The weekend in the city of Port Moresby was a scene of thick black smoke coming from fires burning homes at the 2 Mile Hill settlement, set alight by the authority after police officers were shot at by criminals residing in the illegal settlement.
This action by the police received support from the Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Lands, Physical Planning and Urbanization, John Rosso.
In a statement put out over the weekend, Rosso described the ongoing eviction of the illegal settlement at 2 Mile Hill as necessary to protect law-abiding citizens, reaffirming that the area is State land and has been unlawfully occupied for many years. He said the settlement has, for far too long, been a major source of law and order problems in the area and the city as a whole.
“This eviction is not happening without reason. It is the direct result of repeated criminal activities and serious threats to public safety. The State has a responsibility to protect law-abiding citizens and restore order,” he said.
The Acting Prime Minister expressed sympathy for hardworking and law-abiding residents who have been living at 2 Mile Hill and acknowledged that not everyone in the area has been involved in criminal activity.
“These individuals will be identified by the National Capital District Commission (NCDC), and with the support of Governor Powes Parkop and NCDC, arrangements will be made to assist with resettlement where appropriate,” Rosso said.
However, he made it clear that those who are unemployed or have no lawful basis to remain in the city should seriously consider returning to their villages, where opportunities for family and community support exist.
Rosso stressed that the eviction must serve as a strong warning and lesson to others who are illegally occupying State land or land that does not belong to them.
“Illegal settlements which causes continuous illegal activities will not be tolerated. The rule of law must prevail, and land ownership and use must be respected,” he said.
The Acting Prime Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to working with relevant authorities to ensure orderly urban development, improved public safety, and fair outcomes for law-abiding citizens.
Meanwhile, the eviction of the illegal settlers at 2 Mile Hill was carried out after criminals that reside in the settlement shot at police whilst they were doing routine patrol along the main road, doing their job to deter any crimes from being committed against the public along that stretch of road that is notorious for vehicle armed hold ups and robberies, usually committed by youths from this particular settlement.
