By Jack Lapauve Jr – EMTV News, Port Moresby
Settlers residing at Mautauna, on Port Moresby’s North West, have been given less than a month to vacate the area.
The Settlers say a businessman has claimed a title for nearly 10 hectares of land.
However, the settlers have landowner backing, claiming the businessman is using force and corrupt practices to obtain the title.
However, the eviction notice is from a law firm, and not the Court House. Mautana residents have questioned its legitimacy.
More than 1,000 people have settled on this piece of land, Portion 275, 2116 and 875.
More than a quarter of the population are full-time employees, while a majority of them are school children. The eviction notice has affected their lives.
The purported land title holder runs a car wrecking company on the edge of the Mautana area. Settlers say how one man can hold a title for a land close to 10 hectares.
Customary Landowner Heni Samban was with the settlers this morning to hear their concern. Police were also present to witness the gathering.
Mr Samban said he is shocked to know that another party has the land title to the area.
Settlers want police, NCD authorities, and Land Department to look into the matter, they believe this is another case of land grabbing.
