The illegal squatters residing on the three portions of land belonging to superfund Nambawan Super Limited (NSL) at Bush Wara in 9 Mile in Port Moresby city, can expect some support from the government with their relocation.
Prime Minister (PM) James Marape in a recent statement said his government is working on solutions for the people at 9 Mile who have been ordered to move out of the portions of land after a court order was issued for their eviction taken by Nambawan Super.
PM Marape said that he has already met with the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Lands Minister John Rosso, National Capital District (NCD) Governor Powes Parkop, and Member for Moresby North-East John Kaupa and discussed ways to address this issue.
He said the government is looking at two main options, whether to fence off that land and develop it in line with the NCDC’s settlement-to-suburb upgrade program or look at alternate land to move the affected people to so NSL can move in to develop its land.
Marape asked NSL for its understanding as government seeks to find a permanent solution to the issue.
“Firstly, let me say, I sympathize with our people who have settled on the land at 9 Mile and are being forced out. Many of these people have built good, permanent houses,” said PM Marape.
“I thank all partners and our government agencies led by the DPM John Rosso for sitting down with us and trying to find an amicable solution for these people, without the devaluing the value of Nambawan Super land.”
The prime minister said it was government policy to unbundle land for Papua New Guineans to build their homes and apologized for government’s slowness in achieving this policy.
Meanwhile, the Illegal squatters residing at Bush Wara land portions 2156, 2157 and 2159 have less than 3 days to go before eviction starts. Police have been urging the people through awareness exercises carried out since the court order was issued to vacate the land or be forced to move out on eviction day, which will be this Thursday 11th July. So far, several squatters have pulled down their structures and moved out.
Tomorrow, Wednesday July 10th, the 120- Day grace period issued by NSL to vacate the lands will lapse with eviction to commence the next day.