The National Research Institute launched the findings of a study it carried out in squatter settlements in NCD in an effort to guide policy makers in the upgrading of these settlements. The study, “Strategy to improve the living conditions in informal settlements in Papua New Guinea: Evidence from Port Moresby” (PNG NRI Discussion Paper No.190) is aimed at improving the living conditions and welfare of informal settlement residents and ensuring the issue of unplanned settlements is prevented. Deputy Director of Research Associate Professor Eugene Ezebilo who carried out the survey and authored the report says in order for the upgrade project to be implemented in an effective and orderly manner, effective guidelines and feedback mechanisms should be established before implementing the project. In the report he also states that informal settlements residents are willing to pay for service charges associated with improved infrastructure and services. “For the upgrade project to be effective and sustainable, the residents should be involved in the planning, implementing and in selecting the infrastructure and services needed,“ Professor Ezebilo said. “This is what we found during the survey in regard to the resident’s reaction to the proposal of informal settlements undergoing an upgrading program.” The launching of the report was witnessed by government and line agency key stakeholders representatives who acknowledged the report and gave their views on the need for a whole government approach to be taken on this impending national issue.