Laloki settlers given eviction notice

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By LUKE KAMA
SETTLERS of Laloki Two near Port Moresby have been given until the end of this month to vacate the area they have been living in for more than 30 years.
The settlers, including children, who have lived there since 1979, covered themselves in mud and ashes and held up banners yesterday to protest and show their concern about the notice, and called on the Lands Department to come clear on how a lease was granted to the developer.
Chief and community leader James Kiara said the pieces of land from Bomana Junction to Laloki Bridge were zoned in an agriculture lease by the Lands Department way back in the 1980s when their grandfathers settled there.
Women’s spokesperson Clarence Makariu said responsible authorities, including state agencies and MPs, should help address the issue.
Attempts to get comments from the developer, Radho Piggery Ltd, yesterday were unsuccessful but according to the eviction notice, managing director Robert Rasaka said the land identified as Portion 2235-Granville Port Moresby was advertised as available for tender in a National Gazette on Aug 14, 2014.
“There were 32 formal applicants received in the tender advertisement and Radho Piggery Ltd was the successful applicant,” Rasaka said.
Attempts to get comments from the Lands Department yesterday were unsuccessful.