National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop has reaffirmed the National Capital District Commission’s policy position on urban planning, settlement management and resettlement, stressing that evicted settlers will only be relocated to properly surveyed and serviced land.
Highlighting the policy direction, Governor Parkop said NCDC’s primary approach is to upgrade most existing settlements into formal suburbs rather than displacing residents.
He said this process involves detailed surveys, subdivisions and infrastructure upgrades, with residents required to cooperate to ensure orderly development.
He cited the 9-Mile Quarry project as a successful example, with similar work now being extended to parts of 8-Mile settlement.
However, Governor Parkop said settlements located within the city centre would need to be resettled to allow for the planned development of Port Moresby as a modern metropolitan capital.
He emphasised that such resettlements would only take place after alternative sites are fully prepared, surveyed and subdivided to receive affected communities, including planned resettlement areas such as Farea.
Addressing the recent evictions at Two-Mile, Governor Parkop described them as unanticipated and driven by escalating crime and violence, despite repeated warnings to residents.
He said NCDC has been assisting displaced families and remains committed to caring for them while resettlement sites on serviced land are prepared for their long-term settlement and future.
He added that further relocations, including from areas such as 4-Mile, will only occur once new sites are ready.
Governor Parkop said NCDC is fast-tracking preparations to ensure resettlement is orderly and humane.
Governor Parkop reiterated that NCDC’s long-term strategy is to gradually end informal settlements through planned upgrades and structured resettlement, noting that over the past 18 years the city has avoided arbitrary demolitions and has consistently opposed evictions without alternatives.
National Capital District Commission has clarified that it is not responsible for the ongoing eviction threats affecting several settlements in Port Moresby.
Governor Powes Parkop made the statement after public commentators alleged that NCDC and his office were behind eviction exercises at 2-Mile, 4-Mile and other affected areas.
Governor Parkop stressed that NCDC does not own the land at 2-Mile, 4-Mile and other locations currently facing eviction threats.
He explained that without land titles, NCDC has no authority to carry out evictions in those areas.
He further stated that settlements where NCDC holds land titles-including 8-Mile, 9-Mile, Makana, Morobe Block and Ragamuga-are not under threat of eviction.
Instead, he said, these areas are being protected under the Commission’s policy to upgrade settlements into recognised suburbs.
Governor Parkop revealed that last year, NCDC submitted a list of inner-city settlements to the Minister for Lands and Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. John Rosso, requesting the use of his direct powers to grant land titles to NCDC.
This, he said, would enable the Commission to properly manage resettlement programs in an orderly and structured manner.
“Without title, we cannot evict, although we have powers under Physical Planning to demolish. We prefer to obtain title to ensure smooth and orderly resettlement for a win-win outcome,” Governor Parkop stated.
He also warned against what he described as political opportunists ahead of the 2027 National General Elections, saying them spreading misinformation and casting fear do not offer solutions to the city’s settlement challenges.
Governor Parkop said NCDC remains committed to a clear vision, practical solutions and sustainable urban development that delivers lasting outcomes for Port Moresby and the nation.
Approved for immediate release
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Hon. Powes Parkop, LLB, LLM, MP
Governor for NCD