesson to others who are illegally occupying State land or land that does not belong to them.

“Illegal settlements which cause continuous illegal activities will not be tolerated. The rule of law must prevail, and land ownership and use must be respected,” he said.

The Acting Prime Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to working with relevant authorities to ensure orderly urban development, improved public safety, and fair outcomes for law-abiding citizens.

The Government will continue to work closely with NCDC and Governor Parkop to ensure that tax-paying, law-abiding residents who are gainfully employed are properly identified and resettled in planned and lawful resettlement areas. 

The Acting Prime Minister said initiatives such as the Farea resettlement development, being progressed by the Member for Moresby North East, John Kaupa, in partnership with Governor Parkop,is an example of how government can provide orderly and humane solutions while restoring law and order in the city.

The Acting Prime Minister remarked, “Enough is Enough” and it is time to protect the law-abiding citizens and make Port Moresby a safe place for everyone to live, work and enjoy.

ENDS…