Tkatchenko eyes settlement deal

By  HELEN TARAWA
Minister for Lands and Physical Planning Justin Tkatchenko is keen on turning settlements into suburbs.
He says this is a challenge he will take on under his new ministry.
Tkatchenko, speaking at the handover of the ministry by former minister Benny Allan yesterday, said he was very much aware of the difficulties that the department faced and would work with the staff.
“Settlements is one of our big issues because we have good, hard working people that are trying to survive in our cities throughout the country.
“We need to understand their situation, stop evicting them, bullying them and look at how we can work with them where they can live on a piece of land where they are secure.
“That is one of the areas that we will be looking at in turning the settlements into suburbs throughout the country,” Tkatchenko said.
He said the perception of the department being corrupt was out there but he would work towards ensuring that was changed.
Tkatchenko said he would work with the departmental heads and take the department to another level with a five-year plan to address current projects
and programmes.
“There are many challenges coming from the private sectors and the grassroots about public space, recreational reserves and the people’s own land.
“It’s a pleasure and privilege to be given a senior ministry now from Sports, Apec and National Events.
“Lands is a huge responsibility for our country, it ensures that our country can grow economically for infrastructure and for the benefit of our people.
“When we have land issues, it affects everybody. I understand what I have taken on, it’s going to be a huge challenge,” Tkatchenko said.