A local leader and businessman, Joe Tonde, has called on the National Capital District (NCD) Governor and three NCD Open Members of Parliament to provide a resettlement plan for residents of the Four Mile Works Compound Settlement who were evicted last week.
Mr Tonde stressed that leaders should respect the democratic rights of citizens, emphasizing that evicting people without a plan violated these rights.
During a visit to the settlement, Mr Tonde highlighted the settlers’ contributions to nation-building and community development over the past five decades.
“The Four Mile Works Compound settlers are important people because they contributed to nation-building before independence, and their siblings and some others are still living in this settlement,” he said.
Mr Tonde warned that evicting settlers without a plan would lead to increased crime, poverty, and social issues, including gender-based violence and disrupted education for children.
“Evicting settlers in the city at short notice will increase crime in the city,” he said.
He appealed to NCD Governor Powes Parkop, Moresby North West MP Lohia Boe Samuel, Moresby North East MP John Kaupa and Moresby South MP Justin Tkatchenko to come up with a practical plan to resettle the evicted people.
“As the mandated leaders of Parliament, you must know your job and deliver for the people,” he said.
Mr Tonde, who has been supporting the settlement with water supplies and community needs, urged leaders to work with local authorities to find a peaceful solution.
“These are your people, and you are their voice. You should play your role in looking after your people in times of need,” he said.
The eviction notice has sparked concerns over the Government’s plans to address the housing needs of the affected families, with many calling for a more humane approach to the issue.