MANAGING Director of the National Broadcasting Corporation, Mr Kora Nou today gave a 21-day ultimatum to illegal squatters at its 5 Mile Headquarters to move out voluntarily or be forcefully evicted by the police.
“We have re-established communication with the Metropolitan Superintendent (Met Sup) and officer have been asked to carry out awareness among these illegal squatters so they can voluntarily move out within these 21 days.
“Failure to do so will result in NBC requesting the Courts and police to evict them,” Mr Nou said.
Mr Nou said this following the physical attack of the son of a senior NBC staff over the weekend which led to his hospitalisation. His family has since lodged a formal complaint with the police.
The Managing Director called on the squatters to immediately identify the attackers and hand them over to the police for further investigation.
“May I remind everyone that the officers of the NBC throughout the country provide an essential service to our people every day, on weekends, and public holidays.
“These officers and their families do not deserve such unprovoked physical attacks or daily intimidation as they carry out their work, especially within the confines of ourinstitutional housing premises.
“Harassment, physical attacks and unruly drunken behaviour in the vicinity of our 5 Mile staff residences have also increased since more illegal settlers have moved in from eviction exercises in other parts of Port Moresby.
“We will work with the Courts, the police, and NCDC to immediately stop this, as well we remove the illegal squatters already there,” Mr Nou.
He said the removal of the illegal squatters is also consistent with an NBC Board decision to further develop the land.
“Funding for 38 staff houses has already been secured and NBC is only awaiting the issuance of a building permit to begin construction at 5 Mile.
“The land presently occupied by these illegal squatters is an integral part of this major development plan,” Mr Nou said.