The real estate business is booming in the squatter settlements.
This is a growing business in the nation’s capital. Many in the working class have resorted to renting such properties.
Rental rooms are as low as K100.00 fortnightly, and 3 bed room semi-permanent houses going for at least five hundred kina fortnightly, attracting the working class.
The Lands Board Chairman Sam Wange condemned the practice of settlers building houses and renting them out, and said it is an illegal business.
Mr. Wange said settlements on state land should not engage themselves in this business and further stated that those occupying state land and involved in this business, will be penalized.
He said those involved, or plan to do so, must adhere to the law and follow proper processes to obtain a land title prior to developing it.
The Lands Department will be looking into the matter.
Meanwhile Lands Minister, Benny Allen, said it is a very difficult task to monitor, or even put a stop to the growth of squatter settlements in major towns in the country.
Mr. Allen said his department has decided to give titles to the settlers to develop. He said 8 mile, located outside of Port Moresby is the pilot project.
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