Business must obey laws in Lae, says Leahy

 By JUNIOR UKAHA
PEOPLE who want to come and do business in Lae must follow the established laws of the country, Lord Mayor Koim Trilu Leahy says.
He said this yesterday following revelation that certain residential areas in the city had been converted into shops and offices.
Leahy tagged the National Housing Corporation (NHC) residential area in Kamkumung as an example, where certain structures had been erected without building board approval.
He said legitimate investors were welcomed to invest in the industrial hub but they must respect the laws.
“What we have in Kamkumung is not right. A residential allotment has been converted into a shop or something,” Leahy said.
“If the Morobe lands and physical planning board has allowed the developer to set up business in a residential area, then it has to explain why it has done so.”
The mayor said he was concerned that residential areas were being taken over by businesses by erecting unapproved structures and facilities.
Leahy said there were zones clearly identified in the Lae City plan and map for people to know.
He added that if businesses wanted to set up offices, then they had to apply for land in properly designated business and industrial areas.
“I do not like the idea or sight of people setting up offices everywhere and anywhere without proper approval,” Leahy said.
“Businesses which do this show that they have no respect for the government of the day, concerned authorities and laws of the country.”
He called on the Morobe physical planning and lands board not to allow businesses to operate in residential areas.