The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Trade Union Congress (TUC) has made its stand very clear in a press conference today on the matter of the Nambawan Super Limited (NSL) land portions and the looming eviction of squatters at Bushwara in 9- Mile just outside Port Moresby city.
In that press conference hosted by the TUC at the Hilton Hotel this morning, the Vice President of the PNG TUC and Police Association President Mr. Lowa Tambua, made it clear that they represent their members, all 228, 000 of them and want the settlers to move out of their members’ land portions before the deadline on July 10th.
“So, we’re not speaking as unions, we are speaking for everyone, so long as you are a contributor to Nambawan Super,” said Mr. Tambua.
He said the settlers had been initially dealing with the corporate trustees in the courts who were speaking on behalf of Nambawan Super. But PNG TUC’s position here is as a voice of the owners of the fund.
“We represent all members who own the portions of land at Bushwara,” stressed the TUC Vice President when making a call to the squatters to vacate the land in a peaceful manner before eviction takes place.
He said the courts have ruled in favour of NSL in the previous court cases and the latest was the ruling by the courts that the last remaining portion (Portion 2158), also belongs to Nambawan Super.
This now gives all land portions from 2156, 2157, 2159 to now 2158 to Nambawan Super, where it has plans to develop the land and create investments for its members’ benefits.
The President of the Correctional Service Employees Association, Mr. Daniel Mollen also assured the settlers that no one is an enemy in this matter and that everything is being done for the benefit of members of the NSL, which includes CS officers and staff.
He said the land portions have been in court for almost 30 years and now that the NSL has been given its own lands back following numerous court cases, its time NSL use the land portions to make investments that would generate good returns for its members.
Mr. Tambua said they sympathize with the settlers in that they would have to move but appeals for their understanding because the matter is for the benefit of everyone.
“We encourage the squatters to start removing your house materials and gardens, so that they are not damaged in the eviction process.”
Meanwhile, the settlers were given a120- day grace period since March 2024 following a court order issued, which has provided ample time for them to consider their future and voluntarily vacate the land with their properties.
Police in Port Moresby since then have been also carrying out awareness in the illegal settlement area, urging the people to start moving.
This grace period will end on Wednesday 10th July and the eviction will start on Thursday 11th July.
And as of today, Friday 21st June 2024, the settlers have exactly 19 days left to vacate those land portions belonging to NSL.