Member for Hiri-Koiari, Keith Iduhu, has cautioned the Government against giving false hope to the evicted illegal settlers of the 9-mile Bushwara area in NCD.
In light of Prime Minister James Marape’s announcement directing the Minister for Lands and the Member for Moresby Northeast to find solutions for the settlers, Iduhu expressed his concerns in a statement.
“The grand proclamation and promise by the PM is counterproductive and purely political point scoring,” Iduhu remarked.
“Although I have been suggesting and advocating for a proper land formalisation policy, it appears that ad hoc promises take precedence over long-term solutions.”
Iduhu’s warning comes as Hiri-Koiari and Central Province continue to face the encroachment and expansion of Port Moresby, along with the influx of illegal settlers.
He echoed the sentiments of Central Governor Rufina Peter, who has urged a commonsense approach and a zero-tolerance stance against illegal settlers.
“While we sympathise with the hardship being faced by those evicted, we must also be responsible with our statements and responses to this situation.”
“The onus is now on the government to apply proper land and housing policy to this situation and not dish out promises,” Iduhu asserted.
Iduhu, who is the Shadow Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Trade and Commerce, and Administrative Services emphasized the importance of planning over promising.
“The government must provide proper housing for its citizens.”
“We must plan, and not promise.”
“We experience so many issues with living standards because we are letting our people become city planners, electricians, water suppliers, and road constructors,” he stated.
The people of Bushwara have been given promises thus far, Iduhu noted, and the promise land for illegal settlers always seems to be Central Province and Hiri-Koiari.
He insisted that the lands of provinces and districts be respected and not subjected to state-sanctioned land grabbing.
Iduhu also urged the people of Koiari not to cheaply and illegally give away land in hopes of quick money.
“We have seen the damage caused in both the long and short term due to the illegal sale of land.”
“The social issues that come with urban drift, the increase in crime and social disorder, and the lack of services because of overpopulation.”
“I urge our people of Koiari not to give in to land deals that will only cause more problems down the line.”
“Let’s develop the land, invest in the future, and see a return on these investments.”