The 4-mile community in Lae are calling on the authorities in the province to address the issue of land grabbing and forced evictions that are happening in the city.
There have been over 15 families affected. According to some of the families affected, people claiming to be village magistrates are facilitating the sale of land without following due courses.
John Jacob, is a resident who has been living in the area for 19 years. He arrived as a caretaker and took over a property after the owner left.
In 2013, he was told the property was sold for K20, 000. He is currently fighting his case in court.
Two weeks ago, another family in the area was given a 24-hour eviction notice. They were told the block of land had been sold, and they were forced to move out. Their house was destroyed and everything in the area was cut down.
Jackson Gerry, is another resident who has been living in the area for 24 years. He was falsely accused of a crime earlier this year, and was acquitted by the court.
Whilst he was held in prison for a month, his block was sold, and his family was evicted.
There are a number of unresolved cases like these in Lae City. The 4 mile community is calling on the authorities to address these problems.
