By GEORGINA MICHAEL
The people of Makana Morobe who have been fighting for 30 years, during the time period leading up to our 50th Jubilee of Independence, the prime Minister is going to come and deliver the Hand cheque, your land title, “
PRIME Minister James Marape presented the land title for the Makana Morobe Satellite Township to NCD City Manager Ravu Frank during a colorful ceremony at Nine Mile last Thursday.
The colorful event was witnessed by NCD Governor Powes Parkop, Moresby North_East MP John Kaupa, Assistant Commissioner of Police for NCD/Southern Command Benjimin Turi, business sector representatives and hundreds of residents and visitors.
Mr Kaupa said: “Makana Morobe, portion 1006, 42 hectares, with 20, 000 plus people, has been under the Department of Education ownership.
“And so I’d like to thank the Education Minister, Honorble Lucas Dawa Dekena, for releasing the land and today I have the title on hand. I will present it to the Prime Minister who will give it to the Governor who then will give it to the City Manager to implement the settlement to suburb program,” he said.
“When it finally reaches the physical planning committee to implement the program of converting settlement to suburb, we will also have other basic government services follow like, road, power and water and each one of you will have your titles, all I am asking from you is your corporation,”
Prime Minister James Marape said: “I am happy to be here to support the leadership on the ground, who is actually doing work, and I’d like to commend the combination of leadership between the Governor, Mr Parkop, and the Member for Moresby North East, Mr Kaupa, for your fair consideration to our people’s warfare.
“In the face of our nation’s 50th anniversary, I want the people to make a commitment to respect the rule of law and order in the country.
“Secondly, I would like to thank the Motu Koita, the Koirai and the Central people for making your land available for settlers from other provinces. Much respect for you and, to the people you are asked to look after their children on their land, that is to simply respect our custom as well as theirs,” PM Marape said.
The Prime Minister also urged the people and the community to respect and look after the business houses.
“Look after the business houses, let’s corporate and collaborate as one people , one nation to make the environment conducive for investment and employment opportunities.”
Governor Parkop said: “NDC is willing to look at the urban drift and support the converting of settlement to suburb program, however, we need basic government support as well as the support of the business houses on water, electricity, sewerage and roads into the settlements now converted.”
City Manager Ravu Frank said: “With the changes that are coming into our area, I appeal to the people not to disturb the business houses as well as the developments that are taking place in the area.”
Community leader Peter Mek assured representatives of business houses that Nine Mile was a safe zone for investment opportunities and business purposes.