By SEPKOLIN WALNE
National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop says land titles issued to families affected by the Two Mile relocation are not free.
“I don’t want to give titles free because no one has ever received free land titles inside state land or within the city,” Governor Parkop said. “Even public servants who serve this country do not get land for free.
“Under former Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, the Government allocated K200 million for the public servants, and that money is still in BSP.
“All public servants and the people deserve land titles,” he said.
The NCD Governor confirmed that 80 families being relocated from Two Mile had been allocated properly surveyed land with legal titles at Six Mile, and that these titles have either been paid for already or will be paid for over time.
“This is about giving our people dignity, security, and a lawful pathway to ownership,” Mr Parkop said.
“Many people living in settlements do not by choice, but because access to affordable land and housing in Port Moresby has been difficult for decades.
“High rental costs and slow land administration processes have pushed families into informal settlements.”
He added that the relocation was necessary due to the construction of Sir Hubert Murray Highway, which had taken up land previously occupied by homes.
“We do not have a choice but to relocate, where the road goes, water and power follow,” he said. “This is how we must plan our city.”
Governor Parkop highlighted examples across the city, including Nine Mile, Eight Mile, Vadavada and Taurama Valley, where residents have accessed land legally, paid for their titles, and gone on to build permanent homes and businesses.
“At Nine Mile, people have built good homes and even guesthouses because they were given security of title, and that is what happens when we trust our people.
“My administration is committed to transforming settlements into properly planned suburbs but emphasized that this can not be done through free handouts.
“We must stop the mindset that land should be given for free.
“We must work, save, and pay for it — that is how we build pride, responsibility, and long-term security,” Parkop said.
He confirmed that funding had been allocated in the NCD budget to support resettlement and upgrading of settlements, including surveying, subdivision, road access, and basic services, to ensure relocated families can rebuild their lives properly.
Governor Parkop called for a shift in thinking, starting from the government down to the people.
“Our children are our legacy. We must plan properly today so that they can live in a better tomorrow,” he said.