Double court victories for Moresby South

By HENRY MORABANG
THE MORESBY South electorate scored a double victory following the National Court decision on a portion of land surrounding the famous Koki market area, and the withdrawal of another land matter.
Yesterday, MP Justin Tkatchenko hailed the court decision as a victory for Moresby South, NCD and the people of Papua New Guinea.
He said this week the National Court ruled in his favour, the NCD and the State in relation to the new Koki buai market and the reserve land at Portion 2669.
Flanked by NCDC commissioners Augerea Kila and Kesley Mune, Tkatchenko said the National Court recognised NCD as the title holder  of Koki market land.
There was a dispute over the Koki Market boundary and the land on which the new Koki Buai market was built. But, the National Court has lifted an injunction against Tkatchenko and NCD to allow the market to operate freely.
Kitogara Limited has also withdrawn its case against Tkatchenko, NCD and the State over the reclaimed land at Koki which has used for recreational purposes.
“I have been fighting for the land for the last three years for the benefit of the people of  Moresby South electorate,” he said.
Tkatchenko said now that Kitogara had withdrawn the proceedings, the land issue must go back to the Lands Department.
“I want to say a big thank you to Lands Minister Benny Allen and his Secretary Luther Sipison for following through and supporting us to get what rightfully belongs to the people of NCD, namely Moresby South,” he said.
He appealed to Sipison to action his request to get the land transfered to NCD. This land was reclaimed by Curtain Brothers some 15 years ago for recreational purposes for the people of Koki and Wanigela.
Tkatchenko said as the elected leader he had to fight for his people, and the two recent National Court rulings have proven it.
“It is a fantastic outcome and the Lands Secretary must do the right thing to give the land back to the people of NCD,” he said.