Over twenty families were forcefully evicted in Port Moresby’s Badili area. However customary landowners say the title has not been transferred and are questioning the eviction.
Landowners alleged that bribery and corruption is involved and is calling on the Fraud Squad to investigate the matter.
A frustrated landowner spoke on behalf of the Regioni family, she believes the transfer of the title is the work of corrupt Government officials in the Lands Department.
According to customary landowners, the land is free-hold and not leased.
Nearly 30 families have been told to evict the area. According to residents there, they have more questions behind those responsible of transferring the land titles.
The Regioni family has lived on the piece of land since 1897 when British ruled Papua.
Police served an eviction notice to residents in the area claiming a private company has titles to the blocks of land.
But that is not the move residents are taking. The piece of land lies along the Scratchley Road in Port Moresby’s south.
For the Regioni family, seven generations have lived on this property.
