Concerns overthe compulsory acquisition of sports grounds in Port Moresby especiallythe Sir Hubert Murray Stadium continue.
Former chairman ofthe Motu Koita Assembly Rahe Rau said it was during his term, whenthe transfer of titles was done.
Rau saidthe land was not given as a gift bythe Late Sir William Bell Skate, as reported, but rther through a process withthethen Secretary ofLands, Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc.
Mr. Rau saidthe Title ofthe Sir Hubert Murray Stadium was secured for the Motu Koitabu Council in August 2002.
The decision to securethe Stadium in 2002 came afterthethen Council had occupliedthe premises for 12 years. Rauthen made a formal submission throughthe Secretary forLands, for a revocation to be done onthe Stadium.
Atthe ground breaking ceremony on Monday, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill saidthe states sporting assets, includingthe Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, would be managed under a trust arrangement.
Mr. Rau explained thatthe Stadium was a national icon and an important part of history for the Motu Koita people.
Following an eviction notice given tothe Assembly on Monday, Motu Koita Assembly chairman Miria Ikupu said he was not going to back down.
Mr. Rau suggested thatthe government’should halt any decisions, until afterthe Motu Koita Assembly & LLG elections. He said a round table discussion should be held to come up with win-win solutions tothe issue.
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