By JOE GURINA
PEOPLE of Motu Koitabu in Port Moresby have been cautioned to stop the continuous sale of land, before they become spectators on their own land.
Ward Councilor for Kirakira, Mr Arutu Bake said the future generation will one day face shortage of land due to the constant sale of land over the years.
He said the people of Motu Koitabu have ignored the importance of their land as their birthright and cultural heritage.
“We landowners have been selling land like hot cakes over the year. Some of you have been selling small portions of land for just mere K5000, which means you have sold your birthright for a lousy kina when you forgot your children’s future,” he told the landowners gathered to witness a children’s day program.
“Look at the children assembled here today to celebrate the Universal Children’s Day, what does the future hold for them without land.
“You have literally forgot the children’s future with your greed and selfishness for the quest of money. And when the future come to pass, you will regret what you have done in the past. Your child, or grandchild will become spectator on his or her very own land,’’ he told the landowners of Kirakira who have sold almost 80 percent of their customary land.
“Right now, some of us are selling our front yard with tucker shops erected just in the nose of the house. This can be done by us, but just because we are just too lazy, we intend to sell our front yards in the name of money.
“We need to put a stop to this practice and safeguard our remaining land for our future generation. Its time to reflect the past and make the right decision today for the sake of our future generation,’’ he said.
