National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop has assured city residents that settlement evictions in Port Moresby will be guided by proper planning and resettlement strategies, amid growing public concern over the impact of ongoing and future evictions.
Responding to questions about the recent Wildlife settlement eviction and concerns that thousands more people could be affected by future exercises, Governor Parkop acknowledged the challenges facing residents, including students, public transport operators and families living in informal settlements.
However, he declined to provide detailed comments on the matter during a recent media conference, stating that he would address the issue more comprehensively at a separate briefing.
"I am ready to host another media conference to address that specifically," Governor Parkop said.
"I don't want to give any specific reply here at this time. I just want to say that it is part of the challenge that we are preparing for in the future."
The Governor said settlement management and resettlement planning form part of the key performance indicators and responsibilities assigned to the City Manager as the National Capital District Commission works towards creating a more organized and sustainable city.
He emphasized that future development plans would focus on planned settlements and planned resettlement rather than allowing one informal settlement to be replaced by another.
"We have been doing the same thing for the last 50 years," he said.
"People must stop thinking about settlements and start thinking about a planned city, a well-organized city that provides a good quality of life and a strong foundation for future generations."
Governor Parkop said the city's long-term vision is to improve living standards, social and economic opportunities, and urban development outcomes for residents.
He reiterated that while the NCDC's policy is to eventually phase out informal settlements, the government does not intend to displace people without proper planning.
"Settlements must end. That's our policy," he said. "But it does not mean we are going to displace our people. We are not a government that throws people onto the streets. We always have a plan."
Parkop noted that some past evictions had been carried out by private developers independently, creating challenges for affected communities.
He assured residents that future settlement programs would be undertaken through structured planning processes and proper resettlement arrangements.
"I can assure city residents and those living in settlements that it is part of the City Manager's benchmarks to continue proper settlement planning based on a clear plan," he said.
The Governor's comments come amid increasing public concern over urban settlements in Port Moresby and the social impacts that large-scale evictions could have on families, education and livelihoods.
